Sometimes the things that irritate the body can be the most helpful to it. At least, this is the case for the active component of chili peppers. An irritant for many animals, including humans, the component capsaicin causes the peppers to taste “hot” (Mason, 2004). This aspect of the chili pepper causes the neurons to be excited and increases the sensitivity, which causes itchiness and burning sensations (Mason, 2004). These sensations are the defense mechanisms by chili peppers to protect it from being eaten by other species. So how could something that creates an instant negative response in the body be good for it? When extracted and used in a unique method, the capsaicin that creates a burning sensation can actually bring a better sensation. Capsaicin can be used for medical purposes. Three studies show that capsaicin can be used to treat chronic pain, restore cardiac autonomic functions, and maintain modest body-weight loss. However, there is also a deeper effect of these studies that meet the eye.
In a study by Lorna Mason, R. Andrew Moore, Sheena Derry, Jayne E. Edwards, and Henry J. McQuay, the results showed that while the results were not the most effective, topical capsaicin can be used for those who do not respond to other treatments. To reach this conclusion, the following method was used. Registered brand names of capsaicin and capsicum were used to create the topical treatment. Random adults who suffered chronic pain from either neuropathic conditions such as diabetic neuropathic or postherpetic neuralgia, or musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and back pain, were given this treatment. The treatment was .075% capsaicin for neuropathic condition participants and .025% capsaicin for musculoskeletal condition ...
... middle of paper ...
... maintenance was also higher with the capsaicin subjects than the placebo ones. A side effect of the pill was that subjects stated they had a burning feeling in their stomachs. However, this is a reasonable side effect for the benefit of burning more fuel (Lejeune, 2003).
Each of these studies brought a positive result to show that capsaicin is a helpful thing to have in or on the body. Chili peppers have this capsaicin as a natural defense mechanism. Yet it can lessen the pain of various chronic pain (Mason, 2004), be the best initial treatment to PHN (Hempenstall, 2005), be completely beneficial to the heart after exercising (Shin, 2004), and maintain a reasonable body-weight loss ratio (Lejeune, 2003). Yes, there are side effects of using this treatment, such as burning near the applied area or in the stomach when digested, but the benefits outweigh the bad.
Peppermint can be defined as the aromatic leaves of a plant of the mint family, or an essential oil obtained from them, used as a flavoring in food. For instance, WebMD explains the common uses for peppermint in food, peppermints can be used as flavoring agents, and are a common holiday flavor used in many thing such as coffee drinks and cookies.(WebMD, 2009) Peppermints are still technically a chemically enhanced food. For example, Chi Phung explains what chemicals are used to make the hybrid mint, or a mint containing two or more chemicals, methanol creates the mints cooling effect and menthone makes the icy scent. (Chi Phung, 2013) Peppermint essential oils are often used for medical uses as well. According to WebMD, the oil can used for the side effects of the common cold, more specifically coughing, inflammation in the mouth or throat, sinus infections, and bacterial growth.(WebMD, 2009) Also, WebMD states that the oil can be used for digestive problems such as, heart burn, vomiting, cramps, a simple upset stomach, morning sickness, and more serious issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (WebMD,
Nagaland of India contains one of the world’s hottest chilies – the Naga King Chili (Bhut Jolokia). The author of the article, Mary Roach, arrived to Nagaland to experience the Hornbill Festival, in particular, to watch the Naga King Chili-Eating Competition. She aimed to find out and understand the pleasure and pain the Capsicum genus brings to the people who consume it. The Naga King Chili Pepper varies in heat, but can score extremely high on the Scoville heat unit. The contestants of the chili-eating contest began to suffer from the effect of the capsaicin in their digestive tracts. Some experienced hot flashes and unbearable heat from within, others, like the winner of the contest, vomited at the end of the competition. Some competitors were only able to eat a few of the Naga King Chili, however, others ate up to fourteen chilies. Tolerance for capsaicin, according to the article, is largely built on practice. Only a small part is due to genetics. Capsaicin damages pain receptors over time, so if someone continuously eats hot chili peppers, the pain receptors in their nerves will slowly degenerate and become less sensitive. Mary Roach was able to sample the Naga King Chili in small doses, which brings out the wonderful flavors that would otherwise be overwhelmed by the heat of the capsaicin.
A. Chronic pain signifies a developing public health issue of huge magnitudes, mainly in view of aging populations in developed countries (Russo).
band's sometimes classical sound. Leroi plays a Haynes closed hole C foot flute, a Yamaha
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been around for centuries. It is said to have spanned almost the entire history of man. From primitive medicine, mythology, and folklore of ancient times to the traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic systems of medicine, CAM therapies have a broad and captivating past that extends well beyond American medical history (The History of CAM, 2003). CAM is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care. Complimentary medicine is used in conjunction with conventional medical practices. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medical practices. For the projected hundreds of thousands of people that will develop cancer this year, the majority of them will experience cancer related pain. On average seventy-five to ninety percent of cancer patients will feel pain, whether it is pain from a tumor pushing on the surrounding tissue or bone, pain from cancer related treatments, or pain from cancer related surgeries. A growing number of these patients will turn to complementary and alternative therapies to assist with the management of their pain and other cancer-related symptoms. The World Health Organization's suggested approach to pain management begins with the time-honored use of opioids, but recommends the use of adjuvant therapies early in the management process. More patients are using complementary and alternative therapies each year to assist with the management of their pain. Practitioners and researchers must be aware of the evidence that exists to support or refute the use of these therapies (Runnin...
...h an upset stomach, menstrual cramps; I was also told that it would help my sleep at night. Another popular oil is tea tree, I have had personal experiences with this and by putting it on my acne I have seen a dramatic effect with my skin and a reduction of acne. Tea tree oil is also good for burns and ear infections. Peppermint oil is also popular for indigestion as well as mint teas. These each have specific parts of the body that they heal and take affect too.
Some of the health benefits of a jalapeño are it can lower the rate of having a cancer and heart diseases. Burciaga points out that “According to Dr. T. F. Burks of the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that is responsible for piquancy and can effectively relieve certain types of pain”(18). This is one of the reasons why I admired the jalapeno even more. Because not only it makes me eat even more and enjoy my food, but also it can give comfort to some of my pain that I feel inside. Additionally, he also mentioned that “U.S. Government studies show that people living in the Southwest have the lowest rate from heart disease and cancer in the United States”(18).
Some of the health benefits of a jalapeños are it can lower the rate of having a cancer and heart diseases. Burciaga points out that “A chile a day keeps the doctor away. U.S. Government studies show that people living in the Southwest have the lowest rate from heart disease and cancer in the
Integrative medicine is, “…the combination of conventional high-tech medicine with alternative medicine in nontraditional therapies, products, and practices, using the best approaches in healing” (Saxon & Etten & Perkins, 2010). Using this integrative medicine helps for a wider spectrum of possible treatments and to focus on the health of the whole body. This ever growing change in health care has helped with the elderly and the growing issues relating to pain. Each one of these complementary and alternative medicine can benefit the elderly when dealing with chronic pain and an option when looking into pain
It reduces problems such as lack of appetite and also reduces nausea in Aids and cancer patients. It is also a painkiller, reduces inflammation and muscle issues in cancer patients. Marijuana is used to control epileptic seizures. Marijuana also increases effectiveness in treating hepatitis C and reduces the side effects that occur while it is being treated. Marijuana relieves the discomfort that is caused by arthritis. It has been found that marijuana reduces the rate at which cancer cells spread (Welsh & Loria, 2014).
Marijuana relieves the pain, as it has been proven to also cure diseases. In the article, Three Puffs a Day Helped People With Nerve Pain, Study Finds, Kathleen Doheny says, “three puffs a day of cannabis, better known as marijuana, helps people with chronic
Marion Good, PhD, RN, has focused her study, “A Middle-Range Theory of Acute pain Management: Use in Research,” on complementary medicine for pain and stress, acute pain, and stress immunity. The purpose of this theory is to put into practice guidelines for pain management. Good, 1998, noted the need for a balance between medication usage and side effects of pain medications. The theory also promoted patient education related to pain management following surgery and encouraged plan development for acceptable levels of pain management. This theory was developed through deductive reasoning. Chinn & Kramer, 2008, defined deductive reasoning as going from a general concept to a more specific concept. Good, 1998, related that there was a balance between analgesia and side effects in which two outcomes can be deduced: (1) a decrease in pain, and (2) a decrease in side effects. These outcomes can be studied further or more detailed concepts can be deduced from them.
Medically, marijuana has proven to be a productive drug. Studies show marijuana has helped dealing with “pain, muscle spasms, seizure disorders and nausea from cancer chemotherapy.” (Weir) Scientist believes these benefits come from a chemical compound in marijuana called cannabidiol. This chemical is not the active chemical that gives marijuana users the mind-altering effects. With the unce...
Peppermint is said to believe to have many benefits regarding health of the human body. Although many people relate peppermint to the extract we put in foods to give it flavor around the holidays, peppermint oil is used in aroma therapy. Some of its usage is for helping irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, relieves headaches, and improves mental focus. Due to the many health advantages of peppermint oil, it has become a common essential oil used in modern day aroma therapy.
Frequently a person believes that herbal medicine is more naturally safe and soothing than drugs. Nevertheless, there’s no reasonable defense about this. Though many consumers trusted herbal medicine much more than the synthetic medicine because it’s safe and effective, but like anything else, it has its own limitations too. There are several hostile issues related to herbal medicine that has been quite alarming. Notwithstanding, majority of the most popular herbs are at least nearly safe.