Natural Health Alternatives

Capsaicin is an herbal ingredient that is in many brands of lotions or creams used regularly to have prolonged pain relief of muscle pain, joint pain, nerve pain,diabetic neuropathy and arthritis. Generally you can buy it in creams,ointments,stick ,pad , gel ,liquid and lotions without having a prescription.These preparations are all available OTC.

Studies from the University of Toronto showed how effective a 0.075% capsiacin cream or a placebo used by 143 patients for neuralgia. After a 6 week period ,those using the capsaicin cream had major pain relief compared to those who did not.

 In another 5 controlled  trials ,showed that  the capsiacin cream to be more effective in relieving pain of the diabetes symptoms of neuropathy.An 8 week study of 235 with diabetic neuropathy of the feet had dramatic relief in reducing the pain. There is no side effects , but you do have to caution in over using it.High doses can cause burning , inflammation or even blisters,be careful not to rub your eyes with your hands .

You will likely experience a warm, burning, stinging sensation when you begin using capsaicin. The sensation, which is expected when beginning use, may actually continue for 2 to 4 weeks. The sensation should lessen the longer you use capsaicin. Reducing the number of daily doses of capsaicin will not reduce the sensation, but it may reduce the pain relief achieved.

Some Precautions :

• Wear gloves when applying capsaicin cream.
• Do not apply it immediately after a hot bath or shower or use it with a heating pad.
• Avoid getting capsaicin cream in eyes and other mucus membranes or broken skin.
• The safety of capsaicin cream in pregnant or nursing women hasn’t been established.

No drug interactions have been reported . Does not interfere with prescriptions.