Recently, this herb has become as hot in healing as it is on the tongue. Cayenne has proved remarkably effective at relieving certain types of severe, chronic pain. It also aids digestion and may help prevent heart disease.
Cayenne comes from the Caribbean Indian word kian.
Today Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana. In India, the East Indies, Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean, red pepper enjoys a long history as a stomach-settling digestive aid. Cayenne assists digestion by stimulating the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates, and stomach secretions contain acids and other digestive substances. But most Americans doubt the digestive benefits of cayenne, believing instead that the fiery spice causes ulcers.