Cayenne Pepper

Chili is the Aztec name for Capsicum annuum. It has been used as a food by Native Americans for over 9000 years. The Capsicum family includes bell peppers, red peppers, paprika, and pimento, but the most famous spicy members of the family are cayenne and chile. Active ingredient for cayenne pepper is called capsaicin, which gives the powder its spiciness and is used to treat aches and pains of the muscles and joints. Cayenne pepper has also been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines to help treat circulatory problems and digestive issues and increase appetite.