Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Complementary Medicine: Cayenne

Today, many health care institutions are beginning to integrate a new approach using natural therapies and conventional medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is defined as unconventional treatments used in addition to treatment by your doctor. This blending of treatments is an attempt to treat the whole person- mind, spirit, and body.

Cayenne, or often referred to as red pepper or chili pepper, is a hot, fiery pepper originating in the Americas. It is used medicinally for pain relief which is due to the ingredient capsaicin. Capsaicin has been shown to deplete nerve cells of the chemical that helps transmit pain messages.
It can be used topically for joint and muscle pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and even nerve damage resulting from diabetes. Studies support the use of this practice on joint areas close to the skin, such as fingers, knees and elbows. 
Directions to make a cayenne cream can be found here: http://everydayroots.com/arthritis-pain-relief-cream

It is important to remember these are to be blended with conventional practices and results may vary from one individual to the next.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Book of Alternative Medicine

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