[Podcast] Cayenne: The Hot Secret to Healing, Circulation & Metabolism

Join host Jim Applegate on the Reality of Herbal Therapy podcast for a deep dive into cayenne — one of the 20 herbs Dr. James recommends every home should have. This episode traces cayenne’s journey from Central and South America to kitchens and medicine cabinets around the world, with a special New Mexico perspective on green and red chiles, ristras, and regional varieties like Big Jim and Anaheim.

Topics covered include cayenne botany and varieties (cayenne, Tabasco, African bird, jalapeño and others), how heat is measured on the Scoville scale, where capsaicin is concentrated in the pod, and tips for controlling spice in culinary use. Jim explains common culinary uses — sauces, salsas, marinades — and how drying and seed removal affect flavor and heat.

The episode also focuses on medicinal uses: cayenne as a circulatory stimulant and catalyst in herbal formulas, its role in boosting metabolism and digestion, breaking fevers, loosening lung congestion, aiding menstrual cramps and wound coagulation, and topical use in salves for localized pain. Jim describes practical preparations — dried powder, capsules, teas, poultices and topical salves — and highlights a favorite formula, “Travl” (cayenne + ginger), for increasing metabolic rate and energy.

Key takeaways:

• hotter varieties (like African bird) are often preferred for stronger circulatory action
• heat concentrates in the stem, veins and seeds
• a pinch of cayenne can speed up other herbal actions
• Tolerance matters — those with sensitive stomachs or ulcers should use caution and moderation.

The host references Dr. James’s guidelines throughout and offers hands-on tips for integrating cayenne safely into both culinary and medicinal routines.

Listeners can expect practical, down-to-earth guidance on choosing, preparing and using cayenne at home, plus real-world anecdotes from New Mexico about culture, climate and why this fiery pepper became a staple in both kitchens and herbal practice.