Adding cayenne pepper to a recipe will spice things up, but this hot pepper might also offer some health benefits. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which users believe holds the medicinal power of the spice. Capsaicin comes in creams and capsules, but other options include putting cayenne in tea or juice. Although cayenne adherents say cayenne might benefit your health, this spice does not have any known connection in helping treat or prevent eye conditions.
Conditions
Eye problems come in a wide range of conditions. Relatively minor conditions such as eye infections might cause a short period of discomfort or irritation, but serious conditions can cause lasting damage to your vision. Common types of eye diseases include glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, all of which might require treatment to slow down or resolve the condition.
Possible Benefits
The capsaicin found in cayenne might offer some pain relief for people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, back pain and shingles. Cayenne might help relieve other conditions such as headaches, ear infections or skin conditions such as psoriasis. Although some eye conditions might cause pain or discomfort, cayenne does not offer any known benefit for treatment.
Side Effects
Using cayenne or capsaicin as a treatment for a health condition might result in side effects. If you take cayenne by mouth, you might experience stomach upset, breathing problems or a rash. Common problems with the use of creams include skin irritation, rash and difficulty breathing. You might also experience inflammation around the area where you applied the cream. If the cream comes in contact with your eyes, you might experience stinging, burning and redness, and you might also experience temporary vision changes that will dissipate as your natural tears clear the product from your eyes.
Considerations
You should not begin using cayenne or any derivative of the spice without first consulting your doctor. Cayenne use could interact with medications you take, and your doctor can tell you if you use a medication that could result in such an interaction.
If you experience symptoms of an eye condition such as discomfort or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation. She will examine your eyes, determine the cause for your symptoms and recommend necessary treatment.
