While I love all herbs, if I had to choose just one, I’d go with Capsicum frutescens—better known as cayenne pepper. For me, cayenne isn’t just a spice; it’s like an old friend with a wild streak and a surprisingly generous heart. Growing up, my dad always had a bottle of V8 juice nearby, and he’d toss in a dash (or two) of cayenne, trying to convince me to take a sip. He promised it was good for me, but I’d scrunch my nose and just shake my head. Over time, though, I began to see things differently—and eventually, that spicy, savory drink became a tradition we shared. I don’t think he realized just how powerful cayenne really was, and it wasn’t until years later that I’d come to fully understand its many talents.

My first deep dive into the wonders of cayenne came from a dog-eared copy of 10 Essential Herbs by Lalitha Thomas, a book my mom gifted me after I had my firstborn. The same book had graced our bookshelf when I was a kid, though I never cracked it open back then. But now, as I read through those pages, cayenne practically leapt out at me. Here was this humble red powder, sitting quietly on my spice rack, that could stop bleeding, ease ulcers, rev up circulation, and so much more. My enthusiasm was immediate, and cayenne quickly became my go-to remedy for almost everything.

It’s become such a favorite of mine that a close friend and I have a running joke about it. Anytime someone asks me for herbal advice, she’ll just laugh and say, “Let me guess—cayenne?!” And without missing a beat, I’ll grin and reply, “You better believe it!” Cayenne really is just that reliable.

Take, for instance, my then husband’s winter job at the bentonite plant. Those boots of his just couldn’t keep his toes warm no matter what, so I casually suggested sprinkling a little cayenne in his boots. “Just a bit,” I said. He did, but clearly underestimated my version of “a bit” and decided to double it. Well, he didn’t come home with cold feet that day—quite the opposite. In fact, his feet were practically on fire, and he gave me one of those I should have listened to you looks. Lesson learned: even the smallest dash of cayenne can go a long way.

Then there is the cayenne eyewash, which is where most people think I’ve truly lost it. But believe it or not, cayenne is fantastic for tired, sore, or strained eyes. It’s just a tiny pinch in warm distilled water, but if you’re like most people, you might need a little coaxing to actually try it. After the first few blinks of surprise, though, the results speak for themselves—clearer, rejuvenated eyes that feel refreshed and awake. I tell people that the mild burning is just cayenne’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m doing my job!”

Over the years, cayenne has saved the day more times than I can count. I’ve used it to stop bleeding, calm panic attacks, aid shock, ease stomach pain, and even help animals in distress. It’s one of the stars in my heart tonic and a staple in my herbal toolkit. Whether it’s warming up winter boots, boosting circulation, or giving an extra kick to an ordinary meal, cayenne has a fiery yet healing spirit that I can always count on.

So, next time you’re in need of a little extra kick—whether it’s for flavor, warmth, or a quick fix—don’t forget cayenne. Keep it within reach, not just for the spice, but for its incredible healing potential. Try it out, experiment a bit, and let cayenne show you why it’s been my go-to all these years. Who knows? It might just become one of your favorites, too.

Stephanie Anderson is a Master Herbalist and Certified Holistic Nutritionist with a passion for empowering others through the healing power of nature. She combines traditional wisdom and works with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Stephanie shares her love for herbs and holistic living with her family, friends, and community, guiding them toward wellness and vitality.