Rubefacient
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A rubefacient is a substance for external application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
They are believed to relieve pain by a counterirritant effect, and many act via transient receptor potential ion channels. Common medicinal rubefacients include [1]:
- Capsaicin (derived from Cayenne, Capsicum minimum)
- Salicylates (such as Oil of Wintergreen, Methyl Salicylate)
- Nicotinate esters
- Rubbing alcohol
Common herbal rubefacients include:
- Cloves (Eugenia caryphyllus)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia)
- Mustard (Brassica alba or B. nigra)
- Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Mason et al 2004 Systematic review of efficacy of topical rubefacients containing salicylates for the treatment of acute and chronic pain BMJ 328:995
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