How to Make a Capsicum Poultice

Capsicum is the genus of many types of pepper plants, including chili and cayenne peppers. Capsaicin is the chemical in peppers that makes them hot. It can be used topically to relieve symptoms of arthritis, muscle pain, shingles and psoriasis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can use cayenne or chili pepper to make a poultice to relieve pain and inflammation. Capsaicin is a powerful chemical, and even when it's used on the skin as a poultice, you should consult with your doctor first because there are potential drug interactions.

Things You'll Need

• Chili peppers or cayenne pepper
• 2 slices of bread
• Milk
• Cotton cloth or gauze
• Bowl
• Disposable gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Crush four to six dried red chili peppers into very fine pieces. If you are using fresh chili peppers, heat them in a pan over high heat for about a minute, then chop into tiny pieces. Use gloves while working with your peppers to avoid getting pepper particles around your mouth, nose and eyes. You can substitute 1 heaping teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

• 2

  Tear two slices of bread into three or four pieces and place them in the bowl. Add a small amount of hot milk just to moisten the bread. You are trying to achieve a paste-like consistency. Sprinkle the crushed peppers into your milk and bread paste, making sure that the peppers are spread evenly throughout your concoction.

• 3

  Place a small amount of the poultice on your skin as a test to see how well your skin tolerates it. Some people have an allergic reaction to capsaicin. The poultice will get very hot. Check to see if your skin blisters or has any other type of adverse reaction.

• 4

  Spread the poultice onto a warm, moistened cotton cloth or gauze that will completely cover the affected area. Place the poultice directly onto the area where you feel pain or discomfort.

• 5

  Tie a cloth over the capsicum poultice to keep it in place. Never use a heating pad over your poultice, which can cause too much heat and damage the skin. Use the poultice for 20 minutes to an hour as needed for relief.

• 6

  Discard your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. If you didn't wear gloves, wash your hands immediately with vinegar or milk. Capsaicin does not disolve easily with just soap and water. Use milk or vinegar when cleaning the affected area after using your poultice as well. The University of Maryland advises not to bathe or shower in hot water before or after using capsaicin topically.