Arthritic joint pain can be alleviated by using hot peppers.

Arthritic joint pain can be unbearable for people suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It is hard to believe, but most over-the-counter joint creams contain an ingredient found in spicy peppers.

Hot peppers, like cayenne and habanero, contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is the element inside of peppers that gives them heat and creates the burning, spicy heat in many favorite dishes. Although it may seem counterintuitive to put a spicy, hot pepper ingredient on a joint for pain relief, over-the-counter remedies contain this ingredient due to its ability to alleviate pain. Capsaicin lowers the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter. Substance P is the neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain, so when the amount of substance P is lowered, the amount of pain is also lessened.

While over-the-counter remedies are easy to buy, a similar cream is easy to make at home. Making homemade arthritis cream ensures that it is made with natural ingredients with no added preservatives or chemicals.

The differences between recipes are mainly the amount of capsaicin present in the cream. Capsaicin can cause an initial burning sensation when first applied to the skin, and some individuals are more sensitive to capsaicin than others.

It is important to note that when handling hot peppers, gloves should be worn. This is because the capsaicin can remain on the hands and, if the face is touched, can cause severe burning of the eyes and mouth. It can also be beneficial to wear eye goggles during the cooking process in case of splatter or splashing.

Capsaicin Cream Recipe

Capsaicin Cream is a basic recipe for mild or moderate arthritis pain relief. It has a moderate amount of capsaicin released from the cayenne pepper.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbs. cayenne pepper
• 1 cup grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup white beeswax beads
• double boiler
• glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Mix the cayenne pepper with the oil of choice.
2. Heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
3. Stir in the beeswax beads.
4. Stir until it has completely melted and the mixture is thoroughly blended.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then use a whisk to mix it up.
6. Chill again for 10 to 15 minutes and whisk it again.
7. Transfer the mixture to the glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.

The cream will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Super Strength Cream

This super-strength cream is exactly what it sounds like. It contains habanero pepper, which has a potent amount of capsaicin in it. It should be used for moderate to severe arthritis pain. A more intense burning sensation may be felt when first applied. Some people may experience skin irritation. If that occurs, it should be discontinued immediately. When making this cream, it is extremely important to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white beeswax beads
• 4 Tbsp. habanero pepper
• 4 cups of grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
• gloves
• double boiler
• glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Mix the habanero pepper with the oil of choice.
2. Heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
3. Melt the beeswax beads into the mixture until it is completely smooth.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then whisk it up.
5. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for another 10 to 15 minutes, and then whip it again.
6. Transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

The mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Little Bit Extra Cream

The Little Bit Extra Cream contains cayenne and other herbs to give it a boost. The additional turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory and pain reduction properties to assist the capsaicin in ridding the body of pain in the joints.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
• 3 Tbs. ground cayenne
• 1/2 cup of white beeswax beads
• 3 Tbs. turmeric
• 2 Tbsp. ground ginger
• double boiler
• glass jar with a tightly fitted lid

Instructions:

1. Mix together the cayenne pepper, turmeric and ground ginger.
2. Add the mix to the oil of choice in a double boiler.
3. Warm over medium heat and add the beeswax beads.
4. Stir until the beeswax is completely melted.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then mix it up.
6. Re-chill in the refrigerator for another 10 to 15 minutes, and stir it again.
7. Transfer mixture to a glass jar.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This mixture should be applied and rubbed in thoroughly, allowing it to dry completely. The turmeric in the mixture will stain.

How to Apply Cream

After choosing which cream to make and use, it is important to apply the cream correctly for maximum benefit. The cream should be massaged deeply into the affected joint in order to reduce pain. The massage stimulates blood to circulate around and into the affected joint. This circulated blood contains much-needed oxygen, which helps particularly with osteoarthritis.

Some people do not like the small pieces of spice that are left in the cream after the cooking process. To get rid of them, mix together the oil and the spices as it states in the recipes. Instead of melting the beeswax after mixing them together, cook the oil and spices for 15 minutes. After this, remove from heat and allow the spices to infuse the oil for 30 minutes.

When this step is complete, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and retain the infused oil. Place the beeswax beads into a double boiler and melt. When it is melted, add the infused oil to it and stir well. When this step is complete, the rest of the recipe can be followed as written.

When making these recipes, it is important to understand that the spices used can stain clothing, especially turmeric. Wearing an apron or wearing clothing that is not special is a smart habit when making and applying the cream.

For sufferers of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, creams using capsaicin to eliminate pain can help them live a life with fewer symptoms. Over-the-counter joint pain relief creams contain capsaicin, but they also contain preservatives and ingredients that are not necessary for pain relief. The peace of mind that comes with making joint pain relief cream at home can be especially welcome for those who are sensitive to artificial ingredients.

Making these creams at home instead of purchasing them at stores is a great way to know what is being put on the body. In addition, a homemade cream can be customized by adding more or less capsaicin if a person is sensitive to the heat or, alternatively, would like more pain relief. Making a cream with simple ingredients is the best way to go for an all-natural solution to joint pain.