Cayenne and Garlic Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Cayenne and garlic are two spices that complement each other in culinary dishes and herbal medicine. Cayenne is a type of pepper that grows in tropical areas of America. It features a hot, spicy flavor due to the chemical compound capsaicin present in it. The fruit of the plant is used for culinary purposes and medicine.¹ Garlic, on the other hand, is known for its bulb, which is the underground storage part of the herb. This bulb is made of small white cloves and features a tangy taste thanks to its sulfur compounds.² Both herbs can be dried and ground into a powder, which is available for cooking or in capsules.

Cayenne and Garlic Uses and Health Benefits

Cayenne and garlic are often paired together in herbal medicine because they contain similar medicinal properties. Both are said to reduce cancer risk, improve circulatory problems like atherosclerosis, and contain antioxidant properties.^3,4 Garlic helps boost the immune system and combat heart disease. Cayenne acts as a natural pain reliever, particularly when applied topically, and may assist in weight loss when taken orally.⁴

When paired together, other cayenne and garlic uses include for:

• Impotence (Erectile Disfunction) - With cayenne and garlic benefits on the circulatory system, taking both can help dilate blood vessels and improve impotence symptoms.
• Allergy (Allergies) - Use a cayenne and garlic remedy to boost the immune system and reduce allergy symptoms.
• Asthma -  Among cayenne and garlic uses, they may help asthma patients by opening the airways to help individuals breathe easier.
• Bronchitis - Cayenne and garlic benefit acute bronchitis patients by helping kill the viral cause.
  
   

Cayenne and Garlic Side Effects and Precautions

Cayenne and garlic are generally considered safe, but you shouldn’t take more than is present in normal food amounts. Though cayenne can be used in creams on the skin, it can cause a burning or itching sensation. Eating too much cayenne can result in stomach pain or irritation.⁴ Avoid cayenne if you are allergic to latex, kiwi, bananas, avocados, or chestnuts as you may also be allergic to cayenne. Garlic side effects include bad breath, upset stomach, and bloating. Handling garlic may cause skin irritation. Do not take garlic with blood-thinning medications.³ Talk to your doctor about other herbs and medications you’re taking, as well as if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, to ensure that a cayenne and garlic supplement is right for you.

References

1. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_cayenne.htm
2. http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_garlic.htm
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/cayenne