How to Make Cayenne Pepper Tea

Co-authored by Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM

Last Updated: March 30, 2023 Approved

Cayenne is a spicy tasting herb that is orange or red. People sprinkle it onto their food and incorporate it into recipes to add some heat and flavor to dishes. Cayenne also has healing properties, and herbalists have been using it for years to build immunity, fight off colds, soothe ulcers, and help detoxify the body. Recently, a weight loss diet called "The Master Cleanse" has used a cayenne pepper tea to flush the body of toxins and promote weight loss. Make a cayenne pepper tea with water, lemon, a generous helping of cayenne, and any additional ingredients that will help you achieve your health goals.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making Cayenne Pepper Tea to Boost Immunity

1
Measure 1 tsp. (4.9 ml) of cayenne pepper and place it in a mug.
- Use less cayenne and work your way up to 1 teaspoon if the full amount is too strong or too hot. If you have not used cayenne on a regular basis, you might find a full teaspoon difficult.
2
Pour hot water over the cayenne. Try to use water that has almost reached the boiling point.

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3
Stir the cayenne and the water until it is dissolved. You will notice flakes of the cayenne pepper floating in the water, which is fine.
4
Add the juice from half a lemon to the cup. Stir the lemon juice into the tea.
5
Let the tea cool for 1 or 2 minutes before sipping. Once it has cooled to the point that you can hold the mug without burning your hands, it is ready to drink.
6
Taste the cayenne pepper tea. Sip it slowly until it is gone. People who drink it in the morning find they have more energy and a faster metabolism throughout the day. Some people drink it before a workout for an additional energy boost.
7
Add other ingredients if you desire. Some people put fresh, peeled ginger in the bottom of the mug and allow it to steep in the hot water before adding the cayenne and the lemon. Ginger can help eliminate harmful bacteria in your body.
- Try adding molasses or Stevia if you want to sweeten your tea without sugar or sugar substitutes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making Cayenne Pepper Tea to Flush Toxins and Lose Weight

1
Start with 10 oz. (283 g) of water. This tea can be consumed hot or cold.
2
Add 2 tbsp.(28 g) of lemon juice and 2 tbsp. (28 g) of Grade B maple syrup to the water. This maple syrup must not be sweetened or processed. Look for the Grade B designation on the label.
3
Stir in 1/10 tsp. (0.5 ml) of cayenne pepper.
4
Drink from 6 to 12 servings of this tea every day to detox your body, lose weight and attain better health.
5
Refrain from eating any foods or drinking anything else except water and unsweetened tea while you are consuming the cayenne pepper tea as part of a cleansing program.
6
Drink the tea for at least 3 days, but no more than 10 days. You should begin feeling lighter and healthier.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can hot pepper cure a headache?

Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist
Tracy Zollinger (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Founder of Island Acupuncture in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience, Tracy specializes in a holistic approach to reproductive health, fertility, and pre and post-natal care. Tracy creates comprehensive treatment plans using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and western labs. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is board certified in integrative reproductive medicine, with a focus on LGBTQIA specific needs.

Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM

Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist

Expert Answer

Potentially! If you feel a headache coming on, try stirring a few pinches of cayenne pepper into a small glass of water. If you drink that at the very beginning of your headache, you might get rid of the pain.