Cayenne
Cayenne (La Jiao)
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum
Besides its use as a culinary spice, cayenne is considered excellent for treating heart and digestive issues. It is loved or hated, depending on individual taste, due to its strong flavor profile and hot spiciness.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Cayenne Can Surprise You.
Below is an overview of cayenne, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of cayenne.
How to take FULL advantage of Cayenne's healing powers...
JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Cayenne (La Jiao). Explore the benefits and applications of Cayenne, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!

Western
Western Name: Cayenne
Also Known As: Red Pepper, African Pepper, African Chilies, Guinea Spice, Cow-horn Pepper, Bird Pepper
Organs/Systems: Cardiovascular, Digestive, Skin
Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Stomachic, Aphrodisiac, Analgesic, Stimulant, Alterative, Rubefacient, Carminative, Digestive, Antiseptic, Diaphoretic
Medicinal Uses: Pain, psoriasis, acne, improves metabolism, digestion, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, sore throat, laryngitis, swollen joints, arthritis, bacterial infections caused by MDR (multidrug-resistant) strains, prevents viral and fungal infections, promotes sweating, increases sex drive, lifts energy, supports recovery, fights parasites.

Eastern
Pin Yin: La Jiao
Also Known As: La Jiao Fan Yi, Fructus Capsici
Meridians: Heart, Spleen, Stomach
Key Actions: Promotes Yang Qi, Tonifies the Spleen, Tonifies the Stomach, Promotes Circulation of Qi and Blood, Blood Cleanser. Dissipates Cold Stagnation, Opens the Channels, and Clears Obstructions
Medicinal Uses: Aids poor digestion, warms the body, diarrhea, vomiting, frostbite, pain due to cold, psoriasis, acne, high blood pressure, arthritis, sluggish circulation, sore throats, laryngitis, promotes sweating, detoxes.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Related to bell peppers, jalapenos, paprika, and others. Capsicum is a genus of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The plants require about 100 days to mature. They like warm, nutrient-rich soil in a warm climate. They are mostly perennial in subtropical and tropical regions but are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates.
Now grown in many locations, cayenne prefers warm, moist, nutrient soils in warm climates. Originally it is said to have come from French Guiana.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Whole pepper
Flavors/Temps: Hot, Spicy, Pungent
Caution: Considered safe, though too much can upset your stomach. However, some people have been known to take up to three tablespoons a day and be just fine. Not recommended for anyone suffering from Yin Deficient Disharmonies.
Key Constituents: Alkaloids, Capsaicin, Fatty acids, Flavonoids, Sugars, Carotene, Volatile Oil, Vitamins A, B1 B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 and Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese
History/Folklore: The Mayans and Aztecs dedicated much lore to cayenne as a South and Central American healing herb. It is a tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen, and stomach, and it is also said to increase fertility and delay senility.
Cayenne is, in particular, considered good at treating the heart and circulatory problems. It is said to be a lifesaver in the event of a heart attack, though this claim remains unproven by clinical study. A cup of cayenne tea (1 teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water) will help calm the heart.
Cayenne stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva. It improves the effectiveness of other herbs, making it an adjunct herb in many formulas.
Some recommend placing cayenne inside the nose to relieve hay fever, migraine headaches, and sinus infections.
Cayenne peppers are high in vitamins A, B’s, C, and E, as well as potassium and magnesium. The 17th-century English herbalist Nichols Culpeper mentions cayenne as a useful supplement for promoting health. In his Complete Herbal of 1653, he named it “guinea pepper” a misnomer for “Guiana pepper.”
Cayenne can be grown in the garden to deter unwanted spirits and scattered around your house it will break bad spells. It is added to love potions to insure passion and make encounters “spicy.”
Cayenne makes a very good eye wash, and although too much can upset the stomach because it is a “hot moving” herb, it is surprisingly an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers.
Cayenne peppers are related to bell peppers and jalapenos. They are slightly hotter than jalapenos. On the Scovill scale, used to rate the heat and spice factor of peppers, cayenne rates 30,000 – 50,000 units – spicy, but not so much as to knock you over!
Research finds that capsaicin, a constituent in cayenne, reduces the amount of substance “P,” which is the chemical that carries pain messages to the brain. When “P” is blocked, a person experiences relief from pain. Using cayenne in ointments and plasters takes advantage of this property for easing the pain of injuries and arthritis.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the hot nature of cayenne suggests that it not be used for Yin Deficient disharmonies. It is especially noted as a Yang supporting or Heating agent in the Body.
Cayenne oil is made using the cold-pressed method or by creating an infusion from the fresh peppers placed in olive oil for culinary dishes, salves, and pastes.

King of Herbs
Considered the “King of Herbs” for its ability to heal baffling health problems. Prized for thousands of years for its healing powers.

Prevent Ulcers
The Capsaicin in cayenne helps prevent ulcers, dilates blood vessels, and speeds metabolism, aiding weight loss.

A French City
Cayenne is named after a French city in French Guiana.
Take FULL advantage of Cayenne (La Jiao)!
Connecting Eastern and Western perspectives on HOW and WHY this herb works. Find out how to safely and effectively use this healing herb for treating conditions and for your Body, Mind, and Spirit. Find True Health. Explore uses, safety information, benefits, history, recipes, gardening tips, essential oil information, if it applies, and much, much more in this online course.
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