Cayenne
Capsicum frutescens
Hot chili pepper. In the EU, cayenne extract in skin plasters and creams is an accepted medicine for muscle pain such as low back pain.
What is Cayenne?
- Plant family
- Solanaceae, the nightshade family
- Parts used
- The ripe, dried fruit (chili pepper); as medicine, an extract in skin plasters and creams
- Genus
- Capsicum
- Species
- frutescens
Also called
Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Capsicum, Capsaicin
Older scientific names
Capsicum annuum
Traditionally used for
- Muscle and low back pain (on the skin)
- Spice
- Irritable bowel syndrome (small trial)
Traditionally described as
- Warms the skin and increases blood flow
Health topics
Where Cayenne appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
In a small trial, chili capsules eased burning belly pain after meals in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea.
Safety
Who should avoid it
Don't use cayenne plasters or creams on broken skin, wounds or eczema, or if you're allergic to chili or peppers. Keep them away from the eyes and the inside of the mouth and nose, and wash your hands after touching them.[1]
Side effects
Redness and warmth of the skin are expected and fade after removal. Burning, stinging or itching can happen, especially in the first days. Rarely (up to 1 in 1,000 people), it causes allergic reactions such as hives or blisters; stop using it if this happens.[1]
Pregnancy
There's no information on its use in pregnancy. Capsaicin crosses the placenta and may pass into breast milk, and very high doses harmed reproduction in animal studies. It should only be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding after carefully weighing the risks and benefits.[1]
Depends on how it's prepared
Avoid extra heat while using it, such as heating pads, sunlamps or hot water; sweating from exercise can also make it hotter. Remove it if the heat feels too strong. Don't use other creams, gels or plasters on the same spot, even up to 12 hours after removing it.[1]
What does the research say?
Research in people
The European Medicines Agency accepts cayenne extract, in plasters and creams put on the skin, as an established medicine for relief of muscle pain such as low back pain. Its hot compounds (capsaicinoids) increase blood flow and warm the skin.
- Plaster: no more than 1 a day, left on for 4 to 12 hours, with at least 12 hours before another on the same spot
- Use until the pain eases, for up to 3 weeks, then take a break of at least 2 weeks
It's for adults only.[1]
In a small 2014 trial, 16 people with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea took chili capsules and dummy capsules before meals 3 times a day, for 6 weeks each. Chili reduced burning belly pain after meals and made the rectum less sensitive to stretching.[2]
Technical detail: randomized, double-blind crossover; rectal sensory threshold measured with a barostat.
In short
Not on broken skin, near the eyes, or with heating pads. Use for up to 3 weeks, then take a 2-week break.
Sources
- [1] European Union herbal monograph on Capsicum annuum L. var. minimum (Miller) Heiser and small fruited varieties of Capsicum frutescens L., fructus (EMA/HMPC/674139/2013) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] Effects of Chili Treatment on Gastrointestinal and Rectal Sensation in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Crossover Study — Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility · DOI: 10.5056/jnm14022Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.