First discovered in South America, cayenne, commonly referred to as chili pepper, paprika, or red pepper, can now be found growing in many regions of the world and has become popular as both a food and as a medicine. Employed by medical practitioners for centuries for its medicinal actions, cayenne has been used in connection with numerous conditions including stomachaches, cramping, gas, and some circulatory disorders.
Cayenne has been used for much of recorded history as a medicinal herb used to relieve gastrointestinal disorders such as stomachaches, cramping and gas, and other circulatory related syndromes. Today many take cayenne internally to help improve blood circulation, while others apply cayenne to the skin, as a counterirritant, to treat pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also believed that capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, may offer possible benefits for those with Fibromylagia in much of the same way it does for people suffering from arthritis pain. To relieve Fibromyalgia, a cayenne cream is applied directly to painful joints and muscles. However, using cayenne externally, as noted previously, can cause a burning sensation and is quite painful if it gets in your eyes.
Research indicates that cayenne may also be quite useful when used in connection with migraines. For migraines, cayenne is applied as an ointment to the inside of the nostrils; however, this can cause severe discomfort for some people.
Active Constituents
The most important ingredient of cayenne is capsaicin, a resinous and pungent substance. This is what gives cayenne the ability to relieve pain and itching when applied externally to the skin. Capsaicin enables the body to release additional neurotransmitters that inhibit pain nerves, although this effect is temporary. It has also been reported that the capsaicin found in cayenne can reduce platelet "stickiness" and act as an antioxidant. Some studies also suggest taht capsaicin relieves pain by destroying a chemical known as substance P that is responsible for carrying pain messages to the brain.
When applied externally capsaicin creams may be useful in ameliorating the following conditions:
- Pain from diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Post-surgical pain
- Psoriasis
- Muscle pain due to fibromyalgia
- Nerve pain after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis pain
Using Cayenne for Weight Control
A few studies suggest that chemical compounds in cayenne have the ability to increase the body's heat production, whereby increasing the rate of metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Additional research also indicates that cayenne increases production of epinephrine and norepinephrine which together decrease appetite. For dieters it has been suggested that adding 6 to 10 grams of cayenne to a meal or 28 grams to an entire day’s diet reduces hunger after meals and reduces calories consumed during subsequent meals.
General Dosage Recommendations
The main use of cayenne for medical treatment is through cayenne creams that can be applied externally to the body. These creams usually contain 0.025-0.075% capsaicin. There may be a burning sensation for the first several times the cream is applied, but this should gradually decrease with each use. Note: It is not wise to apply the cream to areas of broken skin as this will cause severe pain.
A cayenne tincture can be used in the amount of 0.3-1 ml three times daily.
Side Effects
Besides causing a mild burning for the first few applications (or severe burning if accidentally placed in sensitive areas, such as the eyes), most people do not experience any side effects. Taking cayenne for an extended period of time internally can cause the development of ulcers.
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