Cayenne Pepper Uses for Health, Skin, Digestion & Circulation

Cayenne pepper medicinal uses include appetite suppression and weight loss, pain relief, prevention of blood clots and traditional use as a digestive aid.

In addition to its use as a culinary ingredient, Cayenne pepper extract has a long history of use as a traditional remedy in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

It was historically recommended to treat circulatory issues, as a detoxifying agent and to alleviate digestive dysfunction.

Like all chili peppers, cayenne extract contains a plant chemical called capsaicin which endows it with its spicy taste. In humans and other mammals, capsaicin is an irritant, causing a burning sensation when it comes into contact with receptors on the skin or in the mouth.

Research shows that capsaicin exhibits a number of effects in the human body and may have benefits for regulating blood sugar, causing dilation of the blood vessels and increasing metabolism.

Some of the traditional uses of cayenne pepper are supported by research, while others require more study to evaluate clinical efficacy.

Capsaicin

Pepper Extract

Joints

Appetite Control

Vitality

How It Works:

• Supports healthy digestion & blood flow
• Promotes joint function & pain relief
• Promotes appetite control & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 1000 - 2000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Cayenne Pepper Uses

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD), cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) are used orally for a number of medicinal applications.

Some of the historical uses for this plant extract include, “dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhea, cramps, toothache, poor circulation, excessive blood clotting, seasickness, swallowing dysfunction, alcoholism, malaria, fever, hyperlipidemia, and preventing heart disease.”

Many of these uses are based on folk medicine and have not been validated by clinical research studies. However, some of the uses have been demonstrated by research in humans.

Cayenne pepper extract products are also used commonly as topical creams, especially for treating pain.

NMCD states that capsaicin skin creams and ointments are used for:

• Postsurgical neuralgia (nerve pain);
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA);
• Diabetic neuropathy;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Back pain;
• Shingles;

Capsaicin creams are also used for post-herpetic and trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia and muscle spasms. Some people use them to deter thumb-sucking as well.

Cayenne pepper extracts can also be used intranasally (in the form of a nasal spray).

Capsaicin is administered intranasally for migraine headache, cluster headache and sinusitis. It is also used in this manner for perennial and allergic rhinitis (inflammation of mucous membranes in the nose).

Cayenne Pepper Uses for Pain Relief

One of the most common uses of capsaicin from Cayenne peppers is to promote pain relief.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published results from a systematic review of the effects of capsaicin in the treatment of chronic pain.

Researchers determined that capsaicin cream might be useful “as an adjunct or sole therapy for a small number of patients who are unresponsive to, or intolerant of, other treatments.”.

Cayenne pepper extract ointments have been found to be useful for decreasing the pain associated with osteoarthritis, especially in the knees.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), the pain-alleviating effects are linked to decreased production of Substance P – a sensory neurotransmitter that relays pain signals to the brain.

Animal studies show that capsaicin in cayenne peppers can also reduce pain when administered orally or via injection.

The FDA has approved the use of topical creams containing capsaicin for the treatment and reduction of chronic pain in humans. However, it has not evaluated the use of oral cayenne extract supplements for this purpose.

Cayenne Pepper for Appetite, Digestion and Weight Loss

NMCD states that there are more than 1700 dietary supplements currently sold containing some form of cayenne extract.

Many of these products are advertised to promote weight loss by boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite and increasing thermogenesis (heat production).

In a 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis of potential weight loss benefits associated with cayenne pepper extract, 20 studies involving more than 500 people were scrutinized.

The primary mechanisms of possible fat loss benefits reported were:

• Increased oxidation of lipids (fat metabolism);
• Increased expenditure of energy (calories burned);
• Decreased appetite;

The length of these trials and dosage levels varied. However, all studies were deemed to be high quality and well-designed.

It was concluded that daily consumption of cayenne pepper would increase caloric burning by about 50 calories per day. This could support significant weight loss within a year or two, provided that positive diet and lifestyle changes were also made. [2]

More research is needed to determine how effective cayenne supplementation is for weight loss in humans.

While this supplement demonstrates anti-obesity effects and can help support diet and fat loss goals, healthy eating and an active lifestyle are necessary to maintain long-term weight management.

Cayenne Pepper for Circulatory Health

Traditionally, cayenne pepper extract was viewed as a “hot” remedy in Chinese Medicine, used to energize the body’s vital life force or “Qi”.

It was believed to promote blood flow through the body, energy levels, detoxification of the organs and general vitality.

Modern research shows that phytochemicals in cayenne supplements can support circulation and cardiovascular health.

Capsaicin induces certain hypocholesterolemic (lipid lowering) effects and may help to prevent cholesterol gallstones.

Some research suggests that capsaicin may help to protect the structural integrity of red blood cells (erythrocytes) when existing in high-cholesterol states. [1]

This pepper is also used for its vasodilatory effects; it has been demonstrated to increase Nitric Oxide synthesis, which causes blood vessels to dilate (open wider) and increases circulatory flow.

Effects on Atherosclerosis & Blood Clots

Cayenne pepper has been described as preventing the formation of lipid deposits that often lead to atherosclerosis (clogged arteries).

Capsaicin is purported to promote fibrinolytic activities which help to reduce the formation of blood clots. Fibrinolysis is the process of breaking fibrin down blood clots formed by coagulation.

Blood clotting is an important function to support wound healing and prevent individuals from bleeding out when injured. However, excess formation of blood clots can pose serious risks for heart attack, pulmonary embolism and for stroke.

In rat studies, diets rich in cayenne extracts have “favourable effects on atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension and stroke risk”. [3]

More studies are required to understand the effects of cayenne peppers for improving and/or protecting cardiovascular health in humans.

More Cayenne Pepper Uses

Researcher continues to investigate the possible benefits of using cayenne pepper for improving skin health, congestion, cluster headache, autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and cancer.

A 2016 research study reported pharmacologically relevant biological effects of cayenne peppers including “cardioprotective influence, antilithogenic effect, antiinflammatory, and analgesia, thermogenic influence, and beneficial effects on gastrointestinal system.”. [1]

This means that it may have positive effects on the following:

• Cardiovascular System (including the heart and circulatory system)
• Preventing Calcium Accumulations in the Urinary Tract (Kidney Stone Formation)
• Preventing or Reducing Inflammation
• Promoting Pain Relief
• Increasing the Body’s Core Temperature (to burn more calories)
• Supporting the Gut (Gastrointestinal Tract)

While these medicinal uses are supported by preliminary in-vitro and animal studies, more clinical research trials involving humans are needed to validate the claims.

Cayenne peppers are believed to be safe when used appropriately as dietary supplements for most people. However, some side effects and interactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

If you have a serious medical condition, or use prescription drugs and/or herbal supplements, then it is best to discuss cayenne pepper uses and safety with a doctor before beginning.

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