An easy DIY for natural pain relief using this organic cayenne salve recipe. Great for joint pain and muscle pain. It reduces inflammation and relaxing.
Cayenne Salve has been used for joint and muscle pain for centuries. It’s a remedy that my grandmother had passed down to her, and one I’ve learned over the years as well. This Cayenne Salve Recipe is easy to make and use, and it is very effective.
Cayenne naturally works to reduce inflammation and relax muscles. It contains capsaicin, which is the “hotness” in hot chilis. Capsaicin is believed to temporarily effect nerves by blocking the signal sent to your brain that communicates pain for that area. This is why when you eat a super hot chili your tongue will burn and then become numb (probably not fast enough for most of us). When a cayenne salve is applied to the skin however, there is a tingling, warming feeling at first, followed by the pain signals being temporarily blocked. This results in pain relief for your joints and muscles, as well as a reduction in inflammation.
This simple salve can be made very quickly for minor pain relief. It works great for sore muscles and joints, bruises, and even nerve pain. If using for arthritic pain, use it daily, and note that it may take a week or two to see results. This salve can be stored at room temperature for up to a year, but use within six months for best results.
This is a hot mixture! This salve should be used externally only, and not on broken skin, as it may sting open wounds. Even on closed skin, you may feel a bit of burning or heat in the area where it is applied. Sensitive individuals may experience tenderness or blistering. If this happens, discontinue use until the area is healed, then apply less often or in smaller amounts.
Caution: When cayenne comes in contact with your mucosal membranes or eyes, it will burn! Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching cayenne. Consider using gloves to apply the salve to the desired area. If you are using the salve on your hands, consider applying it at night and sleeping with gloves on.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cayenne powder (15 grams)
- ½ ounce beeswax (14 grams)
Instructions:
- The first step is to infuse your oil. You can do this with a double boiler or slow cooker. Take care not to let the oil get too hot or “fry” the herbal material. 100˚F is an ideal temperature for the oil.
- Double-boiler method: Put 1 to 2 inches of water in the bottom of a double boiler. (Alternatively, fill a pot with 1 to 2 inches of water and place a tight-fitting bowl on top.) Place the oil and cayenne powder in the top. Heat over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, until the oil is fairly warm. Turn off the heat and let stand for 20 minutes to cool a bit. Repeat this warming and cooling process for 2 to 3 hours.
- Slow-cooker method: Place the mixture in a slow cooker, yogurt incubator, or other low-temperature appliance that can maintain the oil temperature at 100˚F for 2 to 3 hours.
- Pour your infused oil through a strainer lined with two layers of cheesecloth.
- Gently heat the beeswax over low heat in a small saucepan or double boiler until it is melted. Stir in the infused oil and continue mixing until wax and oil are thoroughly combined.
- Immediately pour this mixture into jars or tins and let cool, then label the containers.