It lowers cholesterol and stimulates circulation. Cayenne is helpful against sore throats and mouth sores. You can put a pinch on your food or mix a little with lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Or gargle with one-quarter teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water, with red pepper added to taste. While too much red pepper can cause stomach irritation, moderate amounts may protect against ulcers and some cancer-causing chemicals.
Creams containing capsaicin are very helpful against the pain of shingles and arthritis .
Stay away from red pepper if you are prone to bladder problems or hemorrhoids, or are sensitive to dietary irritants. Also, pink peppercorns are not true pepper. They're the dried berries of the baie rose plant grown in Madagascar. Despite some question of their safety, many gourmet recipes call for them on account of the pungent aroma and flavor they add while cooking. Nevertheless, I avoid them.