The primary symptom of a migraine is a throbbing headache on one side of the head. You might also experience sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances. These symptoms can last up to 72 hours. Although a variety of medications exist to decrease migraine frequency and treat the symptoms, capsaicin provides a more natural alternative for managing migraines.
Capsaicin Facts
The alkaloid capsaicin is the active constitute in cayenne peppers, also know as red chili peppers. These peppers are used as a cooking spice, but the capsaicin in them also has medicinal properties. In addition to relieving migraines, the compound is valuable for treating pain related to a number of conditions, including cluster headaches, arthritis, psoriasis and diabetic neuropathy.
How it Works on Pain
Capsaicin binds to a protein on neurons that causes the body to sense heat and pain. This activates the neurons, causing them to send out substance P, a neurotransmitter partially responsible for the sensation of pain. The activation of these neurons is why eating cayenne pepper causes the sensation of burning. When the neurons are exposed to capsaicin for a prolonged period, their substance P levels are depleted and they're less able to transmit pain signals, according to a study published in Nature in October 1997.
Evidence
Preliminary evidence suggests capsaicin applied inside the nose can stop a migraine in progress, according to experts from the University of Michigan. Migraine sufferers might also get relief by applying capsaicin jelly to the superficial temporal artery, which lies directly in front of the ear. Applying jelly here reduced pain by half, found a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice in 2010. People with chronic migraines also experienced less migraine pain after repeated application of nasal capsaicin.
Use
Nasal and jelly capsaicin formulas are available with and without a prescription. For an acute migraine, you can use the nasal spray at any point during the migraine. In one study, published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia in 2003, chronic migraine suffers used the spray once daily for seven days. They applied the spray inside the nose on the same side as the migraine. In the study using capsaicin jelly, migraine patients applied the jelly at the onset of or during a migraine attack.
Precautions
Applying capsaicin inside the nose produces a burning feeling that might last about 10 minutes, according to a study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia. To avoid discomfort, consult a health care provider about proper application. Also talk to your doctor before using capsaicin if you have heart or blood vessel problems or high blood pressure. If you're allergic to kiwi, avocado, bananas, chestnuts or latex you might also be allergic to cayenne peppers and should avoid capsaicin products.
References
- DermNet NZ: Capsaicin
- University of Michigan: Cayenne
- "British Journal of Anaesthesia;" Repeated Intranasal Capsaicin Applications to Treat Chronic Migraine; Fusco, B.M., et al.; 2003
- "International Journal of Clinical Practice"; Capsaicin Jelly Against Migraine Pain; Cianchetti C.; March 2010
- Mayoclinic.com: Capsaicin (Topical Route)--Side Effects
