Cayenne Salve has been used for joint and muscle pain for centuries. It’s a remedy that my grandmother had passed down to her from her own grandmother, 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.
Why Cayenne?
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.
Alchemy of Herbs
Rosalee de la Forêt is graciously sharing her cayenne salve recipe with us today. This is just one of SO many fabulous recipes found in her new book, Alchemy of Herbs. I received my copy just a few days ago and am loving every page! It’s full of delicious medicinal ways to use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
BUY THE BOOK
If you hurry, you can jump in and get the Bonuses for this book as well. They’ve officially closed extra entries into the Bonus Kitchen Apothecary, but I happen to know that it’s still open, so if you buy the book, make sure you head over there quickly to get the printables, herb labels, videos, and more.
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Cayenne Salve for Natural Pain Relief
by Rosalee de la Forêt
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.
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Cayenne Salve: DIY for Natural Pain Relief
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time3 hours hrs
Total Time3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Keyword: hand salve, pain relief
Servings: 4 ounces
Author: Rosalee de la Forêt
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.
Recipe from Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal by Rosalee de la Forêt (Hay House, 2017)
FAQs
When you apply it to your skin (topically), cayenne works to relieve pain. It contains capsaicin. This is used in ointment form for pain relief. Ointments made from cayenne stop muscle and joint pain by "confusing" pain transmitters.
How do you make essential oil pain salve? ›
Directions:
- Melt beeswax in double boiler.
- Once melted, add grapeseed, almond, and vitamin E oil until melted.
- Once combined, set aside for 2-3 minutes.
- Add essential oils and stir.
- Pour in container and allow to set for 2 hours.
- To use, apply to skin or on chest.
The red spice contains an active component called capsaicin, which acts as a natural painkiller. Mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with two teaspoons of olive oil to make a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area and massage gently.
Can you put cayenne powder in a salve? ›
John's Wort Salve Recipe. Using a double boiler, mix the oil with the cayenne powder and warm very gently. Allow to cool and then heat up again, being sure not to let the oil bubble.
How to make a topical cream with cayenne pepper? ›
Directions
- Add olive oil and cayenne powder into a heatproof glass jar.
- Place that glass jar into a saucepan that contains about an inch of water to create a double boiler.
- Stir the mixture in the glass jar while the water simmers for 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Remove the jar to cool for 30 minutes.
Medically valid uses. Cayenne is commonly used in these ways: Topical analgesic. It desensitizes local nerves and decreases pain due to certain conditions.
How much cayenne pepper per day for inflammation? ›
Studies suggest that 2–6 mg of capsaicin may offer health benefits. Two to five 500-mg cayenne pepper capsules should provide this amount.
Does cayenne pepper get rid of inflammation? ›
Cayenne pepper is a hot chili in the Capsicum family. Cayenne pepper benefits may include relieving pain, reducing inflammation, treating colds, and more. Cayenne peppers are closely related to jalapeño and bell peppers. They are a staple in Southwestern American, Mexican, Cajun, and Creole cuisine.
How do you make a strong pain balm at home? ›
To make this readymade headache balm, heat coconut oil in a double boiler. When it completely melts, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the heated concoction. Once cooled down, pour the prepared mixture into a small bowl or jar. Allow it to solidify a little.
What is the strongest natural painkiller? ›
Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. Released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. The name of these hormones comes from the term "endogenous morphine."
- Combine the comfrey oil with the beeswax in a very small saucepan over low heat, or in a double boiler, and warm until the beeswax is just melted. ...
- Add the German chamomile, peppermint, and lavender essential oils and stir again to thoroughly blend.
- Slowly pour the liquid balm into the jar.
Many people use skin creams containing capsaicin to treat sore muscles as well as areas of poor circulation. But why not simply use cayenne instead? You can make a poultice with cayenne and apply it directly to the skin, as long as the skin is not broken.
Is cayenne pepper good for back pain? ›
This herb is most effective if you take it as you feel the pain coming on rather than waiting until the pain is severe. A topical remedy containing cayenne (or the active ingredient capsaicin) or ginger will help relieve pain and promote healing of the inflamed area.
What is cayenne salve good for? ›
Using Your Cayenne Salve
This cayenne salve can be used on aches and pains, from sore muscles and joints to bruises and even nerve pain. It is best for closed wounds and may sting a bit on open wounds. Even on closed skin you may feel a bit of burning or heat in the area where it is used.
What is cayenne pepper salve good for? ›
Though small, this plant is highly stimulating, even when used externally such as in salves. Used topically it can help to relieve inflammation and pain in bruises, sore muscles, and achy joints. It can also help to relieve pressure from bruises by increasing the blood circulation.
Can cayenne pepper be used topically? ›
It has also been applied to the skin for arthritis and muscle pain. Today, ointments and creams with capsaicin are used in the United States and Europe to relieve pain from arthritis and shingles (Herpes zoster). Capsaicin is also a key ingredient in many pepper sprays.
