The History Of The Capsicum Frutescens
Other Common Names: Aji Dulce, Cayenne, Cayenne Pepper, Chili
Pepper, Chabai Achong, Filfil, Hungarian Pepper, Kirmizi Biber, La
Chiao, Mexican Chili, Paprika, Peppers, Piment Doux, Pimiento, Red
Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Capsicum frutescens
Range: Probably native of the Tropics, but the original
habitat is obscure. China; Dominican Republic; Europe; Gabon; Haiti;
Hawaii; India; Iraq; Malagasy; Malaya; Mexico; Mongolia; Panama;
Philippines; Samoa; Spain; Tonga; Trinidad; Turkey; USA
Cayenne or Capsicum derives its name from the Greek, 'to bite,' in
allusion to the hot pungent properties of the fruits and seeds. Cayenne
pepper was introduced into Britain from India in 1548, and Gerard
mentioned it as being cultivated in his time. The plant was described
by Linnaeus under the name of C. frutescens proper. This species
appeared in Miller's Garden Dictionary in 1771.
The dried fruit is a powerful local stimulant with no narcotic
effect, it is most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach. It
has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving
chronic congestion of people addicted to drink. It is sometimes used as
a tonic and is said to be unequalled in warding off disease (probably
due to the high vitamin C content).
Used externally, it is a strong rubefacient stimulating the
circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the
flow of nutrients to the tissues. It is applied as a cataplasm or
linament. Cayenne also relieves painful muscle spasms in the shoulder,
arm, and spine areas, bursitis, the pain of shingles, and the pain of
diabetic neuropathy. It has also been powdered and placed inside socks
as a traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet.
The fruit is also antihemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic,
carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic. These
pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as
gastrointestinal detoxicants and food preservatives.
The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin. This substance stimulates
the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin
it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local
anaesthetic. The seed contains capsicidins. These are thought to have
antibiotic properties.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Very hot and normally used as a flavoring.
The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a
flavouring. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide.
Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper.
Leaves - cooked as a potherb.
Known Hazards: Although no reports have been seen for this
species, many plants in this family produce toxins in their leaves. The
sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister.
Other Common Names: Aji Dulce, Cayenne, Cayenne Pepper, Chili
Pepper, Chabai Achong, Filfil, Hungarian Pepper, Kirmizi Biber, La
Chiao, Mexican Chili, Paprika, Peppers, Piment Doux, Pimiento, Red
Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Capsicum frutescens
Range: Probably native of the Tropics, but the original
habitat is obscure. China; Dominican Republic; Europe; Gabon; Haiti;
Hawaii; India; Iraq; Malagasy; Malaya; Mexico; Mongolia; Panama;
Philippines; Samoa; Spain; Tonga; Trinidad; Turkey; USA
Cayenne or Capsicum derives its name from the Greek, 'to bite,' in
allusion to the hot pungent properties of the fruits and seeds. Cayenne
pepper was introduced into Britain from India in 1548, and Gerard
mentioned it as being cultivated in his time. The plant was described
by Linnaeus under the name of C. frutescens proper. This species
appeared in Miller's Garden Dictionary in 1771.
The dried fruit is a powerful local stimulant with no narcotic
effect, it is most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach. It
has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving
chronic congestion of people addicted to drink. It is sometimes used as
a tonic and is said to be unequalled in warding off disease (probably
due to the high vitamin C content).
Used externally, it is a strong rubefacient stimulating the
circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the
flow of nutrients to the tissues. It is applied as a cataplasm or
linament. Cayenne also relieves painful muscle spasms in the shoulder,
arm, and spine areas, bursitis, the pain of shingles, and the pain of
diabetic neuropathy. It has also been powdered and placed inside socks
as a traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet.
The fruit is also antihemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic,
carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic. These
pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as
gastrointestinal detoxicants and food preservatives.
The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin. This substance stimulates
the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin
it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local
anaesthetic. The seed contains capsicidins. These are thought to have
antibiotic properties.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Very hot and normally used as a flavoring.
The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a
flavouring. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide.
Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper.
Leaves - cooked as a potherb.
Known Hazards: Although no reports have been seen for this
species, many plants in this family produce toxins in their leaves. The
sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister.
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