health guides
Chili Peppers
© Steven FosterParts Used & Where Grown
Originally from South America, chili peppers are now used worldwide as a food and spice. Chili peppers include cayenne, jalapeños, habanero, and other peppers characterized by their capsaicin content. The fruit is used medicinally.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Osteoarthritis | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful joints |  [3 stars] When rubbed over painful joints, cayenne extract creams containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin may reduce the pain and tenderness of osteoarthritis. |
Pain | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas | [3 stars] Capsaicin, an extract of cayenne pepper, appears to work by blocking pain signals and may ease many types of chronic pain when applied regularly to the skin. |
Postherpetic Neuralgia and Pain | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas | as Cayenne Topical[3 stars] A component of cayenne pepper known as capsaicin can be applied as a cream or ointment to soothe the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. |
Psoriasis | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over pain areas with unbroken skin | [3 stars] to relieve itching and help heal sores. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which relieves pain and itching and may help heal sores.. |
Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy | Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain | as Cayenne Topical[3 stars] Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) has been shown to relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. |
Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy | Apply an ointment containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times daily to areas of nerve pain | as Cayenne Topical[3 stars] Topically applied capsaicin (from cayenne) may help relieve nerve pain. |
Anal Itching | An ointment containing 0.006% capsaicin, thinly applied three daily for 4 weeks |  [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, topically applying capsaicin relieved chronic anal itching in 70% of patients. |
Cluster Headache | Consult a qualified doctor | [2 stars] Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, applied inside the nostrils may ease the pain of cluster headaches and reduce recurrences.
|
Obesity | 6 to 10 mg of capsinoids or 135 mg of capsaicin per day | [2 stars] Compounds from chili pepper have been found to slightly increase energy expenditure, fat-burning, and weight loss.
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Apply 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin ointment four times per day over painful areas | [2 stars] A cream containing capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, may help relieve pain when rubbed onto arthritic joints. |
Athletic Performance | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne, has been shown to reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis and provide relief from chronic low back pain. |
Bursitis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some doctors recommend using the anti-inflammatory herbs boswellia, turmeric, willow, and topical cayenne ointment for bursitis.
|
Low Back Pain | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Topical cayenne pepper has been used for centuries to reduce pain and to diminish localized pain for a number of conditions. |
Migraine Headache | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Capsaicin, the active constituent of cayenne, may be applied inside the nose as a treatment for acute migraine under a doctor’s supervision. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful by herbalists for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping pains, and wind. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic (a substance believed to improve circulation). Rubbed on the skin, cayenne is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed a counterirritant effect. A counterirritant is something that causes irritation to a tissue to which it is applied, thus distracting from the original irritation (such as joint pain in the case of arthritis).
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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