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GUT HEALTH

Cayenne

Capsicum annuum / Capsicum frutescens

also known as capsicum, chili pepper

Strong (topical pain only)
Cayenne — Köhler 1887 botanical illustration

A red pepper used as both spice and medicine. The heat comes from capsaicin, the same compound that triggers a burning sensation — and capsaicin cream has some of the strongest pain-relief evidence in the herbal world.

  • Topical capsaicin cream eases nerve pain — diabetic neuropathy, lingering pain after shingles, HIV-related nerve pain
  • Topical capsaicin eases osteoarthritis pain — one of its best-studied uses
  • Works by depleting capsaicin produces lasting pain relief.">substance P, the chemical messenger nerves use to send pain signals — relief builds over days of consistent use
  • Long traditional use as a digestive stimulant
  • May modestly increase the body's calorie burn when eaten regularly
Initial application causes burning that fades with consistent use — this is expected, not a sign to stop
Wash hands thoroughly after handling — capsaicin transfers to eyes and mucous membranes easily and painfully
Use caution with active stomach ulcers — though research is mixed on whether capsaicin makes them worse or better
Use caution with blood thinners at therapeutic oral doses
Never apply topical cream to broken skin or near the eyes
Research

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

Works with
Ginger Cayenne (capsaicin, thermogenesis) and ginger (gingerols, thermogenic, anti-nausea) overlap in digestion, circulation, and pain modulation.
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