Cayenne pepper has an extensive history of use in food and medicine. In modern naturopathy, health care providers recommend cayenne as a treatment for obesity, nerve pain, psoriasis and other conditions. Nose sprays made from cayenne pepper may be effective treatments for nasal and sinus congestion, but there is not enough evidence to determine if oral cayenne supplements work to treat congestion.
Evidence
Limited scientific evidence does support the use of cayenne pepper as a naturopathic treatment for congestion. A report published in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology" stated that nose sprays made with capsaicin, the active medicinal compound in cayenne, relieved nasal congestion symptoms more effectively than placebo. A nine-month-long clinical trial published in "Clinical and Experimental Allergy" also found a rapid reduction in nasal congestion symptoms among those using cayenne nasal sprays.
Limitations
As of August 2011, no peer-reviewed medical journals have published clinical trials regarding the use of oral cayenne pepper to treat nasal congestion or sinus inflammation. The human body does absorb oral capsaicin into the bloodstream, but there is no evidence suggesting that it will affect the body in the same manner as nasal sprays. More studies are needed before physicians can recommend oral cayenne as a decongestant.
Safety
Cayenne is generally safe when eaten in the moderate amounts found in food, but excessive doses could cause unpleasant side effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, excessive doses of oral cayenne can cause stomach irritation. This may manifest as stomach cramping or diarrhea. Over extended periods of time, the internal use of cayenne may damage the liver or kidneys. As a precaution, consult a health care provider before using cayenne supplements if you have a medical condition.
Dose
Because of a lack of peer-reviewed scientific studies, there is no consensus regarding the safest, most effective dose of cayenne pepper for treating nasal congestion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a standard oral dose of cayenne pepper includes 90 - 360 mg daily, divided into three doses. Clinical investigations of cayenne nasal spray suggest an effective dose of 0.15 mg of capsaicin in each nostril, every two to three days. Consult a health care provider for help determining a safe and effective dose.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
- "Clinical and Experimental Allergy"; The Long-Term Effects of Capsaicin Aqueous Spray on the Nasal Mucosa; Nov. 28, 1998
- "Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology"; Comparing Capsaicin Nasal Spray with Placebo in Subjects with a Significant Component of Nonallergic Rhinitis; Aug. 2011
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