To Your Health

By Margery Bastian

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is the fruit of capsicum annum, a tropical plant that can grow up to three feet tall. Paprika is milder and sweeter tasting fruit produced from a different variety of capsicum. Cayenne pepper is native to tropical America, but is also cultivated in locations through out the world. And is found in cuisine of many parts of the world.

Capsaicin is the active component of cayenne pepper. It is responsible for the pungent, irritating effects. Interestingly, capsaicin, though hot to the taste, will lower body temperature by stimulating the cooling center of the hypothalamus in the brain.

Cayenne pepper exerts beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that cayenne pepper reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also benefits the gastrointestinal function. Although people with active peptic ulcers may be bothered by foods containing cayenne pepper, those foods do not cause ulcers in normal individuals.

Cayenne may help with post mastectomy pain, used four times a day. In a study at Yale Pain Management Center, it was shown to reduce the pain of mouth sores created by chemotherapy or radiation. Interestingly enough, taffy was used to deliver the treatment.

Topically applied capsaicin to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis has been effective in relieving pain in some. It proved in double blind studies to be more effective on osteoarthritis, where pain in hands was relieved by 0.076% or vehicle-only cream applied to hands four times a day. Topical capsaicin is also a treatment for diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder common in people who have had diabetes for a long period of time.

Dosage : cayenne pepper can be used liberally in the diet. 0.025% or 0.075% capsaicin may be applied topically to areas four times a day.

Toxicity: It is generally recognized as safe. Topically applied, it may cause a local burning sensation, but effect fades away in time and is rarely severe enough to prevent using the cream.

Margery Bastian is an herbalist and member of Appalachian chapter. Medical treatments should always include the advice of a licensed medical practitioner.