Herb Profiles

Cayenne

March 03, 2021

CAYENNE

Capsicum annuum

Family: Solanaceae

Part used: Fruit

Energetics: Pungent, heating, drying

Actions: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant

Cayenne can be great for increasing peripheral circulation, especially for cold hands and feet. It’s helpful in preventing arteriosclerosis and lowering LDL cholesterol. I love adding a little heat to meals for boosting circulation. I add cayenne to roasted veggies, soups, salad dressings, salsas, chocolates, sauces and just about everything that profiles, flavorwise, with heat. I also like to make a warming circulatory oil with sesame or olive oil, for topical use.

Contraindications: Avoid use with digestive issues such as IBS, GERD and SIBO and please avoid contact with any sensitive places.

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