Re: Question about Capsicum/Cayenne

[Guest guest]

>What are the safety precautions and usage rates of capsicum in a

>cream or salve? OTC products carrying this ingredient normally are

>in the 0.025%-0.075% range.

OTC products that list capsicum as an active ingredient are using

Capsicum Oleoresin USP which is defined as an alcoholic extract of the

dried ripe fruits of Capsicum annum var. minimum and small fruited

varieties of C. fruiscons (Solanaceae). It contains not less than 8.0

percent of total capsaicins [capsaicin (C18H27NO3), dihydrocapsaicin

(C18H29NO3), and nordihydrocapsaicin (C17H27NO3)]

I'm concerned that home crafters

>dabbling in herbal " healing salves " may be exceeding a limit that

>surpasses a safe margin of error.

It wouldnt surprise me. Due to a lack of knowledge or misinformation

put out by well meaning people, I feel quite confident that many

homecrafters of creams and lotions have exposed themselves, family and

friends to unsafe levels of many ingredients.

>Another source claims cayenne

>salve is safe for skin cancer removal (something I also wouldn't

>suggest for " questionable " growths).

These charlatans and quacks can be reported to the FDA by going to

http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/buyonlineform.htm

or you can send email to OTCFraud@...

>I'd very much like to know

>what your opinions are concerning this component in salves as to

>what limit should not be exceeded, yet will still give a useful

>result for those aiming to help arthritis sufferers.

Unless youre using Capsicum Oleoresin USP, Id say that you are left

with the trial and error method. Be careful!! Capsicum Oleoresin is a

powerful irritant, and even in minute quantities produces an intense

burning sensation when it comes in contact with the eyes and tender

parts of the skin. Care should be taken to protect the eyes and to

prevent contact of the skin with Capsicum Oleoresin.

Maurice

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MauriceÿO.ÿHeveyÿ

ConvergentÿCosmetics,ÿInc.

http://www.ConvergentCosmetics.com