What is Cayenne Pepper?

Cayenne pepper, or red pepper, has a history spanning back over 9,000 years to the hot regions of South and Central America. It is called “cayenne” because these peppers were first found on a shrub in a town of that name in French Guiana on the coast of South America.

This pepper wasn’t introduced to other areas of the globe until Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan encountered them during their voyages. Columbus brought the red pepper back to Europe, where people were quick to adopt the spicy vegetable as an alternative to black pepper, a very expensive spice during that time, because it had to be imported from Asia. Ferdinand Magellan introduced cayenne pepper to Asian and African citizens, who immediately saw the vegetable’s value as both a foodstuff and as a natural medicine. Today, they are grown in many regions of the world, with Mexico, Spain, China, and Nigeria being the largest commercial producers.

A member of the Capsicum family of vegetables commonly known as chili peppers, cayenne pepper is popular with both amateur cooks and gourmet chefs because it can add zest to virtually any dish. It is a vegetable in the nightshade family, which also includes white potatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes. These peppers are an excellent organic source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, the B-complexes, and vitamin C. They are rich in potassium and calcium as well.

Used by medical practitioners for centuries, cayenne has enjoyed an increase in popularity in Western cultures because of its amazing health benefits. It is full of capsaicin, which is a pungent, resinous substance that gives the pepper its heat. When applied externally to skin, the capsaicin allows the body to release more neurotransmitters and temporarily inhibit the pain nerves. This makes peppers extremely valuable to those suffering from fibromyalgia muscle pain and rheumatoid arthritis pain. Others have reported that using cayenne topically has helped with the nerve pain from shingles. Capsaicin not only reduces pain, but its peppery heat can also clear mucus from a stuffy nose and or congested lungs.

Cayenne pepper is believed to also have health benefits if taken internally. Folklore from around the world reports that it can help soothe the digestive tract by reducing the pain of gas, cramping, and stomachaches. Researchers are currently testing its potential for helping people lose weight and lower cholesterol.

Many alternative medical practitioners believe that cayenne pepper is one of the most valuable and useful vegetables. People who want to take it internally may want to try supplements rather than eating raw peppers. The seeds of the red pepper can be toxic and should not be consumed.