You might need chili peppers if . . .

Do you struggle with sinus congestion or get sinus illnesses often? Do you ever feel like you must take a nap right after a meal? Do you feel constantly bloated no matter what you eat? Is it a challenge for you to maintain a healthy weight? Are your joints ever stiff after a long day? If this sounds like you, it might be as simple as spicing things up with chili peppers. Not only are chili peppers a great spice, but they also have several therapeutic qualities.

Chili peppers are a great choice for those who:

• Struggle to maintain a healthy weight
• Constantly get congested or sinus illnesses
• Get tired after eating
• Feel constantly bloated
• Experience stiffness in your joints
• Want to add some heat to a dish

Benefits of chili peppers

Chili peppers are not only a way to spice up your favorite dish, but they are also full of therapeutic qualities, all thanks to a chemical compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin is what gives chili peppers its spicey and burning nature!

• Promotes heart health: Capsaicin found in chili peppers can help reduce inflammation, clear arteries, and support healthy blood pressure.
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels: The active compound capsaicin can also promote insulin secretion and help balance the amount of insulin needed to control blood sugar.
• Soothes discomfort: Thanks to the burning sensation caused by capsaicin, Chili peppers can create a numbing effect when applied topically and promote relief from discomfort.
• Rich in nutrients: Chili peppers are rich in many vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins A, B6, C, K1, potassium, and copper, making them a great addition to your daily vitamin intake.
• Promotes healthy weight: Chili peppers may suppress appetite thanks to capsaicin, promoting healthy weight.

Common ways to use chili peppers

Cooking: Chili peppers are most commonly used in culinary dishes like enchiladas, tacos, curries, salsas, marinades, and sauces.

Tincture/Extracts: Chili peppers are also consumed in tincture form. You can readily find them at health stores or online. They are also quite simple to make, although it takes about a month before the tincture can be used. Find out how to make your own tincture here.

Salve: Chili peppers can be used topically to relieve discomfort. Many chili pepper salves and lotions are available online.

Capsules/Powders: Another popular way to consume chili peppers is in capsule or powdered form. Making your own capsules is quite simple. You'll need chili pepper powder and a capsule filler machine.

Growing and Foraging Information

You can easily buy many different types of chili peppers online, but did you know you can also find one type growing wild in the United States? Chiltepin peppers are very hot peppers that grow wild between the border of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

You can also grow many types of chili peppers in your garden, depending on your U.S. hardiness zone. They do best in zones 9-11 and love well-drained, loamy soil. Chili peppers need full sun and should always be kept moist. They will grow best when they are started indoors and transplanted outside after the last frost risk because they do not like cold temperatures. Chili peppers are fruiting plants that will grow to be 2-4 feet high.

Safety Concerns 

According to trusted herbalist Richard Whelan, chili peppers are safe, even though this seems surprising given how uncomfortable it can be when applied to delicate tissues. Chili pepper’s burning sensation is caused by nerve stimulation, not by any physical harm to the tissues (although corneal abrasions, wheezing, and skin blisters can occur in some). The ultimate proof of the truth of this statement is shown by what happens when pepper spray is used as a weapon against a person. Even though it must feel like their eyes are being utterly burned and blinded, there is generally no actual damage or lasting harm done to these most delicate tissues.

Drug Interaction: If you have any health concerns or are taking any prescription medication, please consult with your healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no known contraindications for breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Select Studies About Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health

This study explores how capsaicin modulates metabolism and supports vascular health.

A review of the effects of Capsicum annuum L. and its constituent, capsaicin, in metabolic syndrome

Red pepper has beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome and can decrease the risk of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, but more research projects need to be done to confirm its advantages, especially in humans.