Capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the burning sensation you feel when you eat spicy foods, is available in several different forms. You can find it used in medical products, such as creams and ointments for treating arthritis and lower back pain, as well as patches for treating neurological pain. You can also find capsaicin concentrate in the form of powder and liquid. What should you know about the concentrated form?
Liquid or Powder Capsaicin Concentrate?
As mentioned, there are two primary options when it comes to capsaicin concentrate – liquids and powders. While both offer powerful benefits, they’re not the same and they do not really serve the same needs.
Liquids: You’ll find a very wide range of liquid capsaicin concentrate options on the market. For instance, you’ll find essential oils, which are designed to be applied in very small amounts to specific places on the body. You’ll also find capsaicin in castor oil, as well as capsaicin in other liquids. Finally, there is concentrated capsaicin oil, which is a direct derivative of pepper plants.
Powders: Once the chemical leeching process is finished, drying can occur and some manufacturers choose to turn oils into powders by the removal of almost all moisture. Powdered capsaicin concentrate is usually white or yellowish, although other colors are available depending on the additives in the blend. Powdered capsaicin is usually more concentrated than liquid versions, sometimes significantly so. However, this is not true across the board, as any additives will reduce the purity and strength (called “cutting”).
Natural or Synthetic?
If you’re purchasing capsaicin concentrate, you’ll also need to decide if you want natural plant-derived capsaicin, or if you’d prefer synthetic. Both have been proven effective in laboratory testing, but they’re not the same. Really, it will come down to the application you have in mind. For instance, if you intend to use it as a pest deterrent, then the synthetic version is cheaper.
However, if you intend to use it in any form that will be ingested, the natural form is usually recommended. With that being said, some people have serious spice-aversion and the heat of natural capsaicin can be too much. Synthetic capsaicin can be formulated without the same heat, although it is not as widely available as other options.
If you intend to use it as a medicinal treatment, such as putting it into an ointment, or to use as a liquid for rubbing into the skin, either natural or synthetic capsaicin concentrate will work. However, synthetic remains the more affordable choice.
Pay Attention to Quality
As with any other supplement on the market, it is important to pay attention to quality and purity when purchasing capsaicin concentrate. Buy from manufacturers with a reputation for quality and high standards, and ensure that the concentrate you are purchasing is designed to be a good fit for your application. Finally, pay attention to any additives, as these will affect performance and efficacy.