A red pepper used as both spice and medicine. The heat comes from capsaicin, the same compound that triggers a burning sensation — and capsaicin cream has some of the strongest pain-relief evidence in the herbal world.

Topical capsaicin cream eases nerve pain — diabetic neuropathy, lingering pain after shingles, HIV-related nerve pain
Topical capsaicin eases osteoarthritis pain — one of its best-studied uses
Works by depleting substance P, the chemical messenger nerves use to send pain signals — relief builds over days of consistent use
Long traditional use as a digestive stimulant
May modestly increase the body's calorie burn when eaten regularly

Initial application causes burning that fades with consistent use — this is expected, not a sign to stop

Wash hands thoroughly after handling — capsaicin transfers to eyes and mucous membranes easily and painfully

Use caution with active stomach ulcers — though research is mixed on whether capsaicin makes them worse or better

Use caution with blood thinners at therapeutic oral doses

Never apply topical cream to broken skin or near the eyes

Related literature · not reviewed for these claims

These papers were imported by topic. They may concern plants, laboratory work, or different preparations. Inclusion here does not establish a human health benefit or support the claims above. How to read our sources →

Characterization of 12 Capsicum varieties by evaluation of their carotenoid profile and pungency determination
Daniele Giuffrida, Paola Dugo, Germana Torre · · 2012
Metabolite biodiversity in pepper (Capsicum) fruits of thirty-two diverse accessions: Variation in health-related compounds and implications for breeding
Yuni Wahyuni, Ana‐Rosa Ballester, Enny Sudarmonowati · · 2011
Capsicum: historical and botanical perspectives
Saikat Basu, Amit Krishna De · · 2003
Changes in Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Pepper Cultivars (<i>Capsicum </i>Species) As Influenced by Maturity
Luke R. Howard, Stephen T. Talcott, C. H. Brenes · · 2000
Capsaicin: A Chemical Probe for Sensory Neuron Mechanisms
J.I. Nagy · · 1982

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

Works with

Ginger Cayenne (capsaicin, thermogenesis) and ginger (gingerols, thermogenic, anti-nausea) overlap in digestion, circulation, and pain modulation.

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