Using Cayenne as an herbal
painkiller
Cayenne has been used for centuries to add a spicy and fiery taste to
food and Native Americans used it as a spice and a painkiller for over
9000 years. This pepper is a cousin of the sweet peppers
generally used in salads as well as the hot peppers used in chilli
powder and hot sauces. It has no relation to common black
pepper.
What gives the pepper its hot taste and value as an herbal
medicine, is capsaicin, which is an oily
chemical that is used in pepper sprays that are sold for self-defence.
The capsaicin is also responsible for the pepper's pain
relieving
properties and aids digestion.
Cayenne also contains vitamins A and C, and flavonoids and
carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants.
When applied topically, cayenne has powerful pain relieving properties.
It works by reducing a component in nerve cells called
substance
P, which transmits pain impulses to the brain. When substance
P
is depleted, messages of pain no longer reach the brain and the user
gets temporary relief from the pain of arthritis and even shingles.
Capsaicin creams will bring relief to people suffering
from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis as well as joint or
muscle pain. Nerve pain caused by shingles will also
be
relieved when applying a cayenne herbal cream. Using a cayenne topical
ointment will relieve nerve damage experienced in the feet or legs
(peripheral neuropathy) due to diabetes and people who have had an
amputation often find relief from lingering pain after surgery.
The itching sensation that accompanies psoriasis follows the same nerve
pathways as that of pain. When applied topically, cayenne
herbal
creams may reduce the itching associated with psoriasis.
Raynaud's disease is characterized by numbness, tingling and
a
drop in temperature in the affected areas. Cayenne creams
have a
"heating" effect on the affected areas and so relieves the aches and
pain associated with this disease.
Cayenne herbal supplements can be used to treat mild high blood
pressure and high blood cholesterol levels. Herbal medicines containing
cayenne
prevent platelets from clumping together and accumulating in the blood,
which allows blood to flow more easily.
Based on recent studies, cayenne is being researched as a weight-loss
supplement. In animal studies and some human studies it has
shown
to affect the way the body breaks down carbohydrates, which helps to
regulate blood sugar levels after a meal.
Tablets and capsules containing cayenne stimulate digestion and can
help to relieve wind and ulcers. Herbal supplements
containing
this herbal remedy increases blood flow in the stomach and bowel and
promotes the secretion of digestive juices.
Cayenne herbal remedies are also available in liquid form and can be
used as a gargle to soothe the pain and inflammation of a sore throat.
Nose sprays containing cayenne have been shown to relieve
congestion and fight colds, and some people find relief from the severe
pain of cluster headaches. These herbal medicines should only
be
used under a health care practitioner's supervision.
Herbal medicines containing capsaicin can be safely used with
prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and other
medications to relieve pain associated with arthritic
conditions.
Combining cayenne herbal preparations may help to cut down on
the
use of prescription medicines, which can lessen unwanted side-effects
of conventional medicines. This should only be done under the
supervision of your health care practitioner.
What are the side effects of
Cayenne?
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
Never use cayenne products on raw skin or open wounds as this will
cause a severe burning sensation.
Cayenne herbal creams can cause intense pain and burning when it comes
into contact with your eyes. Wash the affected areas with
water
or milk to counteract the burning.
A mildly unpleasant burning sensation can occur during the first few
days of treatment. This side effect does disappear after
several
days or regular use.
People who use anti-coagulant medicine such as Warfarin, should not
take cayenne herbal supplements as it will enhance the effects of blood
thinning medication.
If taken internally, cayenne herbal medications can cause stomach pain
and diarrhoea. Capsaicin can also cause a burning sensation
when
passing stool.
People suffering from asthma should avoid cayenne herbal supplements as
regular use increases the absorption of theophylline which is
a
medication used to treat asthma.
Pregnant and lactating women should not take cayenne herbal remedies.
How do I use Cayenne?
Cayenne products can cause skin sensitivity, so it is recommended that
you apply the cream or ointment to a small area for at least 1 week,
should you experience no undesired side effects, you can continue
regular use of the herbal medicine.
Make sure that you wash your hands very well with warm, soapy water to
avoid getting the product into your eyes. If you are applying
the
herbal cream to relieve pain in your hands, leave it on for 30 minutes
and then only wash it off.
For external use, the recommended dosage of cayenne herbal creams or
ointments is 0,025 per cent to 0,075 per cent capsaicin for daily use.
For pain relief, apply the herbal remedy thinly over the
affected
areas at least three to four times a day, rubbing it in well.
It
may take 2-3 weeks for the pain to completely subside.
It is best to take cayenne pills or tinctures with food to avoid any
stomach upsets.
|