Posted by Kenn (152.163.197.197) on February 24, 2000 at 13:43:15:
In Reply to: Possibly useful information for all. posted by Luke on February 24, 2000 at 11:05:49:
My spooky old wife found this in "NATURAL & MEDICINAL CURES" by the editors of "REVENTION MAGAZINE HEALTH BOOKS"...
Page 276: "Research suggests that capsaicin (red pepper) can also help relieve the awful pain of cluster headaches. In one study, people who regularly experienced cluster headaches rubbed a capsaicin preparation inside their nostril and outside their noses on the same side of the head as the headache pain. Within five days, 75% reported less pain and fewer headaches. They also reported burning nostrils and runny noses (Duh) but these side effects subsided within a week."
Also...
"Capsaicin interferes with the action of substance 'P' - a nerve chemical that sends pain messages to the brain."
I've tried this...It worked quite well. I mixed cayenne pepper with Vasoline and just went for it. It was great...I sneezed and snarled and had a great time -- and the headaches did diminish very much.
They say this treatment is known as "counter-irritation." But hey, what do I care, if it helps.
Over-the-counter cream called ZOSTRIX uses capsaicin as its main ingredient.