Cayenne pepper popularly known as “shombo” in Nigeria is a common spice used for foods but unknown to many, it is a great herbal remedy and it has the power to treat illnesses and boosts overall health.

For at least 9,000 years; cayenne has been used both as food and medicine. It has powerful detoxifying properties; reduces acidity in the body and boosts the circulation of blood to all parts of the body. It is used in many cleansing and detoxifying recipes because of its potency in detoxifying the body.

Amazing Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

The health benefits of Cayenne pepper are effective and numerous; its active ingredient is capsaicin; it is responsible for the fiery hot flavor of this spice and it is very effective in reducing pain and relieving a lot of health conditions. Below are ten amazing health benefits it.

1. It Relieves Pain

Capsaicin has powerful pain reducing properties. Cayenne pepper can relieve all pains and aches when both taken internally and applied externally. It reduces the amount of the chemical messenger that carries pain to the brain; when there is less of this messenger in the body; the pain will be unable to reach the brain and you will feel relieved.

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This spice can relieve surgical pain; pains from mastectomy or amputation, it relieves nerve damage in diabetic patients; it relieves pain and discomfort in people with arthritis, lower back injuries, lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia pain.

2. It Prevents Allergies

Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties; it can prevent and treat allergies and illnesses similar to or related to allergies. Also, it prevents inflammation which can cause allergic reactions. It also prevents and treats leaky gut which can cause a lot of allergic reaction and a lot of diseases.

3. Rich Source of Vitamins

Cayenne pepper is rich in vital vitamins; they include vitamin A, C and E. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and fortifies the body to fight infections, diseases, and colds. Vitamin A is needed for healthy visions; healthy skin and neurological functions.

Vitamin A is also an antioxidant that fights the formation of free radicals; it stops inflammation and foster cell growth. Two teaspoons of cayenne pepper a day give the adequate amount of vitamin A for that day.

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It is also rich in vitamin E; this vitamin supports many organs in the body and helps them function well. It slows the process of aging and boosts overall health; it increases longevity repair damaged skin, balance the levels of hormones and improve visions and increase the levels of energy.

4. Treats Skin Problems

The rich content of vitamin E is good for the skin; it prevents premature aging, skin infection, skin irritations and allergies. It is effective against psoriasis; this is a condition that happens when the cells of the skin replicate too quickly, this leads to swollen patches under the skin which are usually covered with whitish scales on top.

In a study; 44 patients with severe and moderate psoriasis were treated with cayenne pepper cream which was applied topically. There was a huge decrease in scaling and redness during a six weeks period.

5. Boosts Metabolism

This hot spice can boost metabolism, suppress hunger and regulate body temperature; it produces extra heat, burns body fat and calories and control weight gain in that way. Taking cayenne pepper daily can boost the rate of your metabolism by 20% (that is up to 2 hours).

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It reduces cravings; controls appetite and food intake and prevent weight loss.

6. Lowers High Blood Pressure

Cayenne pepper is effective in bringing down hypertension; some even says its effect is overnight, well, that seems quite like an exaggeration but one thing is sure, capsaicin reduces high blood pressure effectively and without side effects.

It dilates the blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to all parts of the body; it aids the sensory nerves and this lowers hypertension, take it daily to work wonders and correct abnormal blood pressure.

7. Protects the Heart

Cayenne pepper reduces the risk for heart attack and heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. It prevents and reduces high blood pressure, it prevents blood clots, clears and prevents the deposit of lipids in the blood vessels which can narrow it or obstruct it totally.

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This nature gift aids proper circulation of blood in the body; prevents irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations. It can stop a heart attack in 30 seconds; it prevents heart disease associated with diabetes, it reduces cholesterol, stops the formation of plaque and stops the buildup by breaking down the fibrin network that holds it in place.

8. Detoxifies the Body

Detoxification is vital for optimum health and longevity; many naturalists and naturopaths use cayenne pepper in their detoxification program. A popular recipe is mixing cayenne pepper with lemon juice for ten days; it detoxifies the body and helps one to lose stubborn weight.

9. Clears Congestion

Cayenne pepper is effective against sinus congestion; it can thin mucus, stimulates the sinuses, improves circulation of air and relieves other symptoms of congestion.

It is also effective against postnasal drips, nasal congestion, obstructed breathing and other problems affecting the airways. There are nasal sprays made with capsaicin and you can also take it orally and it should be taken three times daily.

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It will dilate the blood vessels in the nose; it stimulates secretion of mucous and drains the sinuses. Cayanne clears congestion caused by bronchitis; it treats sinus infections, laryngitis, and sore throat. It can be used to gargle.

10. Fights Cancer

The active ingredient of capsaicin is an effective natural remedy for cancer. The preparations from Cayanne pepper has been used to effectively manage prostate cancer and reduce its growth and spread. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells; it prevents the formation of new cancer cells, it prevents lung cancer in smokers and it can effectively stop the formation of tobacco-induced tumors in the lungs.

Ways to Use Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper can be used in many ways; it can be added to meals generously, it can be dried and made into fine powder.

This can be added to any food and drink; it can also be added to a glass of water and taken.