Herbal Pain Relief

Biology:
Cayenne pepper is a perennial scrub that grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the world to a height of about 1,5 m. Part of the nightshade family, it is native to southern America and is not a chillie, but a close relative to bell peppers and jalapeños.

Cultural history:
Cayenne is named after the capital of French Guyana, which once was the main trading center for cayenne pepper. It was already widely cultivated among the native Indian population as a spice and as a remedy before the arrival of the Europeans. The Spaniards started the import to Europe in the 15. Century. At that time it was still called “Spanish pepper.”

Active ingredients:
The main active ingredient is a resin-like substance called Capsaicin.

Effects & side effects:
Clinical studies have shown Capsaicin as highly efficient in the treatment of dyspepsia. It also relieves pain in post-herpetic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy – conditions that mostly result from shingles or diabetes. It is also helpful against arthritis and headaches.
Externally applied as a crème or a tincture cayenne pepper reduces pain from shoulder-arm syndrome or spinal defects.
There are no significant side effects known.