Cayenne Salve for Joint & Muscle Pain

There comes a time in life when pain relievers become your constant companion. Achy, arthritic joints… cold weather making everything worse… it all adds up. But here’s something most people don’t know: Rub This Kitchen Spice on Your Joints Before Bed—and by morning, you might feel a surprising difference in your pain levels.

Many of the topicals used today come from the beneficial compounds found in plants and herbs. Some can be found in your kitchen and have been used for centuries to alleviate different kinds of pain.Cayenne pepper is one of the most effective kitchen spices for topical pain relief. Some swear by its effectiveness when rubbing cayenne on the joints before bed. It works like over-the-counter joint pain medications for mild and chronic joint pain.

Cayenne Pepper for Joint Pain

Herbs and spices affect pain differently, and their effect may also vary from person to person. For nagging joint pain, however, our go-to topicals will likely be hot and fiery options such as liniments containing menthol.Hot spices are indeed more effective in pain management. It desensitizes nerve pain and activates the skin’s pain sensors. As a result, you will feel less sensitive to other pain signals.

Capsaicin and menthol are popular ingredients in pain relievers – both can alleviate pain, but they have different mechanisms of action. Menthol is cooling, while capsaicin induces a burning sensation.The choice of pain relief ingredients, whether cooling or warming, is a personal preference. But when it comes to chronic joint pain, the heat from capsaicin is more effective.Capsaicin increases blood flow to the area and relieves stiffness and spasms. Menthol works in a contrary manner by reducing blood flow, which is more beneficial in cases of acute joint pain accompanied by swelling.

How Cayenne Works

Cayenne is an effective spice for managing long-lasting joint pain. Technically, it does not cure joint pain; it only provides temporary relief, similar to NSAIDs and other oral pain medications.

Here’s how capsaicin works for pain:

Improve Blood Flow

Proper blood circulation is essential for alleviating pain, as it facilitates the appropriate distribution of oxygen and vital nutrients needed to lubricate the joints. Applying capsaicin topically may improve the skin’s blood flow.Cutaneous blood flow and increased skin temperature after applying cayenne can sensitize the skin. An experimental study demonstrated that capsaicin induced prolonged responses and enhanced blood flow in the surrounding area.

Reduce Inflammation

Capsaicin is an effective anti-inflammatory compound found in chili peppers. The burning sensation that occurs after applying it to the skin facilitates the widening of blood vessels. The spiciness in cayenne also interacts with TRPV1 receptors, which triggers the pain signal.

Initial studies investigate the potential interaction of capsaicin with TRPV1 in reducing anti-inflammatory markers. Repeated topical application of cayenne may relieve pain by desensitizing the pain receptors, although it will also trigger a burning sensation.

Relieve Joint Stiffness

The warming sensation of cayenne on the skin can reduce pain and inflammation, relieve stiffness, and improve joint flexibility.

The improved blood flow contributes to relaxing the muscles surrounding the joints. It enables the joints to move fluidly, which is beneficial for reducing arthritic pain and promoting post-exercise recovery.Cayenne pepper is an excellent non-drug alternative to pain relievers. The warming sensation may ease joint pain, relax tired muscles, and give you a good night’s rest.

The first few applications of cayenne may cause a burning sensation. However, after a few more uses, your brain will become accustomed to it and reduce its sensitivity. So, it is essential to start very thin on the first application and gradually increase it over time.

To use: Rub a thin layer of cayenne salve and gently rub it into aching joints and muscles before bedtime. Apply regularly increasing the amount of each use, gradually over a few weeks until you experience substantial relief.The period it takes to feel relieved varies, depending on the individual’s tolerance.

Do not use this formula on open wounds or broken skin, as it may cause further irritation. It is also not a suitable pain relief for children under 2 years old. Use it in older children in small amounts and only for a short period.

Avoid cayenne if you are allergic to capsaicin and hot peppers. You should not apply other topicals to areas where you have already applied cayenne salve. And make sure you don’t touch your nose, eyes, and face when making this because it will burn.

If you are using spices that stain, you can easily remove them from the skin using vinegar, and be mindful of your clothing.