Cayenne Pepper Maceration

Common Name: Chili Pepper

Scientific Name: Capsicum frutescens

Part of Plant Used: Dried fruit

Constituents: Fractionated Coconut Oil, Essential Oils, flavonoids

General Information: Cayenne pepper is not native to South America but India. Columbus brought Cayenne to the Americas. Medicinally it was used to warm, ease depression, and relieve rheumatic symptoms. The dried fruit can cause severe burns to the skin if handled without protection. The maceration is far less burning but caution still needs to be used as it can cause irritation. Skin test before using. Some research has been done on cayenne being a cancer cure, but the evidence is very mixed. It can stimulate the uterus so avoid using with pregnant women.

Physical Properties: Circulatory stimulant (warming), antispasmodic, tends to regulate blood pressure whether it is high or low, and it controls pain. Stimulates the action of other herbs and oils and improves absorption.

Emotional and Spiritual Properties: Will help you laugh and enjoy life more. Can indicate there is a lack of passion in our life. This is not sexual passion but the passion for living. It brings out the excitement of meeting a new day. There is no reason for you to be happy because you just are. There is no goal to be achieved. You are just happy to be alive. Life is sweet. Cayenne helps you to feel young and more energetic.

Applications: Excellent for migrane and shingle blends. Many older people use cayenne maceration to relieve daily stiffness and soreness. Use in deep muscle massage blends. Use in massage oils especially when there are issues of soreness and pain. Diluting this maceration is a good idea as the more it is diluted the less you need to worry about it being a skin irritant. Do not use on the face.