CAPSAICIN

The "heat" in red pepper (Capsicum), a substance called capsaicin, is a great pain reliever. Applied externally in lotion, it is an effective anti-inflammatory for arthritis. Taken internally, it helps to make headaches go away. Red pepper is a food source of pain-relieving salicylates, the herbal equivalent of aspirin. It also stimulates the production of the body's natural version of aspirin, endorphins, the main source of runner's "high." To reap its benefits, you can eat the spice in food or take it in supplement form. Michael Murray, N.D., a professor of natural medicine at Bastyr University in Bothell, Wash., recommends 25 mg. twice a day for migraines but warns that food allergy can be a cause and should be looked into as well. For lingering pain, such as a backache, you can buy a commercial cream containing capsaicin check with your local natural" food store) and massage it into the painful areas, topically. Wash your hands after use to avoid getting pepper in your eyes. If you intend to use a cream containing capsaicin, test it on a small area of skin first as some people are highly sensitive.


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