Cayenne/chilli

Cayenne

Cayenne not only adds kick to cooking, but has other potential health benefits.

Note that study results on the efficacy of cayenne are inconsistent, and that strong recommendations cannot be made.

Potential uses:

• Improves digestion
• Stimulates circulation
• Helps for arthritis and rheumatism
• Is antiseptic
• Relieves muscle spasm
• Increases blood flow to the skin
• Is an analgesic 

Interesting facts:

Rubbed on the skin, cayenne is traditionally used as a remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis. It works by causing an irritation on the area where it is applied and increases blood flow, thus distracting from the original irritation (such as joint pain).

The following is used in the treatment of sore throats and laryngitis: add a pinch of cayenne to 25ml lemon juice, dilute with hot water, sweeten with honey and gargle the whole mixture.

Caution:

• Don't take the white seeds on their own.
• Avoid cayenne if you have a peptic ulcer or suffer from acid indigestion.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use cayenne for medicinal purposes.
• Do not touch your eyes after handling.

(Image: André Karwath)

- (updated by Birgit Ottermann, Health24, March 2010)