Expert: Dennis Leppanen - 6/9/2009

Question
Dennis,

I have frequent back/neck pain as well as sinus headaches. I have been looking for a natural alternative to the ibuprofen & acetaminophen that I often take. Would taking Cayenne supplements be a solution? If so, what would the proper dosage be - or can it be taken as needed? Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi David,

Yes, many herbalists consider cayenne pepper one of the most useful and valuable herb in the herb kingdom.

It contains a compound known as (capsaicin) that relieves pain, apparently by inhibiting the release of substance P, a neurotransmitter responsible for communicating pain sensations. Capsaicin can be absorbed through the skin; mis cayenene powder with enough wintergreen oil or white skin cream, such as cold cream, until it is pink in color. Apply it to a small area of the skin to test if it burns you. If good to go, rub it in to the painful area the back/neck.

You can also purchase capsaicin cream in the drugstore at a higher price.

You can also purchase capsules at an herb store. Follow label directions.

For headaches, you could try snorting small amounts of cayenne pepper up your nose. Do it slowly and carefully.

For sinus headaches, increase intake of vitamins A and C. Used mostly to help the sinuses drain.

I like to use Feverfew for headaches. Purchase at herb store and use as directed.

For sinus headaches, make salve from ginger, peppermint oil and wintergreen oil and rub the salve across the sinus area.

These should help.

Dennis