its not a good idea to take it in capsule or tablet form. the capsule can burst open all at once and burn the lining of the stomach.
how much is subjective, but you need to start out with small amounts and work your way up. i prefer the fresh cayenne to the powdered form. the fresh cayenne has many more healing properties.
if the cayenne bothers your tongue too much, then you can mix some in with some honey or molasses and down it with a gulp of water without chewing it. i have used this method very successfully. if you are using fresh cayenne you can use this same method by blending it or putting it thru a nut butter maker.
the more you take, the greater the health benefits are.