It's unfortunate that pain is so damn complex. It seems possible that repeatedly oral exposure to capsaicin results in long-term neurological consequences (for better or worse) in addition to the local effects which are regularly discussed. But hey I'm no scientist.

What is a large amount?

Is it the quantity of chilli peppers that are eaten that is important on the heat of the pepper? So 4 weak chillis is the same as eating one very spicy pepper?

I say large amounts, I really mean 'the amount of fresh chilli that would easily heat a curry or chilli con carne for 2 or 3 adults'.

Some meals she'll sprinkle them on, some she'll just eat before or after her meal. She's not a massive fan of spicy foods but the benefits mean that she's carried on with this. I think she read it in an article a year or so before she started - and then ended up with some chillies in the fridge and decided to eat them before they went bad and found a positive impact pretty quickly.

As I say, might all be psychosomatic, but she's happy ;)

Bit anecdotal, but if I eat a tablespoon of Pepper X with other food, I do feel a general numbing of pain for a while after.

Very spicy foods cause you to release endorphins.