Capsaicin – Herbal Substance With a Wide Range of Uses

Cayenne is one of the most important herbs in the world. Native Americans have used cayenne in food and medicine for at least 9,000 years.

The botanical name for cayenne is capsicum minimum. In Greek, the name means, “to bite.” Other common names for this herb are, Guinea Pepper, Spanish Pepper, Bird Pepper, and African Pepper, to name a few. It comes from the Solonaceae, or nightshades, family of flowering plants.

The spicy, hot taste of cayenne pepper is primarily due to a substance known as capsaicin. The health benefits of this pungent herb is …read more