Have you ever had one of those days when you stood a minute too long, walked a bit too far, did a bit too much?
One of those days when - even if you were wearing running shoes or your most comfy slippers - your feet would be sore, tired and inflamed?
If yes, then perhaps you need to spice things up!
Let me explain.
Civilizationsas long as 9,000 years ago relied on cayenne pepper to relieve strains, muscles aches, and joint pain.
And it works wonders on sore feet, too!
Here’s why it works.
Hot peppers, like the cayenne pepper, contain a natural ingredient called capsaicin.
Capsaicin stimulates the release of a compound believed to communicate pain between the nerves in the spinal cord and other parts of the body. It first stimulates and then quickly decreases the intensity of pain signals in the body.
Here are a few ways to use it.
:: Soak.
Stir½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a half-full bucket of warm water. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water.
::Wrap.
Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper on a warm, wet wash cloth. Wrap it around one foot. Repeat on other foot. Rest your wrapped feet for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
:: Powder.
Turn your socks almost inside out, and ¼sprinkle teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the toe sectionof the sock. Then slip your foot inside. Make sure the pepper is distributed evenly across the bottom of each sock. The length of time you wear the socks varies per person - some wear themfor 30 minutes while others wearthem overnight. Rinse your feet.
:: Rub.
Mix2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into1/2 cup of coconut oil. Rub the blended mixinto your feet and cover your feet with socks. Cayenne pepper paired with theanti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil will help soothe inflamed feet.
A few cautions:Cayenne pepper stains - so be very careful when and where you use it! Some people experience an itching sensation the first time they use cayenne pepper treatments. Be sure to wash your hand thoroughly with soap or vinegar after using the pepper to avoid getting it in your eyes.
To help preventswollen, tired, aching feet due to high heels, be sure to addVivian Lou insoles to your shoes. These amazing insoles adjust the pitch and position of the foot in heels so you can wear them 4x longer without pain, aches, soreness, or inflammation!
FAQs
Mix 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper into 1/2 cup of coconut oil. Rub the blended mix into your feet and cover your feet with socks. Cayenne pepper paired with the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil will help soothe inflamed feet.
What does cayenne pepper do to the feet? ›
Cayenne pepper is known for the heat it produces. It improves circulation and promotes healthy blood flow to areas where it may be lacking. The main drawback concerning cayenne pepper is that it can stain your feet and you clothing.
What does cayenne pepper do for neuropathy? ›
Topical analgesic.
Studies show that applying 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin cream topically may also aid in short-term pain relief. It eases pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. It also relieves pain due to neuralgias. These include shingles and diabetic neuropathy.
What does cayenne pepper do for pain? ›
Pain relief
Capsaicin has powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the skin. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain, in your body. When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain, and you feel relief.
Is cayenne pepper good for swollen feet? ›
Some foods that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (like omega-3 foods, citric fruit or cayenne pepper) can help to boost blood circulation. These foods address poor circulation and can relieve or prevent swelling in the ankles and feet.
Does cayenne pepper remove toxins from the body? ›
Cayenne pepper also stimulates the flow of enzyme production, which is essential for the digestive system to work properly. It also stimulates gastric juices that aid the body's ability to metabolize food and toxins.
Is cayenne pepper good for circulation in legs? ›
Cayenne Pepper
This bright red pepper does more than just spice up your food. Thanks to a compound called capsaicin, cayenne pepper can help your arteries work well. It can also help relax the muscles in your blood vessels so blood can flow easily.
Who should not take cayenne pepper? ›
People who take ACE inhibitors should talk to their doctor before taking cayenne. Stomach acid reducers -- Capsaicin can cause an increase in stomach acid, lessening the effect of drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), omeprazole (Prilosec), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
How do you drink cayenne pepper for circulation? ›
Some studies show that increasing your intake of cayenne pepper improves circulation and blood vessel resistance. It can also reduce the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries. A good way to use cayenne pepper is to add a pinch of it to a liter of water and to drink it throughout the day.
How do you take cayenne pepper for medicinal purposes? ›
Take either 30-120 milligram capsules or 0.3-1 milliliter of liquid tincture one to three times per day. You can also make an infusion using up to 1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper per cup of water. Take a 1 teaspoon dose of this mixture in a small amount of water a few times per day.
Other ways to alleviate swollen feet include:
- wearing compression socks or stockings.
- soaking the feet in cool water.
- raising the feet above the heart regularly.
- staying active.
- losing weight if overweight.
- eating a healthy diet and being mindful of salt intake.
- massaging the feet.
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.
How to drain edema fluid from feet? ›
Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down. Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
What part of the body is cayenne pepper good for? ›
Aids digestion: Cayenne pepper can improve gut health and help with digestion by increasing the release of digestive juices. It also increases the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Relieves congestion: Cayenne pepper consumption may help relieve symptoms of congestion including headache and stuffy nose.
Is cayenne pepper an antifungal? ›
Agricultural Research Service scientists also have found that cayenne peppers contain another potent substance in the saponin chemical family that kills several noxious fungi and yeasts.
Is cayenne pepper good for cold feet? ›
Cayenne Pepper To warm up cold feet, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into your socks. This folk remedy may help warm your toes by increasing circulation and improving blood flow.
