You already know that cayenne pepper packs a powerful punch when it comes to flavoring your favorite dishes, but did you know that it can also kick your pain to the curb?
Loaded with nutrients like vitamins A and C, cayenne peppers are a rich source of capsaicin. Besides being responsible for the pepper's heat, capsaicin acts as a natural pain reliever and is used to treat headaches, arthritis, fibromyalgia and more.
How It Works
Capsaicin in cayenne pepper works to reduce the amount of a chemical known as “substance P.” Responsible for transmitting pain signals to your brain, this chemical is greatly reduced when it comes in contact with capsaicin. For this reason, topical pain relievers with cayenne pepper are highly effective.
Because of cayenne's intrinsic heat, it is common to experience a slight burning sensation when applied to the skin. With this in mind, cayenne ointments shouldn't be used on open wounds and are best suited for pain associated with arthritis, sore muscles, headaches and more.
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
A great way to relieve pain naturally, cayenne pepper also has anti-inflammatory properties. Especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers, capsaicin has been studied (and proven effective) as a natural treatment for nerve fiber disorders.
In addition to fighting pain and inflammation, cayenne is known to help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also supports the immune system and helps shorten the duration of colds.
While many people assume hot peppers are hard on the stomach, it's the opposite that's true when it comes to cayenne pepper. In fact, it's actually used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria and stimulating the production of certain protective juices in the lining of your stomach.
Used for thousands of years for its nutritional and medicinal properties, cayenne pepper deserves a place in everyone's home beyond their spice cabinet. Thanks to its abundance of capsaicin, cayenne helps relieve pain on contact, making it a go-to ingredient for anyone seeking natural pain relief.
If you suffer from pain related to inflammation, you may want to consider using cayenne as a safe, convenient and natural topical pain reliever.