The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is an anti-inflammatory. Therefore, cayenne pepper helps reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. Cayenne pepper is also a natural pain reliever. It works quickly to ease the pain of arthritis, even rheumatism. Most of the medications prescribed for rheumatism have to be strong, because this disease can be so painful and debilitating. Isn’t it wonderful to know there is a natural solution that can help the body grow free of the pain and swelling of even the worst arthritic conditions?
Cayenne pepper can be applied externally to joints as a poultice, to draw out the pain and to soothe. Cayenne pepper can be mixed with milk or water as an effective poultice. Try a little on a test area to check for skin reactions. Cayenne pepper taken internally also works to relieve the pain and swelling of the joints.
Cayenne pepper can even reduce the pain and inflammation of costochondritis, a painful condition that affects the cartilage in the rib cage. Costochondritis hurts with every breath. Taken internally, cayenne pepper goes to work to alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling, so you can breathe more freely.
One of the most brilliant methods for curing arthritis is what one of my friends used on her own mother’s hands. First, she soaked 8 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 4 tablespoons of ginger root, and 4 tablespoons of mustard powder in 16 ounces of wintergreen oil. She let that sit in a jar for about fourteen days. Finally, she strained the mixture and added 6 ounces of menthol crystals. She made sure to dissolve the crystals into the oil by putting the jar in a double boiler.
By applying the oil to her mother’s hands, the swelling of her joints was greatly reduced.