Pain Salve

2/17/2014

This salve is a great way to utilize the pain relieving properties of cayenne while combining with the anti-inflammatory effects of St. John's wort. It is very effective for the relief of joint and muscle pain as well as muscle and PMS cramps, headaches and other aches and pains. I've also had great success applying to the chest and feet for respiratory conditions.

Because of the potent nature of cayenne and the fact that we will be infusing a powder verses whole herb - although you can infuse fresh or dried cayenne from your garden - the increments used will be little different than a regular oil infusion. You want to have about 1 part cayenne powder per 8 parts of oil.

The Recipe

Increments for these herbs are for a quart jar:
1/2 cup cayenne powder or fresh chopped cayenne peppers (I"ve found the powder to be most effective)
1 cup St. John's wort flowers
olive oil - to fill 1-2" above the herbs
beeswax - 1 oz. per cup of herbal infused oil
essential oil from the list below - about 40 drops per cup of herbal infused oil

Print Recipe

Infuse your olive oil following the instructions for making an herbal oil infusion here.

Measure out 1 oz. of beeswax per 1 cup of oil left after your oil infusion has been strained. Heat over low just until melted. Remove from heat and stir in 40 drops of essential oil; choose a pain blend from your favorite company (I used Butterfly Express - Paine blend) or make your own with the single oils listed below. Pour into containers and let sit to harden uncovered. Cap and label once the salve has set up.

To use your salve, apply a fingerful over aches and pains to soothe and relieve as often as necessary.