Chili is not just a spice; it is also used as a medicinal treatment in both Eastern and Western medicine. It has analgesic properties, promotes good blood circulation, combats prostate cancer, and reduces nausea after surgery…
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According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chili has effects such as dispelling cold, strengthening the spleen, detoxifying, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and alleviating pain. It is used in many remedies for hair loss, poor appetite, digestive issues, chronic arthritis, stomach pain due to cold, back pain, and joint pain. Fresh chili leaves are applied to treat eczema, snakebites, and boils.
In Western medicine, chili is also utilized, with its active compound being capsaicin. It stimulates the brain to release endomorphins, which are endogenous opioids that create a sense of euphoria and comfort while relieving pain. This is why many people are “addicted” to chili; a meal lacking chili feels unappetizing.
Chili is packed with vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, and copper. Notably, chili contains a high amount of vitamin C. It also helps improve blood circulation, reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, and alleviates high blood pressure.
Medicinal Uses of Chili
Topical medications containing chili extracts are used in the form of tinctures, which stimulate localized areas, dilate blood vessels, reduce bruising, and relieve pain.
Research has been conducted using creams containing capsaicin to block nerves under skin wounds, treating nerve pain caused by shingles.
Chili extracts combined with other active compounds are widely used in Western medicine in various formulations such as:
– Topical creams: Baume Saint Bernard crème used for anti-inflammatory pain relief combined with methyl salicylate, camphor, and menthol.
– Oral medications: Complex Lehning Euphrasia 115 or 58 used in ophthalmology.
– Stick applicators for skin: Curoma baton used for anti-inflammatory purposes.
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– Sublingual tablets: Slimum cp sublingual supports obesity treatment.
Recent Research on Chili’s Effects
The “Hot” Remedy for Back Pain: Chili patches are used to treat pains such as back pain, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pain. The patch improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and reduces pain. After cleaning and drying the painful area, apply the patch for 24 hours. It is advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area beforehand to prevent skin irritation from excessive heat. The patch releases active compounds under the heat of the skin. It should not be used on sensitive skin or areas with skin conditions.
Chili Against Prostate Cancer: Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (USA) injected mice with human cancer cells and administered a solution containing chili extract three times a week. They observed that prostate cancer cells were gradually destroyed, and the tumor growth process slowed down.
Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh (USA) believe that chili can slow the growth of cancer cells, especially pancreatic cancer. This effect is attributed to the spicy compound capsaicin, which acts as a catalyst, causing cancer cells to self-destruct without harming normal cells.
Reducing Nausea After Surgery: Chili extract also helps reduce nausea following hysterectomy surgeries. In a study, patches were applied to acupuncture points before anesthesia and removed 8 hours post-surgery. The results showed that postoperative nausea rates were halved.
