C
fruit/cup water (SF); 200 mg dry fruit:1 ml alcohol/1 ml water (PED); 30–120 mg powdered cayenne
(PNC); 2–3 (450 mg) capsules 3 ×/day (NH); 1 StX 450 mg capsule 3 ×/day (NH); 0.6–2 mg
capsicum oleoresin (CAN; PNC); topical maximum strength 2.5% (CAN). Topical StX should
contain, methinks 0.0225–0.075% capsaicin, but I see reports of 0.25–0.75% capsaicin (SF). Some
people work with stronger ointments than mine (0.025–0.075% capsaicin); Steve Foster gives levels
10 times higher, and CAN 100 times higher (for capsaicinoids). I consider these higher levels too
strong, if not dangerous.
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Capsicum) — Class 2d. Contraindicated on
broken skin or near eyes (AHP). Commission E reports contraindications: damaged skin, hyper-
sensitivity; adverse effects: irritant properties, rarely allergic reactions. Not to be used for more
than 2 days, with 14-day lapse before reapplying (this is not often followed in this country) (AEH).
The Herbal PDR suggests the same. Not for children under 2 years (WAM). CAN reports capsai-
cinoids to be irritant, “The toxicity of the capsaicinoids has reportedly not been ascribed to any
one specific action but may be due to their causing respiratory failure, bradycardia, and hypoten-
sion.” Chronic administration of capsicum extract (0.5 μg capsaicin/kg body weight; that would
be 50 μg (micrograms) for this 100-kilo rat) to hamsters has been reported toxic (CAN). The oral
LD50 in rats is 190 mg/kg (CAN). The oral LD50 97–294 in mice is such that led TAD to calculate
that for me, a 220-lb (100 kg) rat, I’d need to ingest some 135 to 415 ounces of hot pepper. No
way (TAD). Capsicum may interfere with blood pressure medicines and MAOIs (CAN). Paprika
and/or capsicum may speed other medications (reading that, I went and tried a mixture of grapefruit
juice with black pepper and Tabasco, three well known potentiators of medications). Interesting.
Spicy, but good. Sure beats taking my less-spicy herb (or synthetics for those more unfortunate
than I). Digestive properties of capsaicin may be attributed to an enhancement of digestive enzyme
activities or to indirect effects on vascular endothelia, smooth muscles, and mast cells, resulting in
increase of vascular permeability and of mucosal blood flow. Antigens have been associated with
anaphylaxis and rhinoconjunctivitis (PH2). Hot spices can promote antigen transfer through epi-
thelia and thereby augment sensitization or allergic reactions. Unfortunately, it may also speed up
hepatic metabolism of many drugs, effectively rendering them weaker. Many of my correspondents
find the capsaicin cure worse than their aching ailment. Fleming et al. (1998) have some heavy
duty toxicity info: toxic dosages, possibly leading to life-threatening hypothermia by affecting the
thermoreceptors. Excessive consumption may cause gastroenterosis, hepatic or renal damage
(CAN), or ulcers (SKY). Prolonged consumption of high doses can cause chronic gastrosis, kidney
and liver damage, and neurotoxicity (PHR). Prolonged exposure may deaden the sensitivity to any
pain (PED). “Prolonged exposure to mucosa will make the mucosa insensitive to industrial pollu-
tion” (PED). I don’t know whether that’s supposed to be a plus or a minus (JAD).
CARAMBOLA (Averrhoa carambola L.) ++Activities (Carambola) — Abortifacient (f; WO2); Antidote (f; WO2); Antiinflammatory (f; WO2);
Antipyretic (f; DEP; SKJ); Emetic (f; WO2); Emmenagogue (f; WO2); Fungicide (f; WO2);
Hemostat (f; SKJ); Lactagogue (f; WO2); Parasiticide (f; WO2); Sialagogue (f; SKJ); Vermifuge
(f; WO2).
Indications (Carambola) — Alactea (f; WO2); Amenorrhea (f; WO2); Angina (f; WO2); Aphtha
(f; WO2); Bleeding (f; SKJ); Chickenpox (f; WO2); Colic (f; WO2); Diarrhea (f; PH2); Dysentery
(f; WO2); Fever (f; DEP; PH2; SKJ); Fungus (f; WO2); Headache (f; WO2); Hemorrhoid (f;
PH2); Hepatosis (f; PH2; WO2); Infection (f; WO2); Inflammation (f; WO2); Malaria (f; PH2);
Mycosis (f; WO2); Pain (f; PH2); Parasite (f; WO2); Ringworm (f; WO2); Scabies (f; PH2);
Stress (f; SKJ); Thirst (f; PH2); Vomiting (f; PH2); Worm (f; WO2); Wound (f; DAA); Xerostoma
(f; DAA).