Evidence supporting the use of: Cayenne pepper
For the body system: Gums

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) has a long history of traditional use in supporting oral health, including the gums. In various folk medicine systems, cayenne pepper is sometimes applied (usually in diluted form) to the gums to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The active compound, capsaicin, is known for its warming properties and ability to increase circulation. Some proponents believe this can help with gum disease and overall gum health.

However, while there is anecdotal and traditional evidence for its use, there is very limited scientific research specifically examining cayenne pepper’s effects on gum health. The majority of available studies focus on capsaicin's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in other contexts. There are no robust clinical trials demonstrating that cayenne directly benefits the gums, and direct application of cayenne could potentially cause irritation or discomfort in sensitive oral tissues.

In summary, cayenne pepper’s use for supporting gum health is rooted in tradition rather than solid scientific evidence. Although capsaicin has some properties that could theoretically benefit oral tissues, its use for this purpose has not been well studied in modern research.

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