The Effects of Capsicum Spray

Also called cayenne or pepper spray, capsicum is a type of vegetable-producing plant used as a spice, ingredient and for a number of other uses. In spray form, capsicum spray is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Its side effects lend the spray for use as a method of self defense.

History

As a medicinal treatment, use of capsicum dates back 9,000 years in Indian Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditions, say researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Traditionally, capsicum was used for digestive problems, poor appetite and circulatory problems.

Function

Herbalists credit a chemical contained in capsicum spray known as capsaicin as alleviating inflammation, which, in turn, reduces pain.

Uses

Reported medicinal uses of capsicum spray include topical application on the skin for the treatment of arthritis, shingles and nerve pain and inhalation for the relief of nasal congestion.

Clinical Evidence

A 2009 study at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at San Donato Civil Hospital in Arezzo, Italy, and published in the journal "Acta Oto-Laryngologica" found that inhaling capsicum spray reduced symptoms of nasal congestion in patients.

Self Defense

When sprayed directly in the eyes, capsicum causes burning pain and watering, which has led to its use as an ingredient in a self-defense spray used to subdue attackers, known as Oleoresin Capsicum or OC spray. This product should not be used for medicinal purposes.

References

• RxList: Capsicum Effectiveness, Safety and Drug Interactions
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
• Pubmed.gov: Intranasal Capsicum spray in idiopathic rhinitis: a randomized prospective application regimen trial