The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Cayenne Tips
Posted by Blue1965 (Stafford, Virginia) on 12/28/2007
To remove the burning from your mouth after using cayenne pepper or chilli pepper,take a slice of bread and push it down on your tongue & the roof of your mouth.The pepper grounds stick to the bread and come right off the skin inside of the mouth.You might have to move the bread around to get it all but it stops the burning.
Wounds
Posted by Sue (Montreal, Canada) on 08/10/2007
★★★★★
Hello everyone. This is what I know about cayenne pepper... big zero except that my husband shaves his head and one time he cut himself and like most guys was walking around with a little piece of toilet paper on his head. I remembered reading that cayenne was not only good For my spaguetti sauce but if you apply it to a cut it stopped the bleeding. He did that and it stopped. Another time he did it again and used the cayenne right away and it worked. I don't think I would try it on a deep cut but I know it works on a cut when shaving. Again, I must say this site is really interesting and well made. Sue
Wounds
Posted by Shalom (N Stonington, CT) on 05/30/2007
★★★★★
I sliced my finger cutting a hard sticky candy from the dominican republic my in laws brought. It wouldn't stop bleeding so I ran cold water on my thumb and then opened a capsul of cayenne. The cut hurt so much it was hours before I felt the pain of the pepper. I did end up going to a walk in clinic for stitches, but the bleeding stopped and it ended up not being that deep. The dr and nurse were jerks about my desion ofcourse. When i got home trying to clean up i cut my middle finger of the same hand. ( that was not smart) the cayenne helped then too. That was Friday, this is Wednesday my cuts look 3 weeks old now.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Ewan (EU) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★
I tried cayenne pepper remedy and I would have to say I'm very satisfied with the result that I got. It cleared of my sinus and open my passageways and helped with my ear infection. Try see if works.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by DaveG (Broadstairs ) on 04/09/2025
Started taking cayenne pepper on the advice of Barbara O'neal.
Side effects are heart burn, and feeling cold. Not sure if that's common, hopefully the benefit outweighs this minor issue.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Whisperingsage (N California) on 03/31/2018 45 posts
I'm taking it Because it makes mucous. I have a refractory ( means stubborn) duodenal ulcer. Since 2009. I've tried 50 herbs at least. And on all nutrients. Negative for H pylori. Several tests, always negative. So taking carnosine, GLA, krill oil, E, and cayenne. Read recommend for taking it in mouth and letting senses feel. Then take milk and wet it all down and swallow. But it makes me sleepy.
General Feedback
Posted by Raniya (Ny, US) on 04/06/2015
No, they are completely 2 different things
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by William (Colorado) on 12/27/2015
I'm a bit new to Cayenne and also [FWIW] Blood type A
It appears that what is for me, an aggressive amount of Cayenne bumps my BP up after ingesting it but that it goes right back down after a short time.
I'm contributing this for any who may find it interesting but also seeking confirmation from others more experience with Cayenne.
Hypnic Jerks
Posted by Alex (Australia) on 07/09/2014
★★★★★
I find drinking cayenne pepper tea (a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in hot water) helps to relieve hypnic jerks. Info on Cayenne pepper and all its benefits is just a google search away but it helps regulate blood pressure and is awesome for heart health. I had hypnic jerks last night for the first time in months and tried cayenne pepper tea (which you can also have with green tea and a dash of cinnamon or lemon etc - see many online recipes) - and I was DELIGHTED to see it eased my hypnic jerking when drifting off to sleep almost immediately after getting back to bed and tying to fall asleep!
Cayenne Contraindications
Posted by Jeanne (Westlock Alberta) on 03/27/2014
Can a person do natural treatments such as cayenne and molasses if they are being treated by a doctor for blood clot in the right lung and the right leg with warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs? Is it too risky?
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Alla (Chicago, Il) on 02/20/2014
Hi Ted and all! I usually have low BP, but after I take a quarter of powdered cayenne papper diluted in warm water my BP goes up and my heart rate becomes stronger and faster than usual. I also noticed that if I take it in the evening I dream very scary dreams and wake up in the middle of the night with high BP and fast heart rate. Can someone please help me to understand the reason and recommend if I need to keep trying or stop using it?
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Priscilla (Birmingham, Al) on 04/11/2018
Have you been tested for Mitral Valve Prolapse? I had similar symptoms when I was 21. Rapid heart beat at night, low normal blood pressure, as well as dizziness when I got up too fast. The cardiologist did many heart tests, including a holter monitor. He diagnosed me withe ( totally benign ) MVP, and put me on Beta blocker ( for a short period. ). Once I knew it was harmless, I learned how to do biofeedback for the rare times it bothered me, went of Beta blocker. The key was a correct diagnosis. I slept better, also. My BP naturally runs low normal.
So, I suggest stopping the cayenne, and consulting an MD if these issues continue. It may just be the cayenne.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Becky (San Diego, CA) on 04/21/2015
I just read this marvelous remedy for cayenne. .For those interested put "cayenne remedies" in the EC search box. You'll be amazed and maybe find a cure.
Cayenne Tips
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 05/06/2013
★★★★★
Cayenne I always use the stuff from the spice isle at the supermarket. Otherwise you could grow some in pots.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nan (OR) on 02/07/2021
Your post was so encouraging. I've had eczema in my ears for over 20 years - constant awful itching and scaling. You mentioned cayenne for eczema. Is that helped by ingesting it? Surely not applying it topically (ouch). Would appreciate knowing, if possible. Thank you.
Take Capsules With Food
Posted by Michelle (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 08/20/2011
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I know that the cayanne can be upsetting to those who first take it.... But read the book
Left for Dead by Dick Quinn and it is amazing the results.....
I've taken it as a supplement for years and once I took 2 pills 180 heat units and it dilated every thing so much that I had to lie on the bed and felt sick. So that's not what I ever did again...
Take a pill with food and you will feel a warmth come over you but not any discomfort.
Take Capsules With Food
Posted by Cayenne1 (Fl) on 02/22/2016
HI Michelle.
I highly recommend taking the Cayenne Pepper in Water rather than the pills, as the pills dissolve in your stomach, causing stomach upset. If you take it with warm water, it goes right to the heart with NO stomach upset.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Try2help (Louisville, Kentucky) on 10/03/2011
It could be that you are exercising too late and your body is still reved up... However you can go the alternative way and take a sleep supplement like melatonin or you could go to bed an hour early to relax your mind so you can dose off naturaly I would take a hot bath with Lavendar before I went to bed...
Or another simple thing you could drink tart cherry juice it has natural melatonin in it I would add a little water and 1/4 tsp of vanilla... I hope this helps...!!!
Cayenne Tips
Posted by Teelight (Toronto) on 10/31/2012
Cristy I got the same exact reaction also after swallowing the cayenne capsules. 15min after taking, I started sweating buckets (yay! That part's ok) and debilitating stomach pain (not ok -- at all). But the episode passed after about 10 min. I came on here looking for answers and it makes sense that digestion begins in the mouth and our stomachs need a warning signal for spicy substances. No more hiding the cayenne in capsules, I shall open them up and dissolve in water. This makes much more sense, and seems to be the solution, thanks a bunch.
Stops Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Posted by Victoria (Charleston, West Virginia) on 11/26/2008
★★★★★
I was on the depo shot for a while and it messed me up bad, I was having my periods for 6 months straight no days off, then it went to having them every 2 weeks after i stopped and no doctor could help me, so my aunt told me to try Cayenne Pepper because she does the whole herb thing, and it worked...it completly stopped my period and after I took it 4 days later I got pregnant which was what I wanted because I couldnt stay off my period long enough to get pregnant...I love that stuff now it stopped it within 2 days
Cayenne Tips
Posted by Anna (Philadelphia, PA, us) on 03/25/2009
★★★★★
Twice a day I drink oj with pulp with 1 tbsp of acv and 1 tsp of powdered ginger (makes me feel and look great!)- I use straw so my mouth is not burnt at all - I feel it only at the back of it. Yesterday I got cayenne pepper (to increase my circulation) and came here to find hows and how much. Thanks to your post I decided just to add it to my drink! Half teaspoon, in the begining anyway.
Circulation
Posted by John (Panama City, FL) on 01/20/2008
★★★★★
Anyone looking to keep their feet warm - sprinkle cayenne in your socks. It DOES work. However, DIABETICS BE WARNED: you should be careful using any topical treatment which provides heat, be it medicinal or homeopathic (this includes cayenne, IcyHot or similar items, electric heating pads, etc.).
Because diabetics often suffer from poor circulation and skin issues, using such items can produce burning, and since diabetics often do not heal as quickly, this can become a serious medical issue.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Curt (Leesburg, Va) on 11/11/2010
The other night almost the same thing happen to me. I ate my dinner and then took my cayenne pills (2 of them). Minutes later I started to feel this pain in my stomach. It got worse and worse.... I thought maybe I had to throw up but I really don't like to so I tried not to. I walked into the living room and almost passed out. I laid down on the couch and went into a heavy sweat. Slowly the pain went away and I came back to reality.
Since then I have taken my cayenne pills before I eat. This has not happen again BUT... I can't help but want it to happen again. Even though the pain was really bad at first..... I felt great after the episode was over.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Whisperingsage (N California) on 03/31/2018 45 posts
I read an article for that saying it has to go through the mouth first. Yeah, I wasn't thrilled, but if it helps me, I take my burning medicine, so far no cramps, but burning in mouth.
Cysts
Posted by Matt (Springfield, USA) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★
Hello, I have almost a cure for a Pilonidal cyst. The reason I say almost is it will come back in usually about 10 months to a year, and then you will need to repeat the steps again. I came across it from another person who has suffered from this health problem and has been through many surgeries with no help. I myself have been through one surgery in which the cyst came back a year later. The cure is to put cayenne pepper mixed with water in the sinus opening of the cyst for 3-4 days straight using an eye dropper with a narrow end. The solution should be 1 heaping teaspoon of pepper in a cup of water used over the 3-4 day period. This does sting quite a bit for the first minute or two after the pepper is injected but subsides afterwards. Note: you will probably need someone to do it for you to really get the solution in the sinus. I've read this works because the sting of the pepper brings a rush of white blood cells to the area, not sure if that is true or not, but it worked for me. Of course check with your doctor before doing anything. I'd also be interested if anyone else has found other ways to deal with this issue.
Cysts
Posted by Deborah (Atlanta, Ga) on 04/28/2010
I'm 52 years old and had Pilonidal cyst for years, didn't get the recommended surgery. I began taking the B Vitamin complex vitamins for more energy and vitality, I noticed that my Pilonidal cysts disappeared and stayed gone for 15 years because I love the B vitamins and always take them. Now after not having a cyst for 15 years it came back when I was diagonosed with Diabetes. At the health food store I was told the medicine I was taking for diabetes depletes your body of the B vitamins, so I increased my B vitamins, particulary B 6 and sure enough no more Pilonidal cysts!
Crohn's Disease
Posted by Shannon (Kansas City, MO) on 10/05/2006
★★★★☆
I have suffered from chronic diarrhea for sixteen years due to having Crohn's disease. I read on your site about using cayenne pepper for this. I went and bought cayenne pepper capsules and it is working great. I am concerned though that this may cause ulcers? Also, I have a colonoscopy scheduled soon and the bottle says to stop taking two weeks before surgery. I am wondering if that would apply to my procedure as well. I also wonder why I should stop taking it before surgery.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Freda (Canada) on 04/11/2025
I was using cayenne in capsule and it caused the exact same symptoms. Now I drink it in distilled water or and put it on food and it didn't cause the symptoms!
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 12/10/2016
Dear Winnie,
Perhaps the cayenne is cleaning something out, thus the mucous. Or perhaps the remedy doesn't agree with you personally.
I would take a few days off and see if the symptoms stop. If you resume the remedy, you might want to take less.
~Mama to Many~
Cayenne Tips
Posted by Quadshield (Prattsville, Arkansas) on 09/13/2016
★★★★★
Years ago a homeopathic doctor prescribed the cayenne pepper caps for my husband. But he did explain that if you do not put at least a small amount on your tongue first to tell your brain to prepare your stomach for it that it can cause a bad burning in your stomach. The easiest way was tomato juice or v-8 or even better v-8 spicy. Just half a cup at most and add just a small pinch of the pepper. Drink that and then take your pepper caps with water. It made a world of difference.
General Feedback
Posted by Joy (Thailand) on 10/18/2014
Hi Brendan re. Cayenne pepper.This is available all over Thailand and I buy mine dried in the markets or in Makro Tesco and most stores; hope this helps as chilli is ok but not quite the same as the lovely red large cayenne.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 12/28/2015
While it has many benefits, I wasn't able to use cayenne either. It made my BP skyrocket.
I've read the same from others who post here. It aids some in controlling their BP, but for me (and others), it has the opposite effect and causes BP to go through the roof! It scared me to death.
I started 'low and slow', too. I took just a little, then slowly increased my intake, but once I got to the recommended therapeutic dose (actually, even before I got there), my BP was so jacked-up that it scared me and I stopped.
It's definitely not for everyone.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Caitlin (Austin Texas) on 02/21/2014
Perhaps you are allergic to capsicum. I can take cayenne but my sister cannot, and, it does raise her BP too; not so me. Everyone is blessed differently, so, taking cayenne might not be your body's thing. Cat
Cayenne Recipes
Posted by dave (uk) on 04/26/2024
★★★★★
Yes I take cayenne with raw/unroasted cocoa . its amazing!!
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 04/11/2013
Mario: 1. Maybe you don't need it anymore. 2. Maybe you need smaller doses now. 3. If none of the above, you can put it in capsules.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Zark (Emerald City) on 04/16/2015
Yes, I agree with Liz. Get a capsule machine! I bought mine online and it wasn't expensive. Likewise I bought 1000 capsules online on the cheap too.
Cayenne Side Effects
Posted by Wanda (Spring, Texas) on 10/04/2021 53 posts
You can buy cayenne in capsules at most health food stores.
Ulcers
Posted by Sam (Portland, Oregon) on 07/03/2012
★★★★★
Absolutly true! Cayenne pepper does heal ulcers. As does Manuka honey and sea- buckthorn oil (the real one).
