Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Capsicum annuum var. Cayenne
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| Common Names: |
Cayenne; Red Chili, Hot Pepper
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| Key Name: |
Cayenne; Cayenne Pepper
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| Parts Used: |
Fruits, leaves, seeds
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| Sister Plants: |
Capsicum frutescens, Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana tabacum
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| Comments: |
Annual or perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in warm, well-drained soils
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Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Annual or perennial (1-4 ft), erect branched stem, ovate leaves with smooth edges, small white star-shaped flowers (0.5-1 in), blooming summer, producing long red cayenne peppers
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| Stem: |
Erect, 1-4 ft, branched, green Branching,
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| Leaves: |
Ovate, 2-6 inches, smooth-edged, dark green
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| Flowers: |
Small white star-shaped flowers, 0.5-1 in, in clusters, blooming June-August
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| Fruit: |
Long red cayenne peppers, 2-6 inches, pungent
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| Taste: |
Pungent (fruits), mild (leaves)
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| Odour: |
Mild, green scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Fibrous root system
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| Image URL: |
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Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Native to Central and South America, cultivated worldwide
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| Cultivation: |
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds indoors in early spring, transplant after frost; space 18-24 inches apart; water regularly, warm conditions preferred
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| Harvest: |
Fruits: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer
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Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Analgesic, antiseptic, carminative, stimulant
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| Medical Uses: |
Used for pain relief, infections, digestive issues, and as a circulatory stimulant; fruits for tinctures, leaves for poultices
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| Constituents: |
Capsaicin, carotenoids, vitamin C, flavonoids
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| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (infusion)
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| Dosage: |
Tincture: 1-2 drops in water, 1-2 times daily; Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves, 1 time daily
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| Administration: |
Internal: Tincture or infusion (sparingly); External: Poultice or oil
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| Formulas: |
Formula #180 Skin problems, Eczema, Etc. (wash)
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| Contra Indications: |
ay cause irritation or allergic reactions; avoid excessive use, especially during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
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| Preparation: |
Tincture: Steep 1 tsp crushed fruits in alcohol for 2 weeks; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves 10 min
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| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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| Veterinary: |
Used for pain relief or digestive support in livestock
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| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
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Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
Yes
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| Pollinator: |
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| Pollen: |
Yes
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| Pollen Notes: |
Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination
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| Nectar: |
Yes
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| Nectar Notes: |
Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, summer pollinators
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Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Ornamental, natural dye
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| Culinary Uses: |
Fruits used as spice or dried powder, leaves occasionally as seasoning
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| History: |
Cultivated by Mesoamerican cultures for over 6,000 years; introduced to Europe in the 16th century; Cayenne popularized for its heat
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| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Capsicum+annuum. herbalist1,
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| URL: |
https://usbm.ca/ency
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| Share: |
Public
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