pathoscribe

Written by Yong-Lin Hu | Art by Lily Ozaeta

There are three things absolutely essential to human survival: food, water, and air. Yet amongst the three, food is almost certainly the most versatile, expansive, and culturally significant. It fuels the body and provides it with vital nutrients, but some foods stand out–some of them are super. For millennia, certain foods have also been used for their medicinal properties. Relieving both external and internal conditions, three of these foods include honey, oats, and capsicum.

Honey:

As a natural sweetener commonly used in desserts and drinks, honey is filled with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, and antioxidants. With these components, research has shown that this superfood reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, acts as a reliable cough suppressant, relieves gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea, and may even provide neurological benefits. Among these include helping prevent memory disorders and offering antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and anticonvulsant benefits.  Externally, honey can also be used as an effective wound-healing treatment due to its antimicrobial properties. Its acidic nature, with an average pH of 3.9, inhibits bacterial growth while stimulating the growth of damaged tissues. The sugar within also creates what’s called an osmotic effect, allowing for water to be drawn out of both damaged tissues and bacterial cells. This reduces swelling, encourages lymph circulation–which prompts growths–and further prevents the multiplication of bacteria. It is best to use medical-grade honey for this purpose. However, there is a precaution to keep in mind: babies under the age of 1 should not be exposed to honey. This is because a bacteria found in honey, Clostridium botulinum, can lead to infant botulism, which is a disease where spores colonize an infant’s large intestine and subsequently produce neurotoxins.

Oats:

Oats are a high-fiber, whole grain food. Studies have shown that they are likely effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stomach cancer. Celiacs–people who can’t eat gluten–should generally stray from eating oats as the chances for cross-contamination with foods high in gluten: wheat, barley, or rye are increased. Colloidal oatmeal and adjacent products are also commonly applied topically, where they are often used as home remedies for eczema, rashes, and dry, itchy, or irritated skin. Colloidal oatmeal is processed by grinding whole oats and bran into a very fine powder, allowing for it to be easily incorporated into a variety of products. In comparison, in oat flour, the bran is first removed, then the oats are milled. This makes it easier to achieve a fine power, but without the bran, the beneficial properties sought for become greatly reduced. Oat bran is rich in lipids, which replenishes skin oils, beta glucan, which moisturizes, and avenanthramides, which is an antioxidant unique to oats. With a variety of healthy fats, proteins, antioxidants, and skin-benefiting nutrients within, oat bran is anti-inflammatory, soothes itchiness, helps repair the skin barrier, and is ideal for gentle cleansing. In particular, it is extremely effective for treating atopic dermatitis. 

Capsicum:

Capsicum is the genus from which all chili and bell peppers stem, including jalapeño, cayenne, and habanero. The main active ingredient for most varieties of chili peppers is capsaicin, a compound that causes the hot, burning sensation associated with spicy foods. Capsicum and the specific compound capsaicin have been used around the world in traditional medicine, and recent research has solidified this, suggesting a positive role in relieving pain. Capsaicin has been approved by the FDA to be used topically, through creams, ointments, and gels, as well as through patches, which contain a larger concentration of capsaicin and are only available through prescriptions, for this purpose. Cases where capsaicin may be effective include alleviating symptoms of nerve pain caused by shingles or those with diabetes, chronic pain, back pain, cluster headaches, improve osteoarthritis symptoms, acute pain, and pain post-surgery.When eating, capsicum also excellent sources of phytochemicals, a chemical compound produced by plants that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and other vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Some studies have also linked capsaicin to having an anti-diabetic effect by reducing insulin resistance, helping cells absorb glucose and prevent blood sugar spikes, as well as generally preventing obesity. Furthermore, it may also reduce high blood pressure by releasing chemicals that help widen blood vessels, while suppressing an enzyme that narrows them. It also increases urination, which further reduces blood pressure by removing excess fluid. It then lowers LDL Cholesterol levels, a compound that leads to high cholesterol, and increases HDL cholesterol levels, a lipoprotein that contrary can lower the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Sources:

“Honey.” Mayo Clinic, 10 Aug. 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-honey/art-20363819#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20its%20use,burns%20and%20promote%20wound%20healing. 

“Oats: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions.” RxList, 11 June 2021, https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/oats.htm. 

CAPSICUM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-945/capsicum. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024. 

Nall, Rachel. “Honey on Wounds: When, How, Safety, and Effectiveness.” Healthline, Healthline, 16 Nov. 2018, http://www.healthline.com/health/honey-on-wounds#takeaway. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024.

“Oatmeal Benefits for the Skin: Properties and How to Use.” http://Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 28 Apr. 2021, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oatmeal-benefits-for-the-skin#_noHeaderPrefixedContent. ‌

https://www.facebook.com/verywell. “Colloidal Oatmeal for What’s Irritating Your Skin.” Verywell Health, 2022, http://www.verywellhealth.com/colloidal-oatmea-5323311#:~:text=mady70%20%2F%20Getty%20Images-. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024. ‌

West, Mary. “What Are the Health Benefits of Capsicum?” Medical News Today, 31 Aug. 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/capsicum. Accessed 17 Aug. 2024.