Homemade Hot Pepper Cream for Arthritis & Joint Pain

The active component in hot peppers that gives them their heat is called capsaicin, and the hotter the pepper, the higher the level of capsaicin there is. While rubbing something that seems flaming hot onto your sore joints doesn’t initially seem like it would help arthritis, capsaicin cream is commonly sold OTC as a pain reliever. Why? Capsaicin depletes a neurotransmitter called substance P, which is responsible for sending pain signals to our brain. If we block the big P, we never get the memo that something is hurting, and therefore end up pain free. Instead of paying for the arthritis cream at the store, try making your own. It offers great peace of mind to know what exactly you are absorbing into your skin, and it’s rewarding to make yourself.

Note: It is normal for there to be somewhat of a burning sensation when first applied. If you have sensitive skin, use with caution. Always wear gloves when handling hot pepper powder, and avoid any contact with your eyes. If you wanted to look extra awesome when you make this, a pair of goggles isn’t a bad idea.

1. Original Capsaicin Cream Recipe

You will need…

-3 tablespoons of cayenne powder
-1 cup of grapeseed oil (or any other oil like almond, olive, jojoba)
-1/2 cup of grated beeswax
-A double boiler
-A glass jar with a tightly fitting lid

Directions

Mix together 3 tablespoons of cayenne powder with 1 cup of your oil of choice and heat in a double boiler for 5-10 minutes over medium heat. Stir in a 1/2 cup of grated beeswax and continue to stir until it has melted completely and everything is blended together. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then whisk together. Chill for another 10-15 and then whip again before putting it in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1 ½ weeks-apply daily as needed for pain.

2. Super-Strength Cream

The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it has, making this cream super strength.

You will need…

-1 cup of beeswax
-4 tablespoons of Habanero powder
-4 cups of grapeseed or another oil, such as almond, jojoba, or olive
-Gloves
-A double boiler
-A glass jar with a tightly fitting lid

Directions

Combine 4 tablespoons of Habanero powder with 4 cups of grapeseed or olive oil in a double boiler. Let this mixture warm up over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. After it’s warmed, melt 1 cup of beeswax into the mixture and stir it until everything is smoothly blended together. Let it chill for 10 minutes in the refrigerator and then whisk together. Chill for another 10-15 minutes and then whip together once more before pouring into a glass container with a tightly fitting lid and refrigerating it. It should keep its potency for 1 1/2 weeks. Apply as needed for pain, stopping use if any irritation occurs.

3. Little Bit Extra Cream

This cream includes the other notable anti-inflammatory’s and pain reducers turmeric and ginger, as well as cayenne.

You will need…

-3 cups of grapeseed oil, or any other oil like almond, jojoba, or olive
-3 tablespoons of ground cayenne
-1/2 cup of beeswax
-3 tablespoons of turmeric
-2 tablespoons of ground ginger
-A double boiler

Directions

Mix together 3 tablespoons of ground cayenne, 3 tablespoons of turmeric, and 2 tablespoons of ground ginger. Add this to 3 cups of grapeseed oil in a double boiler and stir until mixed thoroughly. Warm over medium heat for 5-10 minutes and then add in 1/2 cup of beeswax. Stir until the beeswax has melted completely and everything is blended together, and then remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes take it out and whisk it together and then refrigerate for another 10, blending it once more at the end. Put in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid in the refrigerator, where it will keep for 1 ½ weeks. Apply as needed for pain, but with this cream, rub in as much as you can and then let it dry before rinsing off. The turmeric will really stain.

When you use your cream, really take the time to gently massage it into each aching joint. The little bit of stimulation helps get your circulation pumping and circulates blood through your joints. This gets much needed oxygen and nutrients to them, which is especially good for osteoarthritis. Don’t forget to wear gloves when handling super spicy stuff (like the habanero) and stop using if it causes too much irritation.

Important note on use!

If you don’t want the little bits of spices in there, follow the steps below to get a smooth infused oil to use in the cream (this makes it easier to get absorbed.)

Mix together your oil and spices for whichever recipe you choose to do. Heat over medium heat in a double boiler for 15 minutes, and then remove it to cool and infuse for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, strain through a cheesecloth and reserve the infused oil. After it is strained melt the beeswax in a double boiler, and pour in the infused oil. Stir until blended thoroughly, and then follow the same steps for chilling, whipping, and storing as above.

Warning: These spices stain. Wear an apron or clothes you don’t mind putting at risk when making these.