Page 62 - The Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol

Cayenne

Cayenne may be famous for its spicy
flavor, but this pepper also contains
capsaicinoids. Capsaicinoids are
compounds in cayenne that give it anti-
inflammatory properties. Cayenne and
other capsaicinoid-containing plants
have been used for centuries to treat
inflammatory conditions like arthritis
and gout. The same compounds in the André Karwath, Own Work, 2004, CC. 2.5
pepper that help fight inflammation also
help combat pain. Not only does cayenne help provide relief from pain and inflammation,
it has proven to help heal the lining of the stomach. Although it is a spicy pepper, it won’t
cause stomach irritation if taken as directed. There are many ways you can use this
powerful remedy to help with your inflammatory condition.

Cayenne Salve for Arthritic Pain and Inflammation

You can use cayenne to create a type of topical ointment called a “salve” for joint pain and
inflammation. Salves have been used throughout history to treat a variety of conditions.
They are made by infusing plant material into an oil base (like olive or coconut oil) and
then adding beeswax to thicken it to an ointment-like consistency. To create your own
helpful salve, you will need a double boiler (or large pot for boiling water and a smaller
pot to fit inside this pot to gently melt the beeswax without damaging its medicinal
properties). You will need small containers to put the finished product in. You will also
need eight ounces of a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil, as well as one to two tablespoons
of powdered cayenne pepper.

Essential oils like turmeric or ginger essential oil work well in this recipe, but are
completely optional. Finally, you will need one ounce of beeswax. The beeswax is much
easier to work with and melt if you purchase it in pellet form. First, gently infuse the
powdered cayenne into the carrier oil on low heat for an hour. Keep an eye on this and try
not to let the oil get too hot. Stir it occasionally. After you have given it some time to infuse,
you can sit the pot of warm oil inside a larger pot of hot water (double boiler). Add the
beeswax and let it melt. Stir it into the oil thoroughly. If you happen to have any ginger or
turmeric essential oils, you might consider adding 10 drops to this salve before pouring it
into containers. When the beeswax is completely melted and blended with the oils, pour
it into containers to cool. This can help further increase the pain and inflammation-
fighting properties of the salve. Apply this salve to achy, painful joints up to three times
daily to help soothe and reduce inflammation. This salve is also great for promoting
circulation in the body! After applying this salve, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid

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