Cayenne pepper is used in a variety of culinary dishes to add spice and flavour. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Mexican and South Asian dishes. Cayenne pepper can be used fresh or, more commonly, dried and ground into a powder to sprinkle on food or add to recipes.
Medicinally, cayenne pepper is valued as a digestive health aid, relieving pain and stimulating blood circulation. The active ingredient capsaicin is thought to help reduce appetite and may help with weight loss. It is also used in ointments as an analgesic, relieving muscle and joint pain.
So cayenne pepper is a versatile and powerful spice that enriches culinary dishes and benefits health, making it a favourite among chefs and herbalists.