Identifying Characteristics:
The varieties of fruit may vary greatly in size color and pungency. The most pungent is the yellowish red fruit of Sierra Leone. The African birdseye cayenne (Capsicum fastigiatum) are small pungent, bright pods that retain the heat in the body longer than any other variety.

Therapeutic action:
Cayenne is the purest and most certain stimulant, used medicinally and also as a condiment. This herb is a great food for the circulatory system. It feeds elements that may be lacking into the cell structure of the arteries, veins and capillaries to give them the elasticity of youth again. Cayenne regulates the flow of blood from the head to the feet so that it is equalized. Cayenne (as a stimulant) is an activator, carrier and accentuator.

Cayenne influences the heart immediately and then gradually extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, and nerves. The frequency of the pulse is not increased but given more power. In equalizing the blood circulation, cayenne produces natural warmth and in stimulating the peristaltic motion of the intestines, it aids in assimilation and elimination. It also heals stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Medicinal Uses:
Apoplexy, arrest gangrene or mortification, arthritis, asthma, asthmatic asphyxia, atonic gout, bleeding, bleeding of the lungs, chilblains, chills, colds, cold extremities, congestion, constipation, cough, cramps, debility, delirium tremens, diphtheria, dyspepsia, emesis (strong dose), functional sluggishness, fatigue, heart trouble and heart attacks, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, high and low blood pressure, indigestion, inflammation, kidney and related problems, lethargy, low fevers, lumbago, menorrhagia, neuralgia, offensive breath, pains in the stomach and bowels.