nurture by nature Cayenne
For a stiff neck, bruised leg or aching knees, the best remedy seems to be to hit the bottle—the bottle of pills that is. Though we are in a world where popping pills appears to be the best cure to any problem, it may be surprising that one of the better cures to pain and inflammation dwells in your spice cabinet.
Cayenne,which contains Capsaicin,can bring temporary relief to arthritis, stiff necks, muscle soreness, sprains, bruises and other aches,says Holly Stutzman, retail support for Whole Body at Whole Foods in Overland Park.
Photo by Megan Weltner
"I mix the spice with some olive oil and apply it as a topical. But be careful, too much of the cayenne can be a problem. But with the right amount, it can ease the pain of a bruise quite quickly." Stutzman says.
Hot health: Cayenne can help relieve pain caused by arthritis, stiff necks, muscle soreness, sprains and bruises.
Capsaicin is the true pain reliever in cayenne. Used in topical ointments such as Zostrix, the compound Capsaicin may initially cause the skin to become red and inflamed with minor pain and burning, but over time the initial reaction lessens and the inflammation is reduced in the affected area. Capsaicin alters
the compound that transfers pain messages to sensors in the brain, therefore eliminating or lessening pain.
Although the initial pain may intimidate some, Stutzman says the pain relief through natural means is worth the short burning sensation. Cayenne is available in liquid extracts, creams, ointments and—for those who just can't give up the bottle—capsules.
Megan Weltner
that's disgusting
Dirty socks
College students are known to leave piles and piles of dirty laundry sitting in their rooms for days. Once in a while, they may even reach into a pile to retrieve a piece of clothing to wear again. Well, you might think twice next time you reach for that soiled, sweaty sock to wear again. Moist, dirty socks are a perfect breeding ground for athlete's foot, says Michael Bell, associate director for infection control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Athlete's foot is common in gyms, locker rooms and community showers, but you may be surprised at the likelihood of your socks carrying the disease as well.
Photo Illustration by Megan Weltner
The common fungal infection on the skin of your feet is also called tinea pedis. The fungus is contracted in public environments and then grows in the warm and moist environment of your socks.
Though letting your dirty socks sit before rewearing them "just that one time" may not seem like a bad idea, that day or two they have been sitting in the laundry bin moist from sweat allows fungus the time to grow.
Photo illustration by Megan Weltner
What stanks? Moist and dirty socks can cause athlete's foot, which can blister, dry out and peel skin.
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The truth is that it is fairly simple to avoid the red, itchy, blistering, dry and peeling skin that comes with athlete's foot. Don't wear dirty socks, and when you are in public places such as locker rooms, gyms and public restrooms, always have a barrier, such as clean sandals, between your skin and the ground.
— Megan Weltner
March 26, 2009
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