Healing Hot Cayenne Salve

Cayenne Salve ~ Healing + Hot!!
I promised to share this recipe for Cayenne Salve otherwise known as Hot Healing Salve or a variety of other names. This post is an excerpt from my chapter in the 2016 Herb of the Year publication by the International Herb Association for "Capsicum" (see details below)

Cayenne is well known for reducing many types of pain, especially nerve and nervous system pain. It has the ability to block Substance P, which is a neurotransmitter that relays information and results in “pain.” It can assist with many types of pain issues, from arthritis and back pain to bruises, shingles and even diabetic neuropathy. I’ve also used it successfully treating migraine headaches.For more info about "Capsicum medicine', here's a recent post with highlights..

We use the salve predominantly for closed cuts as it may very likely be irritating to unhealed wounds. Use externally only and within 4-6 months for best results. Remember that this is a healing salve, and may take a week or two to achieve results. Salves are easy to make. I make salves from many different infused olive oils. In this case, the olive oil is infused with fiery cayenne powder.

Please note: If cayenne comes in contact with your eyes, it will burn! I have a very vivid memory of an encounter with jalapeno peppers and my eyes.. NEVER to be repeated! Take care to wash hands thoroughly and I’d suggest the use of gloves at all times, both when making and even when applying salve.

 If you are using this salve to relieve painful hands or feet, apply in the evening and leave gloves on hands or cotton socks on your feet all night.

Cayenne Salve:

Makes about 4 ounces
½ cup good quality olive oil
15 grams cayenne powder (or about 2 teaspoons)
½ ounce of beeswax

First, infuse the olive oil with the cayenne powder.

You can use a double boiler, or  use a glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of simmering water.**

Pour the olive oil into the bowl or top of the double boiler and add the cayenne powder.
Heat gently until quite warm and then turn off. Cover.
Allow ‘to steep’ with the heat off for 15-20 minutes.

Turn the heat on again, on low and watch the oil.
When it is quite warm, again. Turn off the heat. Cover.
Repeat this process for a couple of hours.

**A crock pot is another idea, and creates a good infusion. If you are organized, you can do this ahead of time. I do try to use this method when possible, as it makes the process very easy and organized. If it has a ‘low setting’ it works like a charm. Infuse the oil this way for 12-24 hours if you like. Take care not to burn it. This is my favourite way to infuse olive oil with herbs, with great results.

Strain the infused oil through a piece of cheesecloth into a small pot.
Discard the cheesecloth.
Add the beeswax to another small pot and heat gently.
When the beeswax is liquefied, add the infused oil.
Keep stirring. The slightly cooler oil may cause lumps to form.
At the moment when the entire mixture is in liquid form, it’s ready for pouring. Carefully pour the mixture into small jars or tins, reserving a tiny amount of the mixture if you can.
Salve makers trick: Allow the salve to ‘set.’ It will often solidify with a small depression in the top. Add the still warm reserved beeswax-cayenne oil very slowly to form a very tiny top layer after a few hours, and you will avoid this small puddle which often cracks and takes away from the smooth finish that is desired.

LABEL it. This is very important, in this case especially. It’s a hot salve and needs to be used with care!
Here's the IHA's Herb of the Year : Capsicum book:
It's available at IHA website here.

Do you make salves or balms or ointments? Have you ever made this one?
Do you have a favourite? Please share below!