Cayenne
Capsicum annuum
A hot pepper whose capsaicin has solid evidence in topical creams for nerve and joint pain, and folk use for circulation.
Traditional use (household, indigenous-americas): A hot pepper whose capsaicin has solid evidence in topical creams for nerve and joint pain, and folk use for circulation.
A hot pepper whose capsaicin has solid evidence in topical creams for nerve and joint pain, and folk use for circulation.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- Topical capsaicin for nerve/joint pain
Evidence strength: stronger human.
- See the evidence level above
- Burns skin/eyes and irritates the stomach; topical capsaicin stings before it helps; wash hands well.
- Broken skin
- Eyes/mucous membranes
Burns skin/eyes and irritates the stomach; topical capsaicin stings before it helps; wash hands well.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.