The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Cayenne
The Power of Herbs: Herbs and Spices

ORIGINS

Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper that is commonly used in its dried or powdered form to flavor dishes. It is a member of the genus Capsicum, which also includes bell peppers, jalapeños, and others. This pepper is native to the Americas and gets its name from the capital city of French Guiana.

HISTORY/LORE

Records show that cayenne pepper was in use in Central and South America as early as 8000 B.C.E. Christopher Columbus introduced the pepper to Europe in the late fifteenth century. The American herbalist and botanist Samuel Thompson (1769—1843) created an alternative system of medicine that included cayenne pepper in many of its remedies to restore the body’s inner heat.

USES

Healing Uses: Cayenne pepper is a go-to cure for headaches, colds, and the flu. It is also used to treat digestive and intestinal problems, including ulcers. Cayenne boosts the metabolism and circulation and benefits the heart. It is also used to lower blood pressure. Used as a counterirritant it soothes such conditions as rheumatism and arthritis. Cayenne cleanses the body of toxins and poisons and supports the immune system.

Magical Uses: Cayenne pepper is useful for vision quests. It also enhances the power of other herbs and speeds up the effects of spells. Scatter cayenne pepper around your house to break bad spells or hexes. Used in love spells, cayenne adds “spice” to an existing romance or brings new love. Include cayenne in purification rituals to clear away negative influences.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Cayenne pepper energizes the spirit by energizing the body. This process brings heightened spiritual awareness of the invisible world. Cayenne can also be used to bring spice and heat to romantic relationships, or to cope with the pain of separation or divorce. This spice balances the heart chakra.