Cayenne

The cayenne pepper is a hot, red chili pepper used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes. The chemical compound called capsaicin is the main active ingredient in cayenne and all other chili peppers – this compound is responsible for the “hotness” associated with chilies.

The heat of a chile pepper can be measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which
is a scale developed by a pharmacist named Wilber Scoville, in 1912. The
measurement is tested by recording the number of times a chili extract must be
diluted in water for it to lose its heat. Testing was originally done by people who
tasted the pepper, diluted with water, but testing is now done in labs with high
tech equipment. The Cayenne Chili Pepper is considered to have anywhere from
8000-50000 SHU.

The Cayenne Essential oil is derived by passing steam through the capsaicin seeds – the source of the most intense
heat. The essential oil is highly concentrated and should be used with caution. Its thick and viscous consistency
makes the essential oil harder to work with, but its desired potency makes it worthwhile. One drop of the essential oil
of Cayenne is considered equal to about 1-3 Teaspoons of Cayenne powder. For most individual “servings”, only a
“trace” of Cayenne essential oil is needed. (Get a trace of oil by dipping the tip of a toothpick into the Cayenne
essential oil) Cayenne should always be diluted before using. It can even be prepared as a poultice by mixing a few
drops into flour, then adding water until it forms a paste, which you can spread on muslin.

Capsaicin has pain relieving properties. Therefore cayenne in a cream/salve, applied topically to the skin, gives relief
to those suffering from conditions like arthritis, stiff neck, shingles, herpes zoster, neuralgia and psoriasis. Added to
salt water, it is an excellent gargle to help sore throats, and as a tea it helps clear mucus when suffering from
conditions like colds and ‘flu and also relives candida. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine recommends cayenne for
proper digestion as it stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva.

Cayenne Pepper can help rebuild the tissue in the stomach and the peristaltic action in the intestines. It aids
elimination and assimilation, and helps the body to create hydrochloric acid, which is so necessary for good digestion
and assimilation, especially of proteins. Cayenne also has an energizing effect on the entire system. It has
traditionally been used for overcoming fatigue and restoring stamina and vigor. It is a natural stimulant without the
threatening side effects (palpitations, hyper-activity or rise in blood pressure) of most other stimulating agents. A
daily dose of Cayenne can be taken, by placing 1 trace to 1 drop of Cayenne essential oil into a capsule and fill the
rest with a carrier oil. Always take with food. (Get a trace of oil by dipping the tip of a toothpick into the Cayenne
essential oil)

Cayenne pepper is high in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and manganese. It’s
high beta-carotene content helps boost the immune system due to it’s excellent anti-oxidant properties. The capsaicin, in Cayenne is also believed to be capable of revving up and “resetting” the body’s “fat thermostats” controlled by tissues simply called “brown fat”. This beneficial action allows the body to burn off excess fat through the act of metabolic chemical combustion, and avoids the storing of fat alongside the muscular tissues.

Cayenne and its Warming Effects

The Capsaicin in Cayenne pepper is said to have the ability to boost circulation and increase heart action. It exerts a
variety of desirable actions on the entire cardiovascular system. It has the extraordinary ability to enhance
cardiovascular performance while actually lowering blood pressure. When combined with other herbs, Cayenne
Pepper helps increase their effectiveness by helping them enter the blood stream faster. A great Winter tip to warm up
cold feet, is to rub a Cayenne cream over your feet and place your socks on. It will warm your toes by increasing
circulation and improving blood flow.

Warming Foot Scrub
1/4 cup White sugar
1/4 cup Almond or Grapeseed carrier oil
7 drops Orange oil
1 drop Ginger Root oil
1 drop Cayenne oil
In a plastic bowl, mix together the sugar and carrier oil. Add the essential oil and stir.
To use, sit comfortably in the tub or over a pan of water and/or a large towel to catch the sugar scrub as it is applied.
Scoop up a handful of the scrub for each foot and massage vigorously yet with care over heels, ankles, toes, arches
and the balls of your feet. Be sure to scrub any rough areas especially well. *Be sure to take care over open wounds.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes and Rinse with warm water.

Cayenne Creams and Ointments

Cayenne based topical creams and ointments can be used to gain temporary relief from the pain of minor aches,
backaches, strains, sprains, and the symptomatic muscles’ pains and joints related to long term arthritis. Ointments
are made to stay on top of the skin longer for surface pain. Creams soak into the skin, allowing a deeper penetration
right away. Ideally, the cream or ointment must be applied to the affected areas of the body regularly and on a daily
basis, not exceeding four times a day per session. On the initial use, there may be some transient burning sensation
along the affected area, these usually abate over the course of several days and full relief is gained in no time at all.
Daily application is required to gain optimal relief from symptoms, and the treatment should be used continuously,
with application sessions three to four times daily as long as the symptoms persist. Care should be taken during
application of creams with Cayenne in it, to not rub it on broken skin or along existing rashes. Keep it away from the
eyes and avoid using it in conjunction with a topical heating pad. Always wash your hands with soap and water, after
use and keep away from eyes.

Ointment Base (Smal1 Batch)
¼ Cup Beeswax
¼ Cup Carrier Oil (Olive, Grapeseed, Coconut)
8-10 Drops Essential Oil
Ointment Base 2 (Large Batch)
1oz Beeswax
½ Cup Carrier Oil (Olive, Grapeseed, Coconut)
20-30 Drops Essential Oil
Place beeswax in the top of a double boiler. Add in Carrier Oil to the beeswax and stir with a wooden spoon until the
wax has melted into the oil. (Do not leave the beeswax unattended because it can become flammable.) Remove the
double boiler from the heat source and let it cool just slightly until it begins to thicken (this is necessary so that the
essential oils will not evaporate when added to the beeswax.) Add a single essential oil or alr
eady mixed essential
oils to the beeswax. Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon and pour into a heat-proof container; such as a canning jar.
Label and store in a cool, dark place. Use the ointment within three to four months.
*Can also use Vaseline as an Ointment Base

Cream Base
1oz Beeswax
1 ½ Tbl. Water
¼ Cup + 2 Tbl. Carrier Oil (Olive, Grapeseed, Coconut)
20 -30 drops Essential Oil
Place beeswax in the top of a double boiler. Add in Carrier Oil to the beeswax and stir with a wooden spoon until the
wax has melted into the oil. (Do not leave the beeswax unattended because it can become flammable.) Remove the
double boiler from the heat source. Add water to the melted wax / oil mixture, drop by drop, stirring all the time until
the cream thickens and cools. Add essential oils and gently stir the cream. Pour into a heat-proof container; such as a
canning jar. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Use the cream within three to four months.
*Can also use Eucerine as a Cream base.