Cayenne for Fibromyalgia

Hello Fibro Friends,

Today I wanted to share some information I have found on Cayenne for Fibromyalgia. As many of you know, I frequent different fibro facebook groups, pages, forums and websites looking for anything new to help treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

What people are saying:

Cayenne pepper seems to be helping a lot of people with multiple issues. Here are some forum posts I have found from real people using Cayenne to help treat fibro.

” I take 2 Cayenne pepper capsules every morning with my Honey Potion and I can verify that it helps for Pain, Asthma, Sinus, Cholesterol and High blood pressure. It is in fact extremely good for heart attacks and have save many lives. So now my medical kit has a new member…. Goes everywhere in my car. “

“I’ve heard that cayenne pepper is good for circulation, so I have been experimenting the past few weeks by sprinkling a little on popcorn (along with Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder–yum!) It seems that when I do eat it in the evening, my legs seem better. “

” Hi everyone. I have had Fibro now for 2 years & after being unsuccessfull on any of the meds, have had some progressive success on cayenne pepper & fish oil. I take the cayenne pepper by capsule (capsicum capsules), 2 capsules 3 times a day, & 2x 500mg fish oil 3 times a day. My fatigue has lessened considerably, I am not having my daily sleep anymore, & my overall energy levels have increased. I still get weak in my arms & legs & suffer muscle pain if I overdo it. On a whole though, I am improving. Might be worth a try if you are not succeeding well with meds.”

According to WebM:

Cayenne is used to help with digestion issues including upset stomach, intestinal gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and cramps. It is also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels including poor circulation, excessive blood clotting, high cholesterol, and preventing heart disease.

For those dealing with fibro, here are some pro’s of trying Cayenne. Some people apply capsicum to the skin for pain caused by shingles, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. It is also used topically for nerve pain (neuropathy) associated with diabetes and HIV, other types of nerve pain (neuralgia), and back pain.

Capsicum is also used on the skin to relieve muscle spasms, as a gargle for laryngitis, and to discourage thumb-sucking or nail-biting.

Some people put capsicum inside the nose to treat hay fever, migraineheadache, cluster headache, and sinus infections (sinusitis).

One form of capsicum is currently being studied as a drug for migraine, osteoarthritis, and other painful conditions.

A particular form of capsicum causes intense eye pain and other unpleasant effects when it comes in contact with the face. This form is used in self-defense pepper sprays.

Uses:

“Cayenne” Capsaicin can be found as an active ingredient in an array of creams and lotions to help soothe pain associated with arthritis symptoms. Upon first use, capsaicin cream or lotion may lead to a burning sensation that should lessen with continued use.

Common Names
Cayenne Pepper , Capsicum , African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper
Botanical Name
Capsicum minimum
Family
SOLANACEAE, Nightshade Family

Cayenne for Fibromyalgia Overview:

Hot, stimulating Cayenne peppers are like a jump start to a cold car engine on a frosty morning. It brings welcome life into sore muscles and get your heart beating faster, increasing the flow of blood all through the body. The heat of cayenne warms stiff arthritic joints and relaxes away low back pain. The longer you use it, the better it works. Cayenne works very well for me, I use it every day, sometimes twice a day, for arthritis stiffness, sore muscles, and low back pain. Cayenne infused oil does not burn my skin as much as capsaicin creams. Cayenne salves and oils are my first recommendation to anyone who has problems with pain, however cayenne has many other varied uses that make it one of the most powerful remedies in your kitchen medicine cabinet.

Cayenne for Pain relief: Cayenne pepper extracts are an important part of herbal treatment for muscle pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and the nerve pain caused by shingles and sciatica.¹⁰¹ It appears to act by decreasing the concentration of substance P, the primary chemical used by nerve cells to transmit pain signals. It takes repeated use over a period of at least a few weeks to feel this benefit. Cayenne is also rich in salicylates, natural aspirin like compounds, which add to its analgesic nature. ¹⁰² Cayenne pepper balms, oils and creams are rubefacients,which means it warms the body by quickly dilating small capillaries, and increasing circulation, which reddens, (but does not burn) the skin. This increased circulation is the hallmark of cayenne’s effect on the body, it stimulates the heart, and the lungs as well as increasing blood circulation and warmth throughout the whole system.

Cayenne Pepper Diet: Adding cayenne to your diet plan is a no-brainer. Cayenne, along with other peppers strengthen digestion and lessen the change of bacterial infections from unsanitary food and water. Cayenne peppers also lessen the gas and bloating that comes from eating heavy, greasy foods. Cayenne helps boost your metabolism and induces the body to burn off more fat. Eating more hot spicy foods will help decrease appetite and increase satiety, so you are inclined to eat less. Seasoning with pepper lessens the need for salt and fat in cooking without sacrificing flavor.

Psoriasis Treatment: Capsaicin, the most potent constituent of cayenne, has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of psoriasis. Treatment does produce burning sensations, which are normal and decrease with repeated use. If you buy OTC products look for one that contains menthol, it will help relieve the itching as well. A 1999 study found that treatment with capsaicin caused a marked decrease in psoriasis activity and decreased formation of new skin plaques. ¹⁰³

Heart Health: Cayenne is considered to be a valuable heart tonic. These hot peppers contain capsicum which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cayenne also helps to increase circulation and keeps the blood flowing smoothly through veins and arteries. Cayenne also is high in antioxidants, rounding out its cardiovascular benefits.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-945-Cayenne%20Pepper%20%28CAPSICUM%29.aspx?activeIngredientId=945&activeIngredientName=Cayenne%20Pepper%20%28CAPSICUM%29 , http://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=24&m=1896279, http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail122.php