Warming Turmeric and Cayenne Pain-Relief Balm

Warming spices have been used throughout history as pain relievers and even modern medicine utilizes the natural compounds found in these spices as more and more people are looking for alternative, natural treatments to manage their pain.

This is especially relevant for long-term users since the side effects of some prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams and medications can limit their usage in some people. Studies have shown that many warming spices work just as effectively as some of the over-the-counter treatments, but with minimal risk of any major side effects.

Warming Spiced for Pain Relief

Numerous studies have shown that the curcumin found in TURMERIC produces significant improvements in a wide variety of skin conditions as well as pain relief. It is a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and it’s often found in pain-relief treatments since it doesn’t have any major side effects. When used topically, turmeric can provide localized pain-relief at the same time as protecting, cleansing, and nourishing the skin with its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer properties.

CAYENNE PEPPER contains capsaicin, which is a well-known pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. When used topically, this strong, warming spice can help to relieve pain by reducing the molecules that signal pain through the nervous system the same way that ibuprofen does. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains, so for the most effective balm, use hot cayenne or chili peppers.

Piperine, which is found in BLACK PEPPER, significantly slows down the breakdown and oxidization of nutrients and compounds to give your body more time to absorb them. Studies have shown that this is particularly effective for curcumin. For this reason, black pepper is a fantastic addition to this warming turmeric and cayenne pepper balm.

Most of the research and trials that showed a substantial decrease in pain used turmeric or cayenne extract or essential oil, so obviously essential oil will be the most effective in a pain-relief balm, but in lieu of essential oil, it’s possible to infuse dried turmeric and cayenne pepper into oil instead.

Related: Homemade Joint And Movement Salve (Learn More)

Carrier Oils

To make this balm, carrier oil is necessary. Any plant-based oil will work, but below are a few suggested oils that are reasonably priced and can be locally sourced in some states.

• Virgin olive oil is the most practical since it can be bought everywhere and it has plenty of health benefits, including maintaining the elasticity of your skin.
• Coconut oil can also be easily sourced and the fatty acids in it are great for healing the surface of your skin, but this means that it lacks strong penetrating abilities.
• Soybean oil has one of the highest absorption levels into our skin so it is ideal of any pain relief balms. It can penetrate deeper into the epidermis to provide relief closer to the joints.

Ingredients:

The quantities listed below make one small cosmetics jar (approximately 50 ml).

• ½ teaspoon of finely ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon of finely ground cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of finely ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons of carrier oil
• 0.2 oz (6 g) of beeswax

Method: 

Combine the three spices in a small jar and add the carrier oil. Place the jar in a pot of warm water (no more than 100 °F) and allow the spices to infuse into the oil for at least 3 hours. The oil will darken as it infuses.

The curcumin, the capsaicin as well as the piperine are all oil-soluble, so any small solids that remain (which are mostly from the black pepper) will settle to the bottom so they can be easily removed by decanting the oil (gently pouring off the oil while leaving the solids in the bottom of the jar). In the photo below, you can faintly see how the solids have settled to the bottom of the jar.

Add the beeswax to the oil and sit the jar back in the pot of water again (this time, no more than 150 °F) until the beeswax has melted. Test the consistency by dipping a cold teaspoon into the mixture. Once you are happy with the consistency, remove the jar from the pot of water allow it to cool slowly. OPTIONAL: If you plan on using essential oils, then add them as soon as you remove the jar from the pot of water.

Once the balm has solidified it is ready to use.

Application

Massage into the skin thoroughly 3 – 4 times a day.

Do not apply this warming pain-relief balm to any open wounds or cuts since it will cause a sharp stinging sensation and some of the compounds in the turmeric have anti-coagulant properties, so the blood will take longer to clot.

This balm will stain the skin due to the turmeric and cayenne peppers, but these stains are actually more soluble in oil, so to remove them, massage some oil into your skin and then wash off with soapy water afterward.

Storage and Shelf-Life

This warming balm is best stored in a clean, sterilized glass jar at room temperature. Since it is strictly oil-based, it will keep for at least 6 months.

So next time you have over-strained yourself or want to make your own pain-relief balm, try incorporating some warming spices such as turmeric, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. These spices have been tried and tested throughout the ages with similar results to prescription topical medication.

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