Most of us who like to have a good time are well aware of the downfalls of a hangover. Hangovers are also a major problem for American business in terms of lost work time and decreased productivity. Now there’s a very odd cure that’s been discovered for the common hangover, and the secret is natural hot pepper extract. First discovered by Howard Stern fans, this powerful hangover remedy is now gaining a reputation as a drinker’s best friend.

Altamont, NY (PRWeb) July, 19 2004 — Alcohol usage costs American businesses more than 140 billion dollars each year, and much of the expense is due to “employee hangovers” leading to increased sick days, and decreased productivity. The estimated cost of hangovers averages out to nearly $2,000 for every U.S. worker, and although it would seem the biggest cost in lost work productivity would be caused by heavy drinkers, it’s actually light to moderate drinkers who account for most work related costs.

Although hangovers have been widely recognized since ancient times, there is still no official medical definition for the condition. Classic symptoms can include headache, nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite, shakiness, fatigue, and an overall “crappy” feeling. Generally, if an alcohol drinker has two or more of these symptoms, he or she is experiencing a hangover.

The symptoms can appear very “flu like” due to numerous chemical changes in the balance of hormones and certain neurotransmitters within the body. When people react adversely to alcohol consumption, they also experience a neurological imbalance that increases the heart rate, and multiplies the workload on the heart itself. Furthermore, brain waves and neuromuscular performance slow down significantly for up to 24 hours after the alcohol has cleared the body. It’s these biological changes that lead to the “morning after” hangover.

Though it’s also important to note that hangovers don’t always happen the morning after, sometimes they occur immediately after a person drinks, such as with a condition known as “wine headaches”. Studies show that nearly 30% of red wine drinkers receive a headache from just one glass – some on a chronic basis, and some only occasionally. This number increases to 40% for two glasses of red wine.

Of course wine isn’t the only culprit when it comes to alcohol headaches. It’s estimated that 60% of drinkers can receive an immediate headache from just one drink that doesn’t agree with them. Surveys show that it only takes an average of three drinks to induce a hangover, and some people drink so infrequently they only need one or two drinks to experience a hangover.

Although the medical symptoms of hangovers are well accepted, researchers aren’t quite sure exactly what causes them. Many physicians believe hangovers are caused by a combination of factors that may include allergies to sulfites, grains, and sugars associated with the fermentation of alcohol. Other factors may include pre-existing conditions such as vascular disease, migraine headaches, empty stomach, lack of sleep, psychosocial factors, increased physical activity while drinking, and dehydration. Another interesting fact concerns the children of alcoholic parents who report greater hangover symptoms than the children of non-alcoholics.

Researchers also know that (6 drinks) consumed by a 175 lb male, and (3-4 drinks) in a 135 lb woman will almost always lead to a hangover on some level. Therefore, not drinking enough to get drunk can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a hangover. Of course many people believe that a hangover is nature’s way of preventing future excess drinking. However, studies have found that hangovers do not deter drinking, and instead may actually encourage some people to drink more. Known throughout history as an “Eye Opener,” or “Hair Of The Dog”, surveys have shown that many hangover sufferers will drink more alcohol in a futile to reverse its effects the day after.

Although science has come up with a few minimally effective hangover prevention products, no product has addressed the actual symptoms of a hangover until now. The product, known as the “Sinus Buster” is the world’s first all natural nasal spray made with hot pepper extract. Sinus Buster was originally marketed only as a headache and sinus remedy, but it turns out this herbal formula also relieves the headache pain and feeling of “cobwebs on the brain” associated with classic hangovers.

The secret comes from a natural hot pepper extract known as Capsaicin, the chemical that puts the “Hot” in hot peppers. The capsaicin in Sinus Buster instantly reverses hangover symptoms, and gives the user a rush of natural endorphins which leads to a feeling of overall well being.

The exclusive Sinus Buster formula uses a combination of Capsaicin, Eucalyptus, Rosemary extract, Sea salt, Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera gel mixed in a base of highly purified water. Although the bite for first time users is significant, it leaves the nasal passages and sinuses feeling rejuvenated and healthy according to officials at SiCap Industries, makers of the Sinus Buster.

The company first started hearing from hangover sufferers after the Sinus Buster got a plug on The Howard Stern Show. It turns out the president of SiCap Industries had worked in radio and television until he was fired by the infamous Clear Channel Communications, the same company that canned Stern from 4 markets earlier this summer. When Stern had first been biten by Clear Channel, he had SiCap’s president on to dish some dirt on the hated corporation.

“We obviously knew the sinus buster could stop pretty much any headache or sinus condition, but we hadn’t thought about hangovers until we started hearing from hundreds of customers who said it instantly worked for them. It all happened after Howard Stern let me plug the sinus buster on his show, and the response was huge. His audience is very loyal and they like to buy stuff. Thanks to Howard, we got a boost of orders that allowed us to go from a basement operation into our own building. We even bought a labeling machine. We love Howard at SiCap. In fact, we’re going to advertise with him sometime in the future. We just can’t afford it quite yet, but man he’s worth every penny. Any company looking to advertise should definitely do it on Stern,” says Wayne Perry, president of SiCap Industries.

Perry says Howard Stern fans are now a large percentage of their regular customer base, and they apparently like to drink - a lot.

“It’s funny because Stern fans like to let us know where they heard about us. A lot of Stern fans write us about getting one of Howard’s crew, Artie Lange to try the buster for his hangovers. All the Stern listeners know Artie loves to party. Actually that’s not a bad idea. Artie ought to try sinus buster since he’s got a hangover probably three days a week. A couple shots of buster and Artie would be ready to go at it all over again. This stuff really does beat a hangover instantly,” adds Perry.

Aside from the near instant reversal of classic hangover symptoms, a couple shots of the Sinus Buster taken when you first start drinking will usually prevent wine headaches and even hangovers the morning after. Users say it wakes you up right away, and many people feel it also helps to sober them up with a feeling of rejuvenation and focus.

The Sinus Buster was recently touted in the nationally renowned “Ms. Fitness Magazine” as an excellent workout booster due to its ability to make the body release a fast and furious amount of natural endorphins. According to users, one blast of the Sinus Buster is the equivalent of a “runner’s high” which makes for great workouts from the start.

“It’s incredible the rush you get when this stuff hits the back of your head. It really gets me going before I workout and it’s great for that period when I get fatigued in the middle of my routine. The buster really works and it’s even better on hangovers. Believe me I should know,” says Brian Steel, a Sinus Buster user from upstate New York.

Another long time Sinus Buster user also credits this unique nasal spray with giving him a sobering effect after having too much to drink.

“I had a pretty good buzz one night. I definitely had a lot to drink, and I was feeling a headache coming on. My girlfriend got me to try it and one blast knocked my headache away and totally woke me up. It burned like hell at first, but I liked it, and it sobered me up too. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing,” jokes Matt Pezzula who’s been using the Sinus Buster for nearly a year now.

So it seems hot peppers may replace the old fashioned “Hair of the Dog” as an effective hangover remedy, and you can be assured the Sinus Buster pepper nasal spray has a lot more bite than it does bark.

To learn more about the power of pepper for fighting hangovers, go to (www.sinusbuster.com). This website also has a page on basic hangover prevention tips that may be of some help. Samples and media kits are available upon request for qualified media and medical personnel.

SiCap Industries, makers of the world’s first hot pepper nasal spray has launched another innovative natural health product based on the medicinal power of hot peppers. “Pepper Boost” is a liquid nutritional supplement made with a special hot pepper extract, and it may be the next big thing in weight loss management. The formula uses a combination of “all natural” herbal ingredients (including feverfew & green tea extract), aimed at boosting your metabolism, increasing circulation, and preventing a host of circulatory related diseases. Unlike other liquid nutritional supplements, Pepper Boost is delivered in a spray form that’s applied directly to the tongue, or on foods that go well with lime and pepper such as salads, fish, and chicken.

Altamont, NY (PR Web) May 24, 2004 — There’s no doubt two of the most important keys to living a long life include having a healthy metabolism and good circulation, and now there’s a new product on the market designed to turn both these keys with a real boost. It’s the world’s first liquid capsaicin supplement known as “Pepper Boost,” and it’s being touted as a breakthrough in promoting natural weight loss by suppressing the appetite and boosting the metabolism.

Pepper Boost uses “Oleoresin Capsicum,” a natural chili pepper extract as one of its’ main active ingredients. Used primarily in the food industry, liquid capsicum is a powerful concentrated form of pepper with the active ingredient being capsaicin. Capsaicin is the natural chemical that puts the “Hot” in hot peppers.

The Pepper Boost formula uses a combination of natural herbal extracts to create a powerful cocktail that’s applied in the form of a spray. The product comes in a 2 ounce bottle that can be sprayed directly on the tongue, or on foods that go well with lime and pepper.

“Pepper Boost is designed for people who want to get their daily supply of capsaicin, but may not want to eat piles of peppers to do it. It doesn’t mean you should cut out eating hot peppers. Instead it’s designed to be a supplement that puts a concentrated amount of capsaicin into your system quickly and efficiently,” says Joyce Newman, creator of the website (www.pepperhealth.com).

Newman’s website focuses on the health benefits of peppers, (especially the hot stuff) and she believes Pepper Boost could be the next big thing in weight loss and circulatory health.

“It’s really powerful stuff. I like to spray it on my salads and it’s great on any kind of grilled food, even steak. It has a nice lime aroma and taste, and when you spray it on your tongue it gives you a fast boost sensation. I usually take 5 sprays five times a day, and it really wakes me up especially in the afternoon around that 4 O’clock hour. In fact, I like it so much it’s become part of my daily regimen. The company that makes it sent me a sample about three weeks ago, and I’m already running out. Guess I’ll have to buy it now,” adds Newman.

The folks at (pepperhealth.com) might be on the right track since there are some very well regarded studies that show capsaicin can increase metabolic activity dramatically while simultaneously suppressing the appetite.

One such study was conducted at the Oxford Polytechnic Institute in England. The 1986 “small case” study used twelve volunteers from various backgrounds who ingested capsaicin through various food sources. Their data showed that digestion of spicy foods did boost the metabolism in all the volunteers. According to this article, ingestion of capsaicin triggers a thermodynamic burn that can last up to five hours thus speeding up the metabolism and melting calories. It’s this thermal heat action that makes capsaicin so unique.

“It’s been proven that capsaicin definitely boosts your metabolism, but the medicinal benefits go way beyond that. Capsaicin has also been shown to prevent abnormal blood clotting that can lead to stroke and heart attack, and it absolutely can help with circulatory disorders,” says Wayne Perry, President of SiCap Industries, makers of Pepper Boost.

Pepper Boost may also be beneficial for diabetics who face a host of circulatory problems. Although Pepper Boost does contain a small amount of honey, the manufacturer claims it’s not enough to adversely effect the average diabetic under a doctor’s direct supervision.

“We do warn users on the label that pepper boost isn’t meant for diabetics. We do this as a general warning, but truthfully as long as they monitor their sugar and follow the directions, most diabetics can use this formula. The amount of honey is so low. Less than one half of a milliliter, or one eighth of a teaspoon per bottle. At 60 servings per bottle we’re talking only about one five hundredth of a teaspoon of honey per serving — so it’s safe for most diabetics as long as they watch their sugar and do it under the direct supervision of their doctors. The honey is really just in there to take the edge off the tanginess, and we find it’s necessary in the formula,” adds Perry.

Diabetics aside, the real intent of Pepper Boost is to aide in boosting the metabolism and helping the body burn fat and calories more efficiently. A recent article in “A.A.R.P. Magazine” touted capsaicin as “an effective weight loss tool that revs up your metabolism so you can burn more calories even when you’re not exercising.”

One of the first Pepper Boost users who was included in a local focus group claims he gets a real boost from the product when it’s sprayed directly on the tongue, but he also likes the fact that he can spray it on so many foods.

“I’ll tell you what. It tastes great on pizza. I got some of my friends doing it, and now every time we get a pizza, I bring out the pepper boost along with the parmesan cheese. It adds a real smooth lime and pepper taste to the pizza. Pizza shops ought to carry the stuff. They’d probably make a killing on it,” says Steve Fellows of Delmar, New York.

Officials at SiCap Industries are already hip to the idea of getting Pepper Boost into the restaurant industry. They’ve already been approached by several restaurant chains looking to cash in on the popularity of hot peppers by including Pepper Boost on their tables and at their salad bars as a condiment.

“It makes sense that Pepper Boost would be a great gimmick for any restaurant because it’s really terrific on any food. It gives both fresh and grilled foods a real extra tangy spice, but it’s not too hot for even the mildest pallet. The great thing about the formula is the more you use, the hotter it gets — so pepper boost fits every appetite. It’s got a very refreshing taste, and I even know a lot of locals spraying it in their Coronas,” says Bob Haines, VP of Manufacturing for SiCap Industries.

As far as getting into restaurants, SiCap Industries does see a future for Pepper Boost, but the company’s management is taking a cautious approach to how they expose their new product.

“We’re definitely planning on going in the restaurant direction, but we may want to do something exclusive with one chain instead of making Pepper Boost available everywhere. I don’t want to see it in just any eatery. Like I wouldn’t think Burger King would be the right place for our product, but it would definitely fit in a chain like Chili’s. That would make sense to me. A lot of restaurants are just trying to cash in on the hot pepper health craze, but this product is the real deal and we don’t want to exploit it. It’s a natural health supplement that’s meant to be sprayed on food, and it tastes great too. But most importantly, it’s a natural metabolic booster so it can help you lose weight. It’s an innovative idea for restaurants, but right now we’re concentrating on the internet sales. Stores and resaurants will definitely follow,” says Wayne Perry.

Perry wouldn’t say which restaurants have inquired about carrying Pepper Boost, but he did say there were a couple major chains interested. Furthermore, he says Pepper Boost does not have to be refrigerated although it can be.

“Just like any liquid herbal based product, I wouldn’t leave it in the direct 100 degree sun for 20 hours, but it doesn’t go bad. We use natural preservatives such as rosemary extract and ascorbic acid which is pure vitamin-c. The essential lime oil is also a super antiseptic along with the capsaicin itself. We’ve put the product under every test imaginable and it lasts for months and months with no change in the structural make up. This was an important aspect of the product for us because we wanted people to be able to carry it with them so they can use it regularly and when they’re eating on the road. Of course you don’t have to just spray it on food. Pepper Boost will give you a real noticeable energy boost when you apply five sprays to the tongue,” adds Perry.

Pepper Boost does not contain any stimulants although the manufacturer warns that there is an insignificant trace amount of natural caffeine due to the use of “Green Tea Extract”.

“We’re talking about nearly untraceable amounts of caffeine. Not even enough to be listed on our label, but we let people know anyway because we believe in giving the customer every detail concerning our products. After all, your health is number one – especially when it goes bad on you,” says Perry.

The Pepper Boost label also warns that pregnant women and nursing women shouldn’t take this product only because it does contain feverfew. Feverfew is a natural extract from a certain variety of Chrysanthemum plant. It’s known as a powerful circulation booster that can thin the blood somewhat. So as far as people who are on anti-coagulant drugs, they need to take this product under a doctor’s supervision and many of them may be able to reduce their intake of prescription blood thinners by replacing them with the capsaicin supplement, but again – only under their doctor’s supervision

But if you’re basically in good health, and you’re not pregnant, nursing, or on anti-coagulant drugs, Pepper Boost is a safe and more effective alternative to all those “so-called” metabolic fat burner pills and powders on the market. Many studies show dried pulverized plant compounds are far less potent than the natural resins they are made from, and SiCap’s Pepper Boost spray uses only the natural herbal extracts and resins cultivated and extracted from plants in their natural organic state.

“We’re launching pepper boost just like we did our first product the sinus buster. With the sinus buster we took great pains in creating the most potent and most effective sinus and headache reliever ever made, and there are thousands of folks out there who’ll tell you we’ve succeeded. And now we’ve got the most effective metabolic booster in the weight loss business. Along with the SiCap reputation, that really means something. This is another breakthrough for us,” adds Bob Haines.

Interestingly enough, SiCap Industries stands for “The Science Of Capsaicin,” and with the launch of Pepper Boost, the company now has two “one of a kind” natural capsaicin health products – the first being the world’s first hot pepper nasal spray known as “The Sinus Buster”.

Next the company plans on releasing its’ own version of the infamous “Master Cleanser” made famous by the self titled book, and Robin Quivers of the Howard Stern Show. Quivers drinks a cocktail of cayenne pepper, maple syrup, and lemon juice daily, and she credits it with her new found health and incredible weight loss. SiCap officials are still very secretive about their new master cleanser, but Wayne Perry told me the product is ready to launch, and he even leaked the name, “Pepper Clean”. Perry said this product will be the first daily drinkable capsaicin supplement aimed at cleansing your system of toxins and promoting natural metabolic wellness. MMMM — Is there a pattern here? I guess the only way to end is to say “SiCap’s their name, and pepper’s their game.”

If you’d like more information about peppers and health: go to (www.pepperhealth.com)

If you’d like more information about Pepper Boost: go to (www.pepperboost.com)

For more information on The Sinus Buster or other SiCap products: go to (www.sinusbuster.com)