Many societies, especially those of the Americas and China, have a history of using cayenne pepper therapeutically. A powerful plant with many uses, cayenne pepper gained buzz for cleansing and detoxifying regimes, which use the spice to stimulate circulation and neutralize acidity.

Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of ailments, including indigestion, confusion, tremors, gout, fever, flatulence, sore throat, hemorrhoids, menorrhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, and diphtheria.[1, 2] Let’s take a look at some of the best health benefits cayenne pepper has to offer.

The Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

1. Anti-Irritant Properties

The various types of tissue in the body can be irritated for any number of reasons — diet, illness, and environmental toxins, just to list a few. Ironically, cayenne can help "put out the fire" and ease an upset stomach, sore throat, cough, and occasional diarrhea.[3]

2. Clears Congestion

Are you dealing with stuffed up sinuses due to seasonal illness or allergies? Cayenne pepper aids in breaking up and moving congested mucus.[4]

3. Resists Harmful Organisms

When it comes to defense against harmful organisms, cayenne is a proverbial surgical flame thrower. In vitro tests have found that CAY-1, a compound found in cayenne peppers, suppressed the development of 16 different fungal strains while remaining completely non-toxic to healthy cells.[5]

4. Headache Remedy

Its ability to relieve a headache may be related to the pepper’s tendency to stimulate a pain response in a different area of the body, thus diverting the brain’s attention to the new site. After the initial pain reaction, the nerve fibers have less substance P (the nerve’s pain chemical), and the perception of pain is reduced.[6]

5. Digestive Aid

Cayenne is a well-known digestive aid. It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices. This aids the body’s ability to metabolize food (and toxins). Cayenne pepper is also helpful for relieving intestinal gas. It stimulates intestinal peristaltic motion, aiding in both assimilation and elimination.[7]

6. Anti-Redness Properties

Many health ailments result in swelling and redness throughout the body. Cayenne’s ability to soothe systemic cellular distress makes it a great herb for supporting long-term good health.[3]

7. Helps Produce Saliva

Cayenne stimulates the production of saliva, an important component of digestion and oral health maintenance.[8]

8. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Cayenne pepper promotes cardiovascular health, specifically by supporting healthy blood vessels and normal blood consistency. When both of these variables are normal and in-check, the risk of serious cardiac episodes is greatly reduced.[6]

9. Detox Support

Cayenne stimulates the circulatory system and increases the pulse of lymphatic and digestive rhythms. Heating the body streamlines the natural process of detoxification. Cayenne also induces sweating — another important process of detoxification. Combined with lemon juice and honey, cayenne tea is an excellent morning beverage for encouraging detoxification.[2]

10. Soothes Occasional Joint Discomfort

Extremely high in a substance called capsaicin, cayenne pepper sends chemical messengers from the skin into the joint, offering relief for occasional joint discomfort.[9] For this reason, many people with stiff, sore joints use creams and lotion that contain cayenne.

11. Helps Preserve Food

Cayenne is an excellent preservative and has been used to prevent food contamination from bacteria.[10, 11]

12. Promotes Longevity

A study using data collected from almost half a million people found that those who ate spicy foods had a 14% chance of living longer than those that didn’t. Researchers also found that regular consumption of chili peppers aligned with reduced rates of death from respiratory ailments or heart disease.[12, 13]

13. Encourages Healthy Body Weight

Scientists at Laval University in Quebec conducted and study and found that participants who took cayenne pepper for breakfast had less appetite and consumed fewer calories throughout the day. Cayenne is also a metabolic booster and aids the body in burning excess fat.[9]

14. Promotes Heart Health

Studies found that capsaicin supports the heart in pumping blood, as well as encouraging healthy circulation.[6]

15. Remedy for Toothache

When applied directly to the site, cayenne may help ease the discomfort associated with a sore tooth.[8]

16. Topical Remedy

As a poultice, cayenne has been used for snake bites, rheumatism, sores, wounds, and lumbago or lower back discomfort. More research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness.[8]

17. Tastes Great!

This one is purely subjective, and those with sensitive palates may disagree, but many people find that a dash of cayenne can add a delicious zest to otherwise bland food.

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper Length: 4 minutes

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.