This Powerful Spice Stimulates Blood Flow, Relieves Pain & So Much More

Beyond being a tasty addition to any wannabe spicy dish, cayenne pepper can do a body a whole lot of good if used the right way. Cayenne pepper itself contains necessary vitamins, including potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, E, C, B6, and K. According to Richard Schulze, N.D., cayenne pepper "cleans the blood, allowing hormonal signals to make their way unimpeded through your system, [resulting in] an enhanced immune response."

Cayenne pepper also contains valuable phytonutrients, making it a powerful spice for preventing and treating a number of conditions and ailments. It's antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and a stimulant (in more ways than one; see below). Not to mention, consuming cayenne pepper can strengthen the heart as well as the overall vascular system.

According to the American Nutrition Association, cayenne pepper is an "instant blood flow stimulant," meaning it promotes blood circulation and delivers other nutrients to cells more efficiently. Cayenne also stimulates our digestion (promoting waste elimination) and our liver, which makes nutrients available to our bodies and processes toxins.

Many people also report success when using cayenne pepper to treat aches and pains, whether it be by ingesting it via powder or supplement or applying it topically. We recommend consulting a doctor before trying topical cayenne pepper salves or oils and making sure you avoid touching your eyes—any trace of cayenne on your fingers will irritate them.

Cayenne pepper is not a weight loss cure-all, but studies have shown that it can have a positive effect on your metabolism—namely, it can stoke your metabolism, resulting in a higher caloric burn1. This is because, like other spicy peppers, cayenne pepper contains the phytochemical capsaicin, which has been shown to increase energy expenditure2. Other studies have found that capsaicin can increase satiety (the feeling of fullness) and decrease one's appetite1, resulting, for some, in weight loss.

Cayenne pepper is, well, a spicy spice. Adding too much of it to your food can irritate your mouth (that feels-like-it's-never-ending spicy, inflamed feeling) and may also upset your stomach. If you're at risk for heartburn, it's imperative that you see a doctor before taking cayenne pepper, as it can potentially irritate the lining of your stomach and intestines.

Everyone's tastes and temperaments are different, and you should choose whichever form of cayenne pepper aligns with your preferences (and tolerance). For powder paramours, Simply Organic makes a high-quality, reasonably priced Organic Cayenne Pepper. More of a supplement sweetheart? Try these capsules from Pure Mountain Botanicals or these from NOW.