Guest guest Posted December 15, 2005 Report Share Posted December 15, 2005 Botanical Treatment Options The hot component of cayenne <http://www.emersonecologics.com/Healthnotes/ClinicalEssentials/healthnotes. asp?org=emerson & ContentID=2065009> pepper, known as capsaicin, is used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. In a double-blind trial, a cream containing 0.075% capsaicin, applied TID-QID to the painful area, greatly reduced pain.15 In another study, a preparation containing a lower concentration of capsaicin (0.025%) was also effective.16 Two or more weeks of treatment may be required to get the full benefit of the cream. One case report has been published concerning an elderly woman with postherpetic neuralgia who experienced dramatic analgesia from topical application of 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day.17 Each application produced almost complete analgesia, lasting approximately 6 hours. The woman began to experience redness at the site of application after four weeks of use. The oil was therefore diluted by 80% with almond oil; the diluted preparation did not cause redness, and continued to produce " adequate " though somewhat less-pronounced analgesia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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