May Be Natural Pain Relievers

When applied externally, capsaicin in jalapeños is a powerful pain reliever. By momentarily shutting off the pain receptors in the affected location, it reduces discomfort. Numbness and the absence of pain may be experienced after the initial searing sensation. Lotions and patches containing capsaicin are often used to treat shingles pain, diabetic nerve pain, and chronic muscle and joint pain.

In one study, older people with rheumatoid arthritis who applied a capsaicin cream to their joints reported a 57% decrease in pain. This was noticeably more efficient than the cream used as a placebo. Capsaicin can be used as a nasal spray in addition to topical application on the skin to treat migraines. It's not known whether eating jalapenos or applying them to the skin has the same pain-relieving effects as capsaicin-containing creams and sprays.