The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide by Sandra Kynes

Author:Sandra Kynes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: herb gardeners essential guide, essential herb gardener's guide, herb gardener's essential guide, herbalism, healing, essential oils, stephanie pui-mun law, sandra kynes
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Published: 2016-02-21T16:00:00+00:00

[contents]

18. Kowalchik, Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, 63.

19. Allen J. Coombes, Dictionary of Plant Names (Portland, OR: Timber Press, 1985), 48.

20. Marina Heilmeyer, Ancient Herbs (Los Angeles, CA: Getty Publications, 2007), 30.

Cayenne

(Capsicum annuum L.)

Also known as: Bird Pepper, Capsicum, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Red Chilies

The genus name Capsicum comes from the Greek kapto, which means “to bite.” 21 This is apropos for an herb that has real bite. Even though it was cultivated in South America, India, and Africa for thousands of years, it wasn’t until historian Peter Martyr (1457–1526) wrote an account of Christopher Columbus’s “discoveries” that cayenne caught the attention of Europeans. By the mid-sixteenth century, it had become established in European cooking and herbal medicine.

In modern times, cayenne has been used to add extra zing to ginger ale. Although cayenne is not related to the familiar black pepper, it was so named because it is pungent like black pepper. While it may seem odd, this fiery pepper is soothing and restorative. Paprika and Tabasco sauce are made from other varieties of capsicum peppers.

Medicinal Uses

Arthritis, bloating, cardiovascular system support, carpal tunnel, chest congestion, chilblains, chills, cholesterol, colds, cuts and scrapes, digestive system support, fibromyalgia, flatulence, flu, hangover, headache, immune system support, joint stiffness, migraine, muscle aches and pains, nasal congestion, nerve pain, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles, sore throat

Precautions and Contraindications

The herb: Use in small amounts; excessive internal use may cause upset stomach; those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic bowel inflammation should avoid the internal use of cayenne; may aggravate acidity and heartburn; may increase hot flashes during menopause.

The essential oils: Avoid during pregnancy.

When handling the peppers, wear gloves and be careful not to touch your eyes when working with cayenne. If you do, rinse with milk.

Parts of Plant Used

Herbal remedies: Peppers

Essential oils: Seeds

Culinary purposes: Peppers

Growing and Harvesting

Reaching two to three feet in height, cayenne’s angular branches give the plant a bushy appearance. Its broad, dark green leaves have an elliptical shape. Growing on long stems in drooping pairs or clusters, the five-petaled flowers are white to yellowish-white and may be tinged with purple. The pendulous fruits (peppers) are long and thin, and contain small, kidney-shaped, white seeds. The peppers are green, then turn various shades of red, orange, or yellow as they ripen. They have a pungent smell.

Type

Zone

Light

Soil

Moisture

Height

Spacing

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