Cayenne pepper is the spice that makes our eyes water and has us grasping for a glass of milk. But did you know that its active ingredient, capsaicin, is also a potent medicine?
The Health Benefits of Cayenne
1. Cayenne is a natural pain reliever.
The capsaicin in cayenne peppers relieves pain and has been used in Ayurveda medicine as a topical analgesic for centuries. Multiple studies demonstrate capsaicin’s effectiveness in relieving pain associated with conditions, such as:
More recently, capsaicin has become available as an over-the-counter cream for temporary relief from muscle and joint pain, and as a medically prescribed patch. You may have seen the capsaicin cream marketed under the brand names Capzasin or Zostrix. If you suffer from general aches and pains, arthritis, back or nerve pain, this cayenne pepper derivative may help.
The medically prescribed patch is designed to treat the chronic pain that often follows a bout of shingles. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in three Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime, with the risk of contracting the disease increasing after age 50. The most common complication from shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is severe pain in the areas where the shingles rash occurred.
2. Cayenne is used to treat cancer.
Multiple studies show that capsaicin is effective in treating lung cancer and pancreatic tumors, as well as breast and bladder cancers. It’s also used to treat the chronic pain that frequently develops in post-surgical cancer patients.
3. Capsaicin cream can help prevent a heart attack.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death among adults in the United States. Research from the University of Cincinnati shows that rubbing capsaicin cream on the skin during a heart attack may prevent or reduce damage to the heart while other interventions are administered. Lead researcher Keith Jones, PhD, suggests that this remedy be applied in the ambulance or at the ER to prevent a possible heart attack.
4. Cayenne peppers are high in nutrients.
Cayenne peppers grow on a shrub and turn deep red as they ripen. Native Americans have used them as both food and medicine for over 9,000 years. While capsaicin is the most active ingredient, the peppers are also plentiful in vitamins A, B-2, B-6 and C, as well as essential minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium.
How to Cook with Cayenne
Cayenne pepper is a versatile spice that can be sprinkled over soups, cooked in stir-fries and stews, added to egg dishes and used to flavor salsas and marinades. It also pairs nicely with fish dishes. In Latin America, cayenne is used to make Mexican Hot Chocolate.
If you’re feeling brave and want to use fresh cayenne peppers, here are some tips: wear gloves and don’t rub your eyes as you finely dice the peppers. The seeds and the surrounding ribs are the hottest part, so you might want to discard them. A melon baller works well to dig out the scorching insides of the peppers. If you just want to add a little kick to a stir-fry, add the whole pepper, then remove it after cooking.
