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Pain Relieving Ingredient Found In The
Kitchen
(NC)—With current concerns
over pain relievers Celebrex, Vioxx and Naproxen, it's back to
basics for arthritis sufferers. Capsaicin, the hot substance
found in chili peppers, is making a comeback as one of the key
medicinal ingredients in pain relieving topical analgesics.
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What makes capsaicin an effective
temporary pain reliever is its ability to fight pain on the molecular
level. It blocks the emission of substance P, which allows for
the transmission of pain from the nerves to the spinal cord.
It takes advantage of the 'pain
paradox'- pain reduces existing pain by distracting the brain.
Studies show that repeated use
of a capsaicin-based topical analgesic over a couple of weeks
reduces the intensity of pain. Capsaicin-based topical analgesics
have minimal side effects – a slight stinging sensation
may be felt with initial use. Aloe vera soothes if the intensity
is too strong. |
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Most capsaicin based topical analgesics,
such as Relief Matrix, are available without prescriptions. Look
for products with a 0.025% and 0.075% concentration. Although
commonly used to help relieve arthritis pain, topical analgesics
with lower capsaicin concentrations can also be used for general
muscle pain |
