Sore muscles and aches can disrupt your daily activities, and new research indicates that taking ibuprofen might be harmful to your health. Instead, you can make an all-natural spicy salve at home to block pain signals from reaching your brain. It’s easy, affordable, and uses common kitchen ingredients.
Why Use a Salve?
Doctors often recommend NSAIDs like ibuprofen for sore muscles and inflammation. However, research in the British Medical Journal suggests that these drugs can increase your risk of heart failure. Topical NSAIDs are safer for those at risk of heart attack or stroke because they introduce lower drug levels into the body. If you’re concerned about using too many pain medicines, consider making your own spicy salve for relief.
Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent carrier oil for salves, providing a base to dilute essential oils and spices. It contains fatty acids with medicinal properties and doesn’t clog pores. Unrefined coconut oil solidifies in a jar but melts with body heat, making it easy to spread on the skin.
Ginger for Chronic Pain Relief
Ginger, used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, is highly effective for soothing sore muscles and treating chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. Studies highlight its anti-inflammatory properties, and a study in the Journal of Holistic Nursing found that topical ginger significantly reduces pain and fatigue in chronic osteoarthritis.
Cayenne for Pain Reduction
Cayenne has powerful pain-relieving properties when applied topically. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that transmits pain messages to the brain. This reduction means fewer pain messages reach the brain, providing relief. Cayenne is effective for joint, muscle, arthritis, nerve, and lower back pain.
Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils for Pain Management
Lavender oil is a top natural remedy for migraines and tension headaches and is effective in managing chronic pain, especially neck pain. Peppermint oil is also popular for pain relief. Topical lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties, and peppermint oil relaxes muscles, making it particularly useful for lower back pain.
Homemade Spicy Pain-Relieving Salve
This salve is made with pure beeswax, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin, unrefined coconut oil
– 1/4 cup grated or pastille beeswax
– 1 tbsp ginger powder
– 1 tbsp cayenne powder
– 10 drops lavender oil
– 10 drops peppermint oil
– Wide-mouthed glass jar with lid
Instructions:
1. Add coconut oil and beeswax to a saucepan. Place over medium-low heat until melted.
2. Add ginger and cayenne powder, stirring to combine.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add essential oils and mix well.
4. Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool and firm. Once firm, cover and store in a cool, dark place.
This salve is for external use only. Avoid using it on the face or open wounds. Massage it into sore muscles, achy joints, and other pain sources as needed. A little goes a long way in providing relief.
