Cayenne Salve
A warming cayenne salve for sore muscles and stiff joints, made from olive oil infused with dried cayenne powder and thickened with beeswax. Capsaicin, the compound behind the heat in hot peppers, dulls pain signals in the skin.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Purchase dried cayenne powder, or dry and grind your own cayenne peppers. Add the powder to a clean pint mason jar.
- Pour olive oil, or the neutral oil of your choice, over the cayenne powder and stir until there are no dry pockets left.
- Seal the jar and set it somewhere out of direct sunlight to infuse slowly for three to six weeks. Shake it whenever you think of it. For a faster infusion, hold the jar in a pot of simmering water at 110 to 140°F for a few hours instead.
- Put on gloves. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth-lined fine mesh strainer into a clean jar, then squeeze the cheesecloth to press out the last of the oil.
- Return the strained oil to a double boiler with about an inch of water underneath and bring the water to a simmer.
- Add the beeswax and stir constantly until it has melted completely and the mixture looks smooth. Turn off the heat.
- Pour the finished salve into tins or small glass jars.
- Let the salve cool undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before putting lids on or using it.
Notes
Yield ~ This recipe makes about 8 oz of finished salve, enough to fill four 2-oz tins.
Beeswax ratio ~ This recipe uses 1 oz beeswax per cup of infused oil, which produces a medium-firm salve that softens on contact with skin. Use about 3/4 oz per cup for a softer balm, or 1 1/4 oz per cup for a harder, stick-style salve. If the consistency comes out wrong, gently rewarm the salve and adjust before it sets.
Substituting oils ~ Olive oil is what I use most often. Coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, and grapeseed all work. Coconut produces a slightly firmer salve at room temperature; jojoba absorbs the fastest into skin.
Infusion methods ~ A cold infusion of three to six weeks on a dark shelf is the simplest route with dried cayenne, since there is no moisture in the powder to cause spoilage. For a same-day salve, hold the oil at 110 to 140°F in a double boiler for a few hours instead. Don't let it climb much past 140°F.
Shelf life ~ Stored in a cool, dark, dry place, this salve keeps its potency for about a year. A few drops of vitamin E oil stirred in with the beeswax can extend shelf life further. Discard any salve that smells rancid or shows mold.
For sensitive skin ~ Always patch test on a small area first. Cayenne is in the nightshade family, so take extra care if you react to nightshades.
Working with cayenne ~ Wear gloves for straining and for application, and keep the salve away from your eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling. Label the tins clearly so this doesn't get confused with a lip balm.
Vegan version ~ Substitute candelilla wax for beeswax. See the vegan herbal salve recipe for ratios.
What this salve isn't for ~ Skip it on broken or irritated skin, deep cuts, punctures, burns, or infected skin. Not appropriate for young children or pets. Store out of reach.
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