Arthritis, which literally means inflammation of a joint, causes symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function. Natural remedies, such as cayenne pepper in topical preparations, help to alleviate pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis. But consult your doctor about the best ways to treat your arthritis.
Active Ingredients in Cayenne Pepper
For more than 9,000 years, Native Americans have used cayenne pepper for food and medicinal purposes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pepper's well-known hot taste comes primarily from an active ingredient called capsaicin, which also has pain-suppressing properties. Capsaicin decreases levels of substance P, which is a chemical that transmits pain signals to your brain. Other active ingredients in cayenne pepper, such as vitamins A and C, reduce joint damage caused by arthritis.
Evidence on Arthritis
In a study published in 2010 in the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand," researchers at Khon Kaen University assessed the benefits of using a 0.0125 percent capsaicin gel for painful knee osteoarthritis. They found that the gel relieved mildly to moderately painful osteoarthritis. It also helped to improve stiffness and joint function.
Topical Application
You can take cayenne pepper by adding it to your meals raw, cooked or in powder form. However, for arthritis relief, it's best to use a cream or ointment with 0.025 to 0.075 percent capsaicin. Apply the cream up to four times daily, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends. It can take three to seven days to notice an improvement. Although the cream typically causes a burning sensation, the researchers found that it did not deter any of the participants from using it.
Precautions
Wear gloves when you're applying a capsaicin cream, or wash your hands thoroughly. Do not apply a capsaicin cream to broken or irritated skin or get it in your eyes. If you notice any other symptoms, such as a rash, swelling or severe skin irritation, you might be allergic to cayenne peppers and capsaicin. Stop using the cream, and consult your doctor.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis -- An Overview
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; Efficacy of Symptomatic Control of Knee Osteoarthritis with 0.0125% Of Capsaicin Versus Placebo; W. Kosuwon et al.; Oct. 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Cayenne
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Capsaicin
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