Indications

Gastrointestinal
• flatulent dyspepsia
• colic
• abdominal distension
• flatulence

CNS
• neuralgias (topically)
• peripheral neuropathy
• shingles
• headaches
• migraines (topically)
• cluster headaches (topically)

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatic conditions
• myalgia
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• chilblains

Cardiovascular
• poor circulation
- Raynaud's syndrome

Respiratory
• thins mucous in conditions with lung or sinus congestion
• bronchitis
• rhinitis
• sinusitis

Endorine
• sluggish metabolism
• obesity

Actions

• Carminative
• Antispasmodic
• Analgesic (Topical)
• Anodyne
• Stimulant
• Decongestant
• Counterirritant (Rubefacient)
• Circulatory Tonic
• Pungent
• Diaphoretic
• Thermogenic
• Expectorant

Constituents

• Phenolic-Alkylamides (Capsaicinoid)
• Carotenoids
• Volatile Oils
• Saponins

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 0.25-1 ml tid
• Infusion: 0.5-1 tsp in cup of boiling water and take 1 tbsp of the mixture
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 1-3 ml tid
• Creams (0.02-0.05%): as needed

Safety

Caution: Avoid contact with exposed and/or sensitive tissues.

Side effects: May cause GI irritation in sensitive individuals. May aggravate GERD. May aggravate dry cough.

Interactions

• ACE inhibitors • may cause dry cough.

References

"Show references"

"Hide references"

Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002