You are most likely familiar with this herb as a red powder that sits in your kitchen spice rack - cayenne pepper. Cayenee, also known as Capsicum, derives it's name from the Greek ' to bite' in reference to the hot pungent or biting taste of the chilli fruit and seeds. As well as being used as a condiment for many years, capsicum has a long history of medicinal use.

Traditionally capsicum has been used as a circulatory stimulant, digestive aid and to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Samuel Thomas, founder of the Thomsonian system of medicine in the 1800's, considered cayenne a life-promoting, heating herb and general stimulant.

Capsicum was traditionally used to help increase digestive secretions, and assist with flatulence, intestinal spasms and loss of appetite, as well as helping to ward off diseases. The historical use of capsicum was not limited to internal ailments, it was also applied externally as a liniment for rheumatism, wounds, bruises and warts.

Capsicum has long history with Nature's Sunshine Products, being our first ever product offered as a company. In the early 70's, Gene Hughes, an American school teacher, began to experience stomach discomfort. Following advice from a neighbour, Gene started taking cayenne pepper for his discomfort. Soon Gene began feeling much better, but swallowing a spoonful of cayenne pepper was awful. That's when his wife, Kristine, suggested putting the powder into an easy-to-swallow gelatine capsules. Nature's Sunshine Products was born! After enlisting the support of some family members, Gene and Kristine began a small family business, selling encapsulated Capsicum and other herbs to local health food stores. Today Nature's Sunshine Products can be found in over 30 countries.