Capsicum

The word Capsicum refers to several different types of fruits from plants belonging to the genus Capsicum—a member of the Solanaceae family. The word capsicum is taken from the Greek word “kapso” meaning to bite. The South American and Asian indigenous people have been cultivating and using peppers for hundreds of years. Different types of peppers have been grown over the years and are still the most important spice or condiment next to salt. All different types of capsicum species have been used in ancient times for their wondrous properties. Modern day researchers have found that capsicum contains compounds such as capsorubin, zeaxanthin, lutein, kryptoxanthin along with A- and B- carotene and also vitamin C. They have also found that capsicum, contains powerful antioxidants to help aid the body’s ability to fight off free radicals.

Ancient cultures from around the world have been using capsicum throughout history for their religious ceremonies and by their healers in order to do several different things: increase the body’s temperature and metabolic rate; relieve indigestion, diarrhea, chronic ulcers; and for pain relief. Capsicum has been categorized by the FDA as a “Topical analgesic for OTC human use”. Capsaicin is classified by the FDA as a “counter irritant which may be applied to the skin for pain relief”. As opposed to other spices and essential oils such as cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, and cassia which can produce redness and irritation to the skin when applied net or undiluted in large qualities. They can even cause burning or blistering to the skin.