Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), primarily due to its active component capsaicin, has a long history of traditional use in various cultures to help relieve lung congestion and promote easier breathing. Traditional herbal medicine systems, such as those in South America, India, and China, have used cayenne in the form of teas, poultices, or topical rubs to stimulate circulation and help “break up” mucus in the respiratory tract. The warming and irritant effect of capsaicin is thought to trigger local vasodilation and mild irritation of mucous membranes, which may promote mucus thinning and expulsion.

However, scientific evidence supporting cayenne's direct effectiveness for lung congestion is limited. While several studies have shown that capsaicin can stimulate secretions in the respiratory tract and trigger coughing (which could, in theory, help clear mucus), there are very few controlled clinical trials confirming its benefits for congestion specifically. Most available research focuses on capsaicin’s use in topical pain relief and as a cough reflex trigger rather than as a decongestant. Therefore, while its use for congestion is rooted in tradition and plausible based on its physiological effects, robust scientific validation is currently lacking.

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