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
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which can be used as a topical pain reliever. Slightly heat up ½ cup of coconut oil and mix in two tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder. Apply the gel on the affected area for 20 minutes, three times per day.
Does cayenne pepper help nerve pain? ›
It desensitizes local nerves and decreases pain due to certain conditions.
How to apply cayenne topically? ›
Apply enough to cover the painful area, and rub it into your skin until it disappears. Then wash your hands immediately to avoid accidentally getting it into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Is cayenne pepper a natural painkiller? ›
Native Americans have used cayenne (Capsicum annuum, frutescens, or red pepper) as both food and medicine for at least 9,000 years. The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is mostly due to a substance known as capsaicin, which helps reduce pain.
Does cayenne pepper help with arthritis pain? ›
Studies show that cayenne pepper can relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain from fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetic neuropathy in the legs and feet, injuries to the lower back, and osteoarthritis. Digestive system: Cayenne pepper aids the digestive system to work efficiently by inhibiting enzyme production.
What is the ratio for homemade salve? ›
Mixing Your Salve
Now you mix the oil and beeswax together to make the salve. I typically make my salve with an oil to beeswax ratio of 3:1 or 4:1, which results in a thick but still easily spreadable texture. For example, in my latest batch I had about 100 mL of melted beeswax so I added about 300 mL of oil.
What are the benefits of cayenne pepper salve? ›
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.
What oil do you mix with cayenne pepper? ›
From helping with inflammation, soreness, blood circulation, numbness of the limbs, an under-active thyroid, etc.
How do I stop nerve pain ASAP? ›
The combination of hot and cold increases the circulation of fresh blood to the area, which may help relieve pain. Hold an ice pack over the affected area for about 15 minutes at a time, three times a day, to help reduce inflammation. Heat pads can be applied for a longer period, up to 1 hour, three times a day.
What works immediately for nerve pain? ›
What types of medicine are used for nerve pain?
- tramadol, a pain medicine.
- lignocaine, a local anaesthetic.
- capsaicin.
- botulinum toxin A (Botox)
Herbs that are in the “nervine” category can be very nourishing and soothing to the nerve tissue. Among the best are Chinese skullcap, lemon balm, wood betony, St. John's wort, chamomile, prickly ash and milky oats.
What neutralizes cayenne pepper on skin? ›
Corn Starch or Baking Soda: These pantry shelf staples neutralize capsaicin oil. Make a thick paste using a minimal amount of water. Coat the hands or skin with the paste and let it dry. Once dry, the powdery residue can be washed off with soap and water.
What does cayenne pepper do for your feet? ›
Cayenne pepper
It's rich in capsaicin, which has shown to help relieve muscle aches, and stained muscles. Capsaicin also has been used to help fight the signs and symptoms of arthritis. Add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder in a half filled bucket of warm water. Soak your feet for a few minutes.
How do you take cayenne pepper for medicinal purposes? ›
Take either 30-120 milligram capsules or 0.3-1 milliliter of liquid tincture one to three times per day. You can also make an infusion using up to 1 teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper per cup of water. Take a 1 teaspoon dose of this mixture in a small amount of water a few times per day.
How to make homemade cayenne pepper? ›
Instructions
- Harvest Cayenne Peppers from plant.
- Spread them out on dehydrator shelves to encourage air flow.
- Dehydrate them at 145 degrees for 10 hours, as a starting point. ...
- Wearing gloves, remove top, and sprinkle out seeds. ...
- Add peppers to spice grinder or blender and grind into a fine powder.
Directions:
- Start with a cleaned and sterilized glass jar. ...
- Measure out 3-4 cups of vodka or other menstruum and place inside your jar. ...
- Place the lid back on your jar and mix thoroughly.
- Label your homemade Tincture with the Date and Ingredients.
- Store in a cool dry place such as a kitchen cabinet.
In general, though, research suggests that a daily cayenne pepper dosage of 2 to 9 milligrams is safe.
