Spring Has Sprung, So Have My Poor Aching Muscles

Manual labor is good for a body.  And I am so pleased that Spring finally arrived.  I have spent the last few weeks doing the intensive but necessary chores of cleanup of winter debris and preparation to grow things.  

I am happy, my stamina is better than it was three weeks ago but some of my muscles are aching! 

So one rainy day I made myself a batch of Cayenne Salve.  I love this stuff.  I put it on my back, my shoulders, my knees and even around my ankles.  It doesn't have a sharp burn or odor like the store bought Gels and Salves for muscle aches.  

Cayenne pepper salve has a slower, subtle yet very effective heat.   It gently eases the inflammation pain nerve ending by nerve ending.   It will cause burning if you accidently rub your eyes before washing hands..(ugh found out the hard way)...

Here is how you make it:  This is not my recipe but one that I obtained from Mountain Rose Herbal Site.

Cayenne Salve

1/2 cup olive oil

Two heaping teaspoons of cayenne powder (or 15 grams). 

(Just pick this up at the market if you don't have any.)

1/2 ounce of beeswax

(Available at Mountain Rose Herbs, along with cayenne)

Double boiler

(I used a heat resistant bowl resting on a pot of simmering water)

Cheesecloth

(Available in supermarkets.)

Begin by infusing the cayenne into the olive oil over a double burner.

I heat the oil and cayenne until it is warm, turn off the heat and let it sit (warmly) for about 20 minutes, then turn the heat on again.

I do this for at least one hour to a couple of hours, you could do it for 24 hours if desired.

Once the cayenne and olive oil have been infused, strain off the powder through a cheesecloth. Reserve the infused oil.

Heat the beeswax until it is melted. Stir in the infused oil until the beeswax and oil have been thoroughly melted together and combined.

Immediately pour this mixture into jars or tins. (Makes roughly 4 ounces).

Let it cool and then label it.

Using your cayenne salve

This cayenne salve can be used on aches and pains, from sore muscles and joints to bruises and even nerve pain.

It is best for closed wounds and may sting a bit on open wounds. Even on closed skin you may feel a bit of burning or heat in the area where it is used. It should be applied externally only and used within 6 months for the best results.

If using it for arthritic pain it may take up to a week or two to see results. In this case you want to use it daily to decrease chronic pain.

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 or use gloves to apply the salve to the desired area. If you are using the cayenne salve on your hands, consider applying it at night and then sleeping with gloves on.