HerbMate Library

Chili Flakes

Capsicum annuum

Culinary Spice, Circulatory

Chili flakes are dried hot peppers used for circulation and heat. In wellness terms, they’re mostly about capsaicin: warming, appetite stimulation, and sometimes topical pain support (in controlled products).

Key Benefits

Adds heat that may support appetite and digestion stimulation for some people.
Capsaicin is used in topical pain products (not DIY strong on skin).
Can make healthy food more satisfying (spice = flavor win).

Common Issues It May Help With

Low appetite or sluggish digestion routines (for some).
Flavor support routines.

How To Use (Simple)

Sprinkle lightly on food; you can always add more (your stomach can’t ‘undo’ it).
Pair with fats (olive oil, butter) to spread heat evenly.
Avoid before bed if reflux-prone.

Taste / Notes

Hot, sharp, peppery.

Evidence Level

Strong evidence for capsaicin effects; benefits depend on tolerance and dose.

Cautions

Can worsen reflux/ulcers/IBS symptoms. Wash hands after handling; avoid touching eyes. Don’t DIY high-dose topical applications.

Interactions

Use caution with blood thinners if consuming very large amounts regularly.

Debug: Loaded Herb Fields (verification)

{
  "slug": "chili-flakes",
  "title": "Chili Flakes",
  "latinName": "Capsicum annuum",
  "category": "Culinary Spice, Circulatory",
  "tagsCount": 0,
  "summaryLen": 208,
  "benefitsBullets": 3,
  "issuesItTreats": 2,
  "howToUse": 3,
  "hasTaste": true,
  "hasEvidence": true,
  "hasCautions": true,
  "hasInteractions": true
}