Latin Name:Capsicum frutescens L., C. annuum. L., C. microcarpum D.C.
Family Name: Solanaceae
Common names:C. frutescens = Cayenne Pepper, Tabasco Pepper; C.
annuum = Chili Pepper, Cayenne
Parts Used: Dried Ripe Fruits (powdered)

Botanical Description:
The origin of the cultivated varieties is not really known, but many botanists
believe they all arose from a single species, hence the botanical classification
is uncertain and Capsicum annuum is often called C. frutescens. Roxburgh also
called cayenne C. minimum.There are about 10 wild species and 4 or 5
domesticated species of shrubby annuals, biennials and perennials and
numerous cultivars. Most cultivated varieties belong to C. annuum var. annuum,
and may be divided into 5 main groups: Cerasiform (cherry); Coniodes (cone);
Fasciculatum (red cone). Pungency is due to capsaicin, the presence of which
is controlled by a single gene, so cultivars without it have sweet fruits
( e.g. bell peppers). Any of the hot varieties can be used medicinally but the main
ones are C. frutescens and C. annuum, though some herbalists believe that
C. microcarpum D.C. (syn C. annuum var. glabriusculu), the birdseye pepper,
is the most beneficial.

Capsicum frutescens:
Perennial shrub to 2 m (6’) with woody trunk. Leaves various, usually
elliptical up to 10 cm (4’’) long. Flowers white to yellowish in groups of 2 or 3
and followed by small, upright, fiery, green fruits that ripen to red.

Capsicum annuum:
Herbaceous annual or biennial 60-75 cm (24-30’’) tall with simple ovate
leaves, bell-shaped solitary white flowers are followed by hollow fruits up to
15 cm (6’’) long, which ripen to varying colours.

Capsicum microcarpum:
Tender annual to 2 m (6’), with ovate to lanceolate leaves up to 3 cm (1¼ ’’)
long with white flowers and very pungent, red, pea-sized fruit. Possibly the
ancestor of the peppers.

Distribution:
Native to tropical America. They were first described in 1493 by Dr. Chauca,
the physician on Columbus’ ship. They were introduced from South America
to India and Africa by the Portuguese. Now grown in all tropical and subtropical
countries and under glass or as an annual in temperate climes.

Cultivation:
Rich well-drained soil in sun, minimum 18-21° C (64-70° F). Propagate by seed
in early spring.

Harvest:
Unripe fruits are picked when needed. Ripe fruits are dried and ground for
cayenne pepper and other uses.

Constituents:
Capsaicin (Vanillyl amide of isodecenoic acid) alkaloid.
Ascorbic acid (0.1-0.5%).
Thiamine.
Red carotenoids (4-16%).
Alcoholic extract (20-25%).
Flavonoids, Vitamin A and C, Volatile oil.
Capsaicin - 0.1-1.5% as in mixture of dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydro-capsaicun,
homodihydrocapsaicin, caroten, etc. Steroidal saponins known as capsiin the
seed and root.

Properties:
Stimulant, Rubefacient

The African Bird Pepper is the purest and best stimulant known. It has a
pungent taste, and is the most persistent heart stimulant ever known.
It is exceedingly prompt in its effect. Through the circulation, its influence is
manifest throughout the whole body. The heart first, next the arteries, then the
capillaries and the nerves. We have known, in cases of apoplexy, a bath of
hot water and mustard with half a teaspoon of Cayenne added and the feet
thrust in to give good results. The pressure is removed from the brain by
equalizing of the circulation.
The people native to the West Indies soak the pods in water, add sugar
and the juice of sour oranges and drink freely in fevers. Capsicum has a
wonderful place in inflammation. We have often been told that it would burn
the lining of the stomach, and our medical, as well as lay friends, have at times
shown fear at its use. We assure the student that the fear of Capsicum is
unfounded. We have used it freely for over a quarter of a century, and therefore
feel that our experience is worth more than the opinions of those who know
nothing about it experimentally. About forty years ago we were asked to send
something for a lady whom we were told was suffering from pleurisy.
After getting what little information we could, we decided to send some
African Bird Pepper, as it was in the early hours of the morning and we were
on the prairie and could not get at anything in the way of supplies.
Being satisfied that there was inflammation, we ordered three number four capsules
with the Cayenne to be given every hour until the pains ceased.
We were suprised later to learn that the pains had ceased in two and a half hours
and no other remedies of any kind had been used; the capsules having been taken
in smaller doses after the pain eased. We were asked what was the wonderful remedy we had sent and when we told the husband of the patient he said, had they known what was in the capsules, he would not have given them. We do not of course, refer to this case to indicate Capsicum is a cure for pleurisy. We should have used other means as well, had the circumstances permitted. We mention it to show its use in inflammatory conditions.
It is useful in cramps, pains in the stomach and bowels, causing peristaltic
action of parts previously contracted. In these latter cases, it would be well to
give it in small doses in the form of warm infusion, from half to one teaspoon to
a cup of boiling water.
In typhoid fever, in combination with hepatics and a little Golden Seal, it will
sustain the portal circulation and give much more power to the hepatics used.
In colds, relaxed throat, cold conditions of the stomach, dyspepsia, spasms,
palpitation, particularly in the acute stages, give a warm infusion of Capsicum
in small repeat doses, about two teaspoons every half hour or more frequently
if required. A little Capsicum sprinkled in the shoes will greatly assist in cold feet.
Some sprinkle in the socks. Don’t place too much in, however; you may find it
too warm. In hemorrhage from the lungs, place your patient in the vapour bath
and give an infusion of Capsicum. The pressure will be taken from the ruptured
vessels and good results obtained. In quinsy and diphtheria, apply the tincture
of Cayenne around the neck. Then place a flannel around the neck wet with
the infusion of Cayenne and use the infusion internally at the same time freely.
A good liniment for sprains, bruises, rheumatism and neuralgia may be made as follows:
Tincture of Capsicum (Cayenne) 2 fluid ounces
Fluid Extract Lobelia inflata (Lobelia) 2 fluid ounces
Oil of Artemesia absinthium (Wormwood) 1 fluid drachm
Oil of Rosmarinus off. (Rosemary) 1 fluid drachm
Oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) 1 fluid drachm

Contraindications :
1.Avoid use in cases of peptic ulcer disease or hyperacidity.
2.Avoid use in cardiac palpitations, i.e. undesirable effect on the heart.
3.Do not use if there is a burning sensation in the stomach.
4.Avoid on open wounds, due to irritation.

In setting forth the above uses of this agent, we do not wish the student
to consider it a cure-all. Such is not the case; but where a stimulant is
needed of this type, it will not fail the physician. It is not used more because
its value is not realized. "
Dominion Herbal College - Chartered Herbalist Diploma Course Book