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
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 good for nerve pain? ›
Cayenne is commonly used in these ways: Topical analgesic. It desensitizes local nerves and decreases pain due to certain conditions. These include post-herpetic neuralgia caused by shingles.
Is cayenne pepper and olive oil good for pain? ›
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 do you make herbal pain salve? ›
- 1 cup dried arnica flowers - 3 cups extra-virgin olive base oil - 2,000 IU vitamin E oil - 3-4 tablespoons beeswax (use the larger amount if you want a firmer salve) Equipment Needed: 2-quart saucepan or double boiler, stirring utensil, candy or yogurt thermometer, strainer, fine filter, funnel, glass or plastic ...
How do you use cayenne pepper for inflammation? ›
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.
Does cayenne pepper help back pain? ›
Herbal cataplasms containing rubefacient substances, such as Cayenne pepper (CP), are commonly used as natural medications to treat painful or aching areas in the case of acute or chronic back pain, and rheumatisms. They are also used in pain involving joints caused by osteoarthritis.
Can cayenne pepper help lower back pain? ›
Reduction or removal of this chemical stops pain signals from reaching the brain and relieves 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.
How do I stop nerve pain ASAP? ›
Ten home remedies for a pinched nerve
- Extra sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. ...
- Change of posture. A pinched nerve may be caused by or made worse by poor posture. ...
- Ergonomic workstation. ...
- Pain relieving medications. ...
- Stretching and yoga. ...
- Massage or physical therapy. ...
- Splint. ...
- Elevate the legs.
Corydalis, enriched with the natural compound L-Tetrahydropalmatine, is considered to be the strongest pain relieving herb for nerve pain. The alkaloid has been found to help reduce inflammation and protect the nervous system from oxidative stress and toxins, making it a powerful remedy for addressing neuropathic pain.
What types of medicine are used for nerve pain?
- tramadol, a pain medicine.
- lignocaine, a local anaesthetic.
- capsaicin.
- botulinum toxin A (Botox)
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.
How to use cayenne pepper for neuropathy? ›
Cayenne Pepper
It can also be used in topical creams as a way to manage pain, as it decreases the intensity of pain by sending signals throughout the body. You can incorporate cayenne pepper into your diet, or if you can't handle the heat, you can take capsaicin supplements or use ointments with the ingredient.
What is cayenne 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.
How to make cayenne pepper topical cream? ›
directions
- Combine pepper with the oil and heat gently in microwave or stovetop.
- Do not boil.
- Let sit until cooled.
- Strain and discard the pepper and seeds.
- Add beeswax and heat again till wax is melted.
- Stir well, spoon into a clean container, and let cool.
- To use: Massage a small amount into your muscles and joints.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups Olive Oil ( I buy the big jar of olive oil at Costco)
- 1 1/4 cup Dried Herbs (I use 1/2 cup calendula, 1/2 cup plantain, 1/4 cup comfrey leaf)
- 4 – 6 oz Bees Wax (depending on how thick you want it)
- 1 Tablespoon Vitamin E Oil (helps salve from going rancid)
