Cayenne Salve
Cayenne salve is a powerful herbal remedy made from infused cayenne pepper oil and beeswax, creating a warming topical salve for sore muscles and joint pain. This traditional salve works by gently stimulating circulation and dulling pain signals with capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne peppers. It’s a simple yet effective homemade addition to your herbal medicine cabinet.
Equipment
- Salve tins (or small resealable jars)
- Pint mason jar (or any other jar with a tight-fitting lid)
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp Cayenne Powder or about 1 cup dried cayenne peppers, chopped
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of olive oil or any other neutral oil
- 1 ounce of beeswax
Instructions
- Purchase dried cayenne powder or process, dry, blend, or grind your own cayenne peppers. Add the powder to a one-pint clean mason jar.
- Cover the cayenne powder with olive oil (or the neutral oil of your choice), stirring it in well.
- Seal your jar and leave it out of direct sunlight to slowly infuse for the next three to six weeks.
- Once you’re happy with the infused oil, strain out the cayenne powder using a strainer and cheesecloth or other filter material. Carefully squeeze as much oil as possible from the filter and cayenne powder while wearing gloves.
- Add the infused oil to a clean jar and heat it in the double boiler again until the water is simmering.
- Stir the beeswax into the oil until it’s well-blended, then turn off the heat.
- Pour the finished cayenne salve into tins or jars.
- Leave the salve to cool and set up for at least 30 minutes before using.
Notes
Be cautious with application—use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after applying, and avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes. This salve produces a noticeable warming effect that some may find intense, so do a patch test first. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!