A doctor’s visit reveals that an ache you have been experiencing was not due to a jogging injury, but because you have arthritis. Although your doctor says that staying active might prevent further deterioration of your joints, the constant pain is about to make you almost immobile.

As if that isn’t bad news enough, the available topical treatments commercially sold for arthritic pain have an array of side effects that include dizziness, upset stomach, and blurred vision; a list of ailments you do not want to add to your condition.

After discussing with your doctor,  friends, and the blogosphere, you discover the soothing relief of hot peppers. Yes, I said hot peppers. Did you know that the active component in peppers (what makes them hot) is capsaicin? And pharmacies even sell it over the counter for pain relief? The heat from the capsaicin tricks the brain into ignoring pain signals. Don’t worry, it’s not a terrible heat, more like the numbing from a handful of Hot Tamales.

Here are our favorite three recipes with a high capsaicin content. You might need some gloves to prepare them.

Pepper Turmeric Ginger Balm

Used with permission from DIYhomethings.com.

What You’ll Need

• 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder
• 3 cups of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of grated beeswax
• 3 tablespoons turmeric
• 2 tablespoons ground ginger
• Double boiler
• Glass jar with a tightly fitting lid

Directions

1. Mix 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder with olive oil  in a double boiler.
2. Mix in beeswax and stir until blended.
3. Refrigerate and whisk.
4. Store in a glass jar and refrigerate for up to 10 days. Apply as needed.

Habanero Cream

Used with permission from DIYhomethings.com.

What You Need

• 4 tablespoons of habanero
• 4 cups of olive oil
• 1 cup of grated beeswax
• Double boiler
• Glass jar with a tightly fitting lid

Directions

1. Mix habanero and olive oil
2. Heat in a double boiler for 5-10 minutes on medium heat.
3. Mix in beeswax and stir until blended.
4. Remove from heat and chill in refrigerate for 10 min.
5. Whisk and store in a jar. Refrigerate for up to 10 days.

Original Capsaicin Cream Recipe

Used with permission from everydayroots.com.

What You Need

• 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper powder
• 1 cup of grapeseed oil (or your preferred oil)
• 1/2 cup of grated beeswax
• Double boiler
• Glass jar with a tightly fitting lid.

Directions

1. Mix cayenne pepper powder with grapeseed oil in a double boiler for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in grated beeswax until blended.
3. Chill for 10 minutes then whisk.
4. Chill for 10-15 min in refrigerator and whip before putting it in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid.
5. Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days. Apply as needed.

Talk to your doctor about using these DIY treatments for joint pain in addition to the other natural steps you’ve chosen to take to find relief. As always, tell us your story! We love to hear great ideas and personal experiences from our community.

Here are a few more great remedies for your joint pain:

• Coconut Lemon Pudding
• Apple Cider Vinegar Bath
• Ginger Water

Sources