Saunas, cupping, and cold plunging in an ice bath are all common ways pro athletes and mere mortals use to hasten workout recovery. If you think you've tried it all, just wait. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers claims to have found the next best thing in rehabilitation, according to a new interview with the Associated Press.
The 40-year-old football player is drinking a cayenne pepper and water cocktail as part of his rehab regimen.
“T-Mo [New York Jets punter Thomas Morstead] gave me a little fountain of youth he said he’s been taking for a while,” Rodgers told AP. “All legal, of course...He’s been taking like cayenne pepper and water, so he gave me some before the game.”
While you might be tempted to roll your eyes at another athlete spewing some "magic solution" that doesn't actually work, there may actually be some truth behind this unique mixture.
There are plenty of known benefits of capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne.
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Like many other peppers, cayenne is used in Southwestern American, Mexican, and Cajun cuisine. But its uses go far beyond just adding a little spice to a dish. Chinese and Ayurvedic doctors have used cayenne pepper for centuries to help treat circulatory problems and epilepsy, act as a digestive stimulant, and more.
Today, cayenne powder is used in a number of different ways, most often in creams or supplements to reduce pain. Research shows that not only can the use of capsaicin in a cream reduce pain long-term but when taken orally, it may reduce discomfort and relieve pain in athletes.
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So how does cayenne reduce pain? Well, according to Mount Sinai, capsaicin reduces the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord that is responsible for carrying pain signals to your brain. When less substance P is present, the longer it takes for your brain and body to realize you're in pain.
While more research is needed on the uses of oral cayenne in pain relief and recovery, Rogers and Morstead may be onto something. However, before you start downing these spicy concoctions after your morning workout, be prepared for some not-so-fun side effects like stomach irritation and gastritis. Regular cayenne ingestion may also interfere with certain blood-thinning medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen, so check with your doctor before use.
