Brand Name: Cayenne Pepper Latin name:Capsicum annuum
Other names: Chili Pepper, Paprika,
Red Pepper
A Remedy For
Muscular tension
Rheumatism
Applied in a cream, Cayenne also
relieves painful muscle spasms in the
shoulder, arm, and spine areas,
bursitis, the pain of shingles, phantom
pain following amputation, and the
pain of diabetic neuropathy.
Taken orally, Cayenne has also been
used as a remedy for
stomachaches, cramps, gas,
indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea, alcoholism, seasickness, malarial
fever, yellow fever, and other fevers, and has been taken as a preventive
measure against hardening of the arteries, stroke, and heart disease. Its
effectiveness for these purposes has not, however, been scientifically
verified.
What It Is; Why It Works
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in
Cayenne, depletes the chemical
messengers that send signals through
the pain-sensing peripheral nerves,
thus deadening the sensation of pain
even when its cause remains
present. The effect builds up
gradually, so capsaicin-containing creams must be applied regularly in order
to provide relief.
A member of the same family that
produces bell peppers, jalapenos, and
paprika, Cayenne originated in
Mexico and Central America, but today is cultivated in all warmer regions of
the globe. In general, the hotter the
pepper, the greater its medicinal
value.
Avoid If...
No known medical conditions
currently preclude the use of Cayenne, but you should avoid applying capsaicin
creams to areas of broken skin.
Special Cautions
Limit external use of full-strength
Cayenne to no more than 2 days, since
longer use can cause skin
inflammation, blisters, and ulcers. To avoid severe burning, keep all
capsaicin-containing creams away from the eyes and mucous membranes; wash your
hands thoroughly after each
application.
When taken internally, Cayenne can
cause diarrhea and cramps. High
doses taken over extended periods of
time may cause chronic stomach
problems, kidney damage, liver
damage, or nerve problems.
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Studies of Cayenne's effects during
pregnancy have produced
contradictory results. Until its
safety is conclusively demonstrated, the wisest course while pregnant is to
avoid its use.
How To Prepare
Cayenne is available in fresh and
dried forms, as a liquid extract, and in creams and ointments containing
0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin.
Typical Dosage
Apply capsaicin cream 4 or 5 times
daily. Allow 4 weeks for maximum
benefit.
Since the potency of commercial
preparations may vary, follow the
manufacturer's directions whenever
available
Overdosage
An overdose of Cayenne can
precipitate a drastic, life-threatening decline in body temperature. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.