Counterirritant capsicum

As with other counterirritants, capsaicin and its derivatives (i.e., capsicum and capsicum oleoresin) exert a warming or burning sensation. With repeated application, desensitization occurs, and the burning sensation subsides. This typically occurs within the first 1 to 2 weeks. After discontinuation,... 

Capsicum has stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, counterirritant, antiseptic, and rubefacient properties. Traditionally, it has been used for colic, flatulent dyspepsia without inflammation, chronic laryngitis (as a gargle), insufficiency of peripheral circulation, and externally for neuralgia, including rheumatic pains and unbroken chilblains. 

Capsaicin (cap-say -i-sin). Also called capsicum, capsaicin is the main ingredient found in many hot peppers (Figure 6.2) and spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in self-defense products such as pepper spray. Capsaicin directly activates nociceptors located on nerve fibers, and thus it would seem to be counterproductive (if not crazy) to apply such a substance on a wound to relieve pain. However, it turns out that capsaicin creams, gels, and lotions are indeed effective pain relievers and counterirritants when applied topically to the skin. 

Most proprietary rubefacient preparations are mixtures of several ingredients, including salicylates, nicotinates and counterirritant substances from natural sources, such as capsicum oleoresin, turpentine oil, camphor and menthol. 

Capsaicin is a counterirritant that depletes and prevents reaccumulation of substance P, principal transmitter of pain impulses, from periphery to the CNS. Capsaicin is indicated in temporary relief of pain from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis relief of neuralgias (e.g., pain after shingles, diabetic neuropathy). Capsaicin is a naturally occurring substance derived from hot chili peppers of the genus Capsicum. 

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendron) oil Capsicum frutescens extract Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) oil PEG-12 palm kernel glycerides PEG-45 palm kernel glycerides Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) oil counterirritant, agric. 

Traditional Medicine. Capsicum has been used internally to treat diarrhea, cramps, colic, toothache, sore throat, laryngitis, asthma, pneumonia, flatulence, poor appetite, and other ailments externally as a counterirritant in rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, cold injuries (chilbains), and others (de smet, rosengarten terrell nadkarni newall). 

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