This homemade cayenne salve is amazing for soothing and reducing a variety types of pain. The capsaicin in cayenne peppers blocks substance P, helping to reduce pain. When used topically, this salve can help reduce pain caused by shingles, migraine headaches, back aches, arthritis, bruises, menstrual cramps and more.

Homemade Cayenne Salve

This easy to make cayenne salve should be used externally only, on aches and pains, closed wounds and more.

Carrier Oils

When making a salve, choosing the correct carrier oil can improve the impact of the salve as each carrier oil has its own set of distinct properties. Blending a couple of carrier oils can also help maximise their benefits.

With this salve recipe, there are multiple carrier oils that could be used including:

Avocado Oil
Sweet Almond Oil
Argan Oil
Rosehip Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil

You can learn more about carrier oils here.

Before Using this Salve

Before using this rub, you will need to understand a few things.

Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.
Test on small area of skin before using. If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.
Wash hands well after using.
Avoid applying to eyes and sensitive areas.

Using this Salve

Using clean hands, rub a small amount of the salve onto your fingers, then rub it in the intended site. Use for

Soothing sore muscles
Helping ease back pain
On arthritic pain, though this can take up to two weeks to see any results.

Making Cayenne Infused Oil

To make 1 cup of infused oil, you will need:

½ cup Cayenne Powder
1 Cup Carrier Oil – Such as Olive oil, Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil

To make Cayenne Infused Oil, follow these instructions.

Place the powder into a glass jar and then pour the carrier oil over it.

Let it sit for a few weeks, 2 to 4 weeks, or use the heat method to infuse the oil.

When ready, strain and then use the infused oil to make the salve.

Ingredients for Making Cayenne Salve

To make around 5 ounces of this salve, you will need:

12 TBSP Cayenne Infused Oil
3 TBSP Beeswax
6 Drops Ginger Essential Oil
4 Drops Black Pepper Essential Oil
4 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

TIP – When using beeswax in your products, just note that it does harden very quickly as it cools. This means that it can be quite difficult to remove from the dishes and cutlery that is used. For this reason, I have dedicated bowls and cutlery that is only used for making homemade products, especially ones that contain beeswax.

Making Cayenne Salve

Combine the beeswax and the infused oil in a microwaveable container and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Let it cool slightly before adding the essential oil if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the salve cool and set.

The salve is now ready to label, date and store.

Storing This Salve

Place the salve in dark glass jars or metal tins to protect it from exposure to light and air. I have also used tubes for easier application.

Store in a cool, dark place.

When properly stored, this salve should last from six months to 12 months.

Notes

This salve creates a warm sensation when applied to the skin, so start with a small amount to make sure your skin responds okay with it.
Vitamin E is optional, and is often added to salves as an antioxidant to prevent rancidity, as well as for its amazing skin-healing properties. Add 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil to help preserve your salve even longer!
You can use any type of carrier oil for the infused oil. This recipe uses avocado oil.
If you want this to be a vegan recipe, swap out beeswax pellets for candelilla wax.
Try adding essential oils or other infused oils for a more powerful salve
I live in a hot climate, so this is made with 3 tablespoons of beeswax to stop it from melting during hot summers, thus making this a harder salve. Use less beeswax if you want a softer balm. To test the consistency of the salve, place a small amount on the back of your hand and see what it does. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax; if it is too hard, add more oil.

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