Cayenne Salve Recipe: DIY Natural Pain Relief - Simple Life Mom (2024)

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.

GET THE BONUSES

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.

Recipe from Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal by Rosalee de la Forêt (Hay House, 2017)