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.

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