Other
Common Names: Aji Dulce, Cayenne, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Chabai Achong,
Filfil, Hungarian Pepper, Kirmizi Biber, La Chiao, Mexican Chili, Paprika,
Peppers, Piment Doux, Pimiento, Red Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Capsicum frutescens
Range: Probably
native of the Tropics, but the original habitat is obscure. China; Dominican
Republic; Europe; Gabon; Haiti; Hawaii; India; Iraq; Malagasy; Malaya; Mexico;
Mongolia; Panama; Philippines; Samoa; Spain; Tonga; Trinidad; Turkey; USA
Cayenne
or Capsicum derives its name from the Greek, 'to bite,' in allusion to the hot
pungent properties of the fruits and seeds. Cayenne pepper was introduced into
Britain from India in 1548, and Gerard mentioned it as being cultivated in his
time. The plant was described by Linnaeus under the name of C. frutescens
proper. This species appeared in Miller's Garden Dictionary in 1771.
The dried fruit is a
powerful local stimulant with
no narcotic effect, it is most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach.
It has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving chronic
congestion of people addicted to drink. It is sometimes used as a tonic and is
said to be unequalled in warding off disease (probably
due to the high vitamin C content).
Used externally, it is a strong rubefacient stimulating the
circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the flow of nutrients to the tissues. It is applied as a
cataplasm or linament. Cayenne also relieves painful muscle
spasms in the shoulder, arm, and spine areas, bursitis, the pain of shingles,
and the pain of diabetic neuropathy.
It has also been powdered and placed inside socks as a
traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet.
The
fruit is also antihemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, carminative,
diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic. These pungent fruited peppers
are important in the tropics as gastrointestinal detoxicants and food
preservatives.
The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin. This substance
stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the
skin it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local anaesthetic.
The seed contains capsicidins. These are thought to have antibiotic properties.
Fruit
- raw or cooked. Very hot and normally used as a flavoring. The fruit can be
dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring. The fruit is up to
7.5cm long and 1cm wide.
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