The fiery spark of cayenne

Cayenne pepper is a vibrant crimson jewel that packs a big punch. If the heat has kept you from adding it to your cupboard go ahead and put it on your grocery list. More than just a culinary herb, you may even want to add an extra jar to your medicine cabinet!

Cayenne’s distinct flavor profile is complex and pungent, attributed to capsaicin. This chemical compound isn’t merely responsible for the burning sensation; studies suggest capsaicin is anti-inflammatory, could potentially boost metabolism and offer relief from pain. However, it is crucial to remember these are potential benefits.

Here are a few ways you can use cayenne pepper in a way you may not have heard about before. You can use cayenne for a general tonic as an immune booster, blood sugar control, for a sore throat or if you feel a cold coming on! It also helps to clot blood both internally and externally. For internal use, if you have a large wound, drink a glass of water with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper mixed in. For a small cut simply cover with a thick layer of cayenne as a septic powder.

Feel a cold coming on or a sore throat? Make a quick infusion of 1 teaspoon of cayenne in 1-pint of water. Mix the combination together and bring to a boil. Let the infusion cool, this infusion should always be used diluted. For most uses, a few drops of the Cayenne Infusion added to a cup of water is enough. For a sore throat gargle several times a day with 10-20 drops of Cayenne Infusion mixed with water. For a general tonic immune booster, drink the infusion added to a cup of vegetable juice or water, it also improves whole body blood circulation. Poor circulation in your feet? Add 5 drops of the Cayenne Infusion into a foot bath. Cayenne pepper has even shown a significant effect on blood sugar levels by taking one capsule of cayenne powder with each meal. The cayenne must be taken regularly to give the best effects, which increase over time. Hypoglycemic patients should avoid the use of cayenne.

Cayenne also works well for achy muscles and joints. It soothes and relaxes the muscles and helps relieve pain by increasing blood circulation to the area and warms it naturally. Rub a small amount of Cayenne Salve over ache muscles and painful joints regularly for relief. To make a salve it is best to use a double boiler. Bring the water in the bottom of the double boiler to a simmer. Add 1⁄2 cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon of dried cayenne pepper to the top of the double boiler. Simmer for 60 minutes. Remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, strain and discard. Return the oil to the heat and add 2 tablespoons of beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is completely melted, then remove from the heat. Add 3-4 wintergreen essential oil and stir well. Pour the salve into a suitable container with a tight-fitting lid.

Now I hope you have found a use or two for that barely used cayenne pepper in your pantry. Remember these are potential benefits and not to be considered medical advice. 

Cayenne peppers have been my greatest harvest this year, so I have been trying to find all the different ways I could use, harvest, & preserve them! I hope you consider the benefit of growing your own for the cost effective way to have years worth of Cayenne at your place! You never know if you may need it for its medicinal benefits as well!