How It Works

In traditional herbal medicine, capsicum has been used throughout the ages for a variety of health concerns, including cough, toothache, throat soreness, intestinal parasites, joint discomfort, wound healing, poor appetite and sluggish digestion, to name a few.

Best-known for its ability to stimulate circulatory activity, capsicum supports healthy blood pressure, strengthens the heart, and helps promote blood flow in the extremities.

Capsicum contains the active ingredient capsaicin, which is responsible for the herb's hot sensation on the tongue.

Capsaicin helps to loosen and clear congestion (similar to how your nose runs when eating spicy food) which can relieve sinus pressure.

Studies suggest that capsaicin can also increase insulin levels, improve glucose tolerance, and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Plus, capsaicin can help relieve aches and discomfort and is often found in over-the-counter topical ointments and creams. Capsaicin also promotes a healthy inflammatory response.

Capsicum is rich in vitamin C and contains some B-vitamins, important minerals, and health-promoting carotenoids such as lutein, lycopene and zeazanthin.

Capsicum is added to many herbal formulas as an effective catalyst to help the body transport and use the companion ingredients.

Capsicum was known to Columbus and other early explorers. Soon thereafter, this medicinal herb native to Central and South America began “circulating” around the world. Ayurvedics used it. Traditional Chinese Medicine adopted it. And practitioners across the globe took advantage of its unique stimulating properties.