African Pepper
Scientific Name: Capsicum
Other Names: Bird Pepper, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens, Chili Pepper, Goat's Pod, Mexican Chillies, Paprika, Red Pepper, Tabasco Pepper, Zanzibar Pepper
When should I be careful taking it?
Individuals with allergies to hot peppers of any kind should avoid using capsicum products.
Pregnant women should also avoid taking capsicum because studies have not been performed to test the safety of supplemental capsicum for pregnant women or developing babies. Women who are breast-feeding should not take capsicum by mouth because it passes into breast milk. Cases have been reported of infants who developed reddened or irritated skin after their mothers ate large amounts of capsicum while breast-feeding.
Individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) conditions caused by irritation or infection should not use capsicum orally because it can further irritate the GI tract.
Topical forms of capsicum should be used only on unbroken skin--never on cuts or scraped areas. Skin treated with capsicum should be protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight and it should be left open--not bandaged. If a rash or burning sensation develops, capsicum should be washed off with cool water and not reapplied.
Precautions
For reasons that are not clear, individuals who have allergies to latex or to tropical fruits such as bananas or kiwi may also be allergic to capsicum.
Topical capsicum has not been tested in very young children. Therefore it should not be used for children under 2 years old and it should be used with caution for older children.
Handling fresh or dried capsicum fruits can result in red, irritated, itchy hands. Inhaling it can cause coughing, sneezing, or breathing problems. Individuals who work in growing or packing capsicum or in cooking with it are advised to wear gloves and face masks.
Topical capsicum may be irritating to the hands if it is allowed to remain on the hands after application to other parts of the body, so the hands should be washed thoroughly after application. Individuals who use their hands to apply capsicum should avoid touching their faces and eyes even after their hands are washed, because traces of the oily chemicals in capsicum may remain on the skin. Some manufacturers of capsicum topical forms provide disposable applicators or recommend using disposable plastic gloves to apply the cream.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
