What is capsicum?
The use of capsicum in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous.
Capsicum is also known as cayenne pepper, red pepper, African chilies, green pepper, tabasco pepper, paprika, pimiento, Mexican chilies, Louisiana pepper, and others.
Capsicum has been used internally as a gargle for throat irritation or infection, for stomach ailments, and to protect against hardening of the arteries and heart disease.
Capsicum has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of capsicum may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Capsicum may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about capsicum?
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, chili, peppercorns, etc.). You may also be allergic to capsicum.
Do not get capsicum in the eyes. Severe burning, stinging, and eye irritation may occur. If capsicum gets in the eyes, seek medical attention.
Capsicum has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of capsicum may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Who should not take capsicum?
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to peppers (green, red, orange, yellow, chili, , peppercorns, etc.). You may also be allergic to capsicum.
Before taking capsicum, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Capsicum may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether capsicum will be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not take capsicum without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. It is not known whether capsicum will be harmful to a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of capsicum by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.