Botanical Overview
Capsicum annuum (fructus) belongs to the Solanaceae family and includes widely cultivated types such as bell peppers, chili peppers, and paprika. The medicinally used part is the fruit, which varies from sweet to pungent varieties. It is native to Central and South America but is now grown worldwide for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Energetics
The fruit has a warming and drying energetic profile, with tastes that include pungent, bitter, and sweet. It acts in an ascending and outward direction and is tonifying in nature, primarily affecting qi and blood dynamics.
Primary Actions
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Carminative
- Digestive stimulant
- Rubefacient
- Vasodilator
Indications
Western
- Pain
- Poor circulation
- Reduced appetite
- Digestive sluggishness
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Peripheral vascular insufficiency
- Rheumatic pain
- Neuropathic pain
TCM
- Coldness
- Poor circulation
- Phlegm congestion
Syndromes
- Cold stagnation
- Qi deficiency
- Damp-phlegm accumulation
Ayurveda
- Coldness
- Weak digestion
- Congestion
Syndromes
- Vata and Kapha imbalance
- AMA (toxins) accumulation
Unani
- Coldness
- Poor digestion
- Pain
Syndromes
- Barid mizaj (cold temperament) conditions
- Safra imbalance
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include capsaicinoids (notably capsaicin), carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, and volatile oils. Capsaicin contributes to the analgesic and rubefacient effects by activating TRPV1 receptors, leading to pain relief and increased blood flow.
Dosage & Preparations
- Capsaicin topical cream 0.025–0.1% applied 3–4 times daily
- Infusion of dried fruit 1–3 g up to 2 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol 2–5 mL 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use cautiously to avoid mucous membrane irritation. Contraindicated in patients with gastric ulcers or hypersensitivity to capsaicin. Limited data on safety during pregnancy and lactation warrant caution. Overuse may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources found for planetary or elemental rulers; thus, none are assigned.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: A Quick Reference to Herbal Medicine
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India