Cayenne Pepper

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper, Guinea Spice, Bird Pepper
2. Folk Name(s): Cow-Horn Pepper, African Pepper, Bird’s Tongue, Devil Pepper
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Capsicum annuum (Cayenne type)
4. Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates; grown as an annual in temperate zones
6. Botanical Description: Upright shrubby plant, 2–4 ft tall, with ovate, glossy green leaves and small white star-shaped flowers. Fruits are slender, elongated pods 2–5 inches long, ripening from green to bright red. Extremely pungent due to capsaicinoids.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 9–11; grown annually in zones 2–8. Prefers warm, frost-free climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Southern U.S., South America, Africa, and Asia. Thrives in hot, humid, sunny environments.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Central & South America; cultivated worldwide as a spice and medicinal plant.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil, rich in organic matter; pH 6.0–7.0. Requires full sun (6–8+ hours).
2. Propagation: Grown from seed; best started indoors 8–10 weeks before transplanting. Germination requires warmth (75–85°F).
3. Companion Planting: Good companions include basil, carrots, onions, and parsley. Avoid planting near beans or brassicas.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest peppers when fully red for maximum potency; use gloves to avoid skin irritation.
5. Drying/Preservation: Can be air-dried, oven-dried, or strung into ristras. Once dried, powdered into cayenne spice. Stores well in airtight containers away from light.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: A sacred spice in Mesoamerican cultures; used as food, medicine, and protection charm. Spread globally after the Columbian Exchange.
2. Traditional Medicine: Indigenous peoples used cayenne for pain relief, circulation, and digestion. Ayurveda and TCM both value it for warming and stimulating qi/prana.
3. Symbolism: Associated with vitality, strength, purification, and fiery transformation.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin A, and essential oils.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Stimulates circulation and digestion
4. Relieves muscle/joint pain topically
5. Decongestant for colds and flu
6. May lower blood pressure and improve heart health
7. Increases metabolic activity
   
8. Preparation Methods:
   
9. Tinctures (alcohol or vinegar-based)
10. Infused oils/liniments
11. Capsaicin creams and salves
12. Infused teas in very small amounts
    
13. Dosage & Guidelines: Powdered cayenne: 30–120 mg capsules daily, or a pinch in tea/food. Always start with very small amounts.
14. Safety/Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes or broken skin. High doses may cause gastric irritation. Not recommended for those with ulcers, GERD, or on blood-thinning medications.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Mars; associated with Sekhmet, Kali, and other fiery deities
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, courage, banishment, vitality, passion, quickening spells
4. Ritual Use: Added to protection sachets, sprinkled around thresholds, used in banishing powders, or burned in incense for cleansing hostile energies.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Appearing in dreams may signal urgency, hidden anger, or the need for quick action.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Fruits deter many pests but may be eaten by birds (who are unaffected by capsaicin).
3. Culinary Uses:
   
4. Ground into cayenne powder
5. Used in hot sauces and chili pastes
6. Preserved in vinegar or oil
7. Adds heat and color to soups, stews, and meats
   

Household/Practical Uses

1. Natural pest deterrent (powder sprinkled in gardens)
2. Used in topical liniments for arthritis and sore muscles
3. Incorporated into warming foot soaks or compresses

Fast Facts

1. Quick Uses: Circulation stimulant, digestive aid, protection spells, pest deterrent
2. Notable Traits: Heat comes from capsaicin, measured on the Scoville scale (Cayenne: ~30,000–50,000 SHU)
3. Special Notes: Birds are immune to cayenne’s heat; seeds are dispersed by them in the wild

Supporting Notes

1. Duke, James A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. CRC Press, 2002.
2. Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Publishing, 2016.
3. Grieve, Maud. A Modern Herbal. 1931.
4. Tierra, Michael. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press, 1988.