Scientific: Capsicum annuum [WikiPedia]
Composition: Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne peppers, is what gives them their medicinal properties.
Appearance: Cayenne peppers are closely related to jalapeño peppers and bell peppers and are a staple in Southwestern American and Mexican cuisine, as well as Cajun and Creole cooking.
Parts Used: Fruit
Common Uses: Rich in vitamins C and A, cayenne also supplies vitamins B3 (niacin), B2 (riboflavin), and B6 (pyridoxine), the minerals iron, copper, and potassium, plus flavonoids and other micronutrients. Medicinally, chili peppers are added to herbal formulas in small amounts as a catalyst, a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. In oral supplements or when added to food, cayenne speeds reactions in the digestive and circulatory systems. Applied topically, it is a rubefacient, which means that it increases circulation to the skin, nerves, and joints, opening subcutaneous capillaries and acting as an analgesic. Wherever applied, cayenne improves the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, fight infection, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation.
Cayenne offers both medicinal as well as nutritional benefits to you and your pack.
Nutrients: Cayenne contains: Alkaloids, capsaicin, capsacutin, capsaicin, capsanthine, capsico PABA, fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars, carotene, volatile oil, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and C.
Alternatives and Adjuncts:Circulatory, combine with hawthorn, ginko, ginger and yarrow. For bleeding, combine with yarrow.
Topic Specific References:
- Dietary Capsaicin Protects Cardiometabolic Organs from Dysfunction. (PubMED)
- Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health (PubMED)
Used In:
- Many of our Doggobone Active Pre-Made Meals
PLEASE NOTE that herbal and other natural products can harm your animals – not all plants are safe and gentle! Do not attempt using any of the ingredients listed, or any other plant matter, without the guidance of a qualified herbalist.
