Can Cayenne Peppers Really Cure A Headache?
By Dr. Joseph Mercola
Chronic
headache sufferers may soon have some new alternatives. The active
ingredient in cayenne peppers, capsaicin, is believed to bring headache
relief by depleting Substance P, a neurotransmitter that helps send pain
signals.
Although some are still skeptical, a number of studies have tested the
claim, and most have found evidence to support it. One prominent study on
capsaicin for pain relief was published back in 1998 in the Clinical Journal
of Pain. Their review of 33 previous studies found that capsaicin worked
better than a placebo for cluster headaches.
Most studies suggest that the capsaicin needs to be applied topically, such
as swabbing the inside of your nose, in order for it to be effective.
Sources:
New York Times October 30, 2007
Clinical Journal of Pain June 1998;14(2):97-106
Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, is definitely one of your more
multi-functional spices, so if you’re a lover of hot and spicy food, that’s
great news. Some of the research into the health benefits of capsaicin (its
active ingredient) has found that it may:
-
Reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice, when injected into the pancreas
-
Relieve stomach aches, and gas
-
Help fight cancer, by binding to proteins in cancer cell mitochondria,
triggering cellular death without harming healthy cells
When it comes down to it, all this research into the benefits of food
products really points out the importance that your diet plays in your
overall health – even though they are narrow-mindedly focusing on picking
out the active ingredients to be able to patent it and put it in a pill.
Other Natural Treatment Options for Your Headaches
Headaches can generally be divided into two types, tension and migraine.
Migraine can be extremely debilitating, and many of the drugs used to treat
migraines are effective in relieving this severe pain, offering welcome
relief. Unfortunately, they do absolutely nothing to treat the cause and in
fact actually contribute to your problem as after a short while they might
cause rebound headaches themselves.
Fortunately, many natural treatment options exist that can help treat
migraines. These should always be considered first, as drugs to treat
migraines can make your problem worse, and often come with other serious
side effects.
Natural Solutions Are Your BEST Option
Following my eating plan, which is designed to take your personal
biochemistry into account, so that you’re eating the right foods for your
nutritional type, seems to reduce headaches and migraines by about 80
percent.
Avoiding wheat, grains, sugar, artificial preservatives, and all fluids but
water seem to be particularly effective.
However, your customized eating plan does take some time to work. In the
past, I have used intravenous magnesium to relieve the headache pain, but
now I find that the Emotional Freedom Technique is incredibly effective.
Oftentimes it can remove your pain in as little as a few minutes.
I am sure it won’t work for everyone, but I have yet to find that person. I
have found it to be truly amazing. And, as time goes on, more and more
people (including some more open-minded medical professionals) will begin to
accept the truth about energy medicine, as the facts about the “New Biology”
becomes more widespread.
The New Biology is based on the science of epigenetics, which literally
means that your mind is in control over your genes – nothing in your medical
history is preordained. In essence, your mind is in total control over your
physical body, and the ailments you develop. This is not a very popular
truth as of yet, as most people are not willing to accept that they carry
the responsibility for their health.
But, it may very well explain why energy psychology tools, such as EFT, are
so effective, and can be used for such a wide variety of ailments. EFT can
also be used to eliminate food cravings, which can help you stick to your
eating plan.
One final, simple tip to free yourself from migraine pain -- start an
exercise program. This will help to improve your response to stress along
with the underlying inflammatory conditions that can trigger migraines.
Remember, your pain typically serves a very useful purpose, signaling that
something is not right -- prompting you to resolve your problem at its root
level.
Unfortunately, most are brainwashed and resort to a drug model to cover the
problem up. So I take the position of embracing and loving pain for the
important warning signal it can provide. Once you understand what is causing
your pain you can start using natural therapies to address the underlying
cause.
©Copyright 2007 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All
Rights Reserved
****
About Dr. Joseph Mercola:
It is my vision to transform the existing medical paradigm from
one addicted
to pharmaceuticals, surgeries and other methods that only conceal
or remove
specific symptoms - with morbid results to our health and economy --
to one
focused on treating and preventing the underlying causes.
I will achieve this through Mercola.com by providing you with comprehensive,
clear and researched guidance on the best nutrition, medical, emotional therapy
and lifestyle choices to improve and maintain total health.
Visit www.Mercola.com to learn more!
