Ultimate Healing Herbal Oil: Natural Pain Relief
RED ignites, energizes, and transforms.
In herbalism, red captures the fiery spirit of cayenne—a potent herb celebrated for its warming, pain-relieving properties when applied topically. Cayenne contains capsaicin, which activates the TRPV1 receptors in your skin. This initial stimulation leads to the eventual depletion of substance P, a neuropeptide responsible for transmitting pain signals, thereby reducing pain over time.
When combined with other complementary herbs in an infused oil, cayenne not only delivers a targeted surge of warmth that soothes muscle and joint discomfort but may also improve local blood flow, potentially enhancing the penetration of other herbal benefits. This potent herbal oil can offer topical relief from sore muscles, bruises, sprains, muscle tears, joint pain, swelling, and nerve discomfort.
Using a dual extraction approach—the alcohol intermediary method paired with the oven method—ensures you effectively capture the robust, healing properties of both dried and powdered herbs. Let the bold energy of cayenne, embodied by its brilliant red hue, bring transformative, natural relief to your everyday aches.
Here's a step-by-step guide tailored to your specific ingredients and methods:
Ingredients:
Dried Herbs: Mugwort, Peppermint, Calendula, Comfrey
Powdered Herb: Cayenne Powder
Carrier Oil: Olive Oil
High-proof Alcohol: Such as vodka or Everclear
Equipment:
Glass Jar with a Tight Lid
Ovenproof Dish
Strainer or Cheesecloth
Funnel
Dark Glass Bottle for Storage
Directions:
Preparing the Alcohol-Herb Mixture:
Combine Dried Herbs and Alcohol:
In a clean glass jar, mix 1 ounces of dried herbs (Mugwort, Peppermint, Calendula, and Comfrey).
Pour 1/2 ounce of high-proof alcohol over the herbs; mix to combine. This alcohol acts as a solvent to extract the active compounds from the herbs.
Seal the jar tightly and let it sit for 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar occasionally to mix the contents.
Adding Cayenne and Olive Oil:
Mix in Cayenne and Olive Oil:
After 24 hours, open your jar and add cayenne powder directly to the alcohol-herb mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add olive oil to the jar, using at least 7 ounces. This dilutes the alcohol and starts the oil infusion process with the herbs and cayenne.
Using the Oven Method:
Oven Infusion:
Set your oven to a low heat of 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure gentle infusion.
Transfer the herb, alcohol, and oil mixture from the jar to an ovenproof dish. Ensure it is mixed well to avoid any air bubbles and that all herb parts are submerged.
Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and allow it to infuse for 4-8 hours. The gentle heat will facilitate the infusion process without degrading the beneficial properties of the herbs.
Finishing the Infusion:
Strain and Store:
After the heating process, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool.
Place a strainer or cheesecloth over a funnel and strain the oil into a clean, dark glass bottle to remove all solid particles. Be sure to squeeze out as much oil as possible.
Label your bottle with the date and contents. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its medicinal qualities.
Usage:
This potent herbal oil can be used for massage, pain relief, or as a warming oil for areas affected by joint pain or stiffness.
It can also be turned into a salve and poured into a cardboard tube for easy and mess-free application! For instructions on how to create a salve, click here!
Add these essential oils to the salve to make it even more effective and potent:
8 drops peppermint
8 drops lavender
4 drops black spruce
4 drops frankincense
8 drops copaiba
Tips:
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
Safety First: Handle cayenne powder with care as it can irritate the skin and eyes.
Shelf Life: The presence of alcohol in the infusion may extend its shelf life, but always check for signs of spoilage before use.
