Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints that causes redness, swelling and pain when you move. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in older people after years of wear and tear on the joints or a history of repeated joint injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which an abnormal immune response damages one or more joints. Cayenne pepper is a traditional remedy for inflammation that may help relieve the symptoms of either form of arthritis. Consult your doctor to determine if you should add cayenne to your regimen.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper, or Capsicum annum, has been used medicinally by Native Americans and other cultures for thousands of years. The biologically active component, capsaicin, is responsible for the hot, spicy taste of the pepper. Its traditional uses are as an oral medication for digestive disorders, to improve appetite and to enhance blood circulation. Cayenne is also used topically, to relieve muscle and joint pain.
Substance P and Capsaicin
Substance P is a neurotransmitter that generates pain sensation in the nervous system. Capsaicin decreases the amount of substance P in the vicinity of nerves, reducing their ability to transmit pain signals to your brain. Since capsaicin is readily absorbed through the skin over your joints, it lowers the amount of substance P in the vicinity, reducing your sensation of pain from arthritis.
How to Use
Capsaicin is extracted from cayenne pepper and added to creams and salves for topical use. It is available either with a prescription or in over-the-counter preparations. The concentration of capsaicin in these products ranges from 0.025 to 0.075 percent. The cream may be applied three or four times daily by rubbing it well into the painful area. Use the preparation regularly, since pain relief is not instantaneous and may take several days to develop.
Precautions
Do not use capsaicin if you have an allergy to peppers. In addition, do not use the preparation on a cut, or on infected or irritated skin. Because capsaicin may burn your eyes, do not touch your eyes after using the cream and always wash your hands immediately and thoroughly. You may experience a sensation of warmth or slight burning of your skin after applying capsaicin cream. Talk to your doctor about any other side effects and discuss whether using capsaicin cream is advisable for you.
