Cayenne salve

So cayenne is particularly effective when used topically. It has been show in studies to reduce pain in diabetic neuropathy, shingles, migraine headaches, back aches, muscle aches,  arthritis, menstrual cramps and bruises.   This salve can also stop a wound from bleeding. It will sting a little but it worry. I find that it is best to apply the slave with gloves on or  cotton swab. 

This topical pain relief action is thought to be from selective stimulation of afferent C fibers, which act as thermoreceptors and nociceptors, and release of substance P, a sensory neurotransmitter that mediates pain (NSD).


This is very quick and easy to make. Just three simple ingredients and a little time and you have another item to add to your herbal first aid kit.

 Ingredients 

1/2 cup oil (grapeseed, olive or cocnut) 
2 TBP of Cayenne powder. 
1/2 oz of beeswax 
Double boiler
Cheesecloth/ coffee filters
Makes roughly 4 ounces

Directions:

Heat the oil and cayenne until it is warm. Once warm turn off the heat and let it sit on the eye for about 20 minutes, then turn the heat on again. 
This should be done a few times, well about 3 times in one hour. This will allow the herb to infuse in to the oil. 
At this point strain  the powder through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. 
Keep the oil. 
In your clean double boiler heat the beeswax until it is melted.
 Stir in the infused oil until the beeswax and oil have been thoroughly melted together and combined. Pour this mixture into jars or tins.
 Let it cool and then label it.


After apply the salve wash your hands not with water. Not only water but with vinegar a water. The diluted vinegar solution will remove the capsaicin form the hands.  The active constituent, is not water washable. Warning  do not use capsaicin preparations near the eyes or on sensitive skin.

Adding Cayenne to drink and to gargle.

A step up form last weeks Ginger Honey Syrup so this week we are going to added apple cider vinegar and cayenne. Now the a reason we are adding these is how each herb work with one another and complement each other.

Cayenne on it own is a great herb. It benefits the digestive system by stimulating the production of gastric juices and the peristaltic motion of the intestines, thus stimulating digestion, assimilation, and elimination. Taken orally, it may stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain that act as the body's natural sedatives. Cayenne is extremely beneficial as a whole circulatory system tonic. Used over a period of time and in the correct dose, it is used to balance blood pressure, improve circulation, and assist arteries, veins, and capillaries to regain elasticity. Also when used topically it stimulates the surface capillaries and brings blood to the skin surface. This assist circulation in the area and flush out the buildup of uric acid and calcium deposits around the joints and in the tissues.  It is  useful addition to many herbal formulae because of its ability to aid the distribution of other herbs throughout the body.

Cayenne Ginger Drink 
To make this drink it very simple if you made the ginger honey syrup just pull that out and add 2 TBSP of Cayenne to it and you are done.

To drink, please mix everything together and then add a teaspoon to hot water or 2 teaspoons to cold water. At lest 8 ozs and drink. IT might taste odd but it great for the body and helping flush out toxins and tone the internal oragens. Just be careful with the dosages.

Now another method if you do not wish to drink it is to gargle it.

Throat Support Formula

1-t cayenne Capsicum frutescens powder

½-pt sage Salvia officinalis infusion

2-T apple cider vinegar

2-T honey

Steep the cayenne with the sage infusion, and then mix in the remaining ingredients. Use 1-t to 1-T according to age or use as a gargle as often as necessary. Do not use for children younger than two.

Herbal Candles : Lavender and Rose

This is a fun and quick little craft. If you happen to have a candle warmer then this will be a snap. I used  small pan on low heat.on my stove.

Turn on you candle warmer and place a few tea light on it. Once they start to melt, sprinkle a few rose petals on to each candle. Then remove and allow to cool. The candle will absorbed the oils from the herbs and there should be a faint scent once burned. They make cute gifts.

now, this can be done on the stove top. Just keep and eyes on them as to not cause a fire, like someone else (>.>) .

This were so fun and quick to make. I am thinking about making a few more. They would make nice stocking suffers. Add a bit of essential oils to make other scent combinations. This is a craft that can be adapted to any taste.


Have a berry orange day,

Sú talún

Roes Elixier a how to

Rose Elixir is a lovely treat and medicine, it is also very simple to make.

Ingredients: 

A pint canning jar or another glass jar that seal well

Fresh rose petal

About a pint of high quality brandy, rum or whiskey

About 1/3 pint of raw honey, a lighter type such as clover or wildflower. 

Directions

First fill the jar to the top with rose petals. There is no need to pack them in but press them back a bit.

Pour the honey in slowly, stirring as necessary, until the petals are well coated.

Fill to the top with you choice of alcohol, stirring to remove the air bubbles. Then cover with a tight fitting lid and shake.

Let the petals macerate in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. 

When straining, save both the liquid and the petal. 

The petals can be eaten alone or used in salad or to top a cake.

As a medicine

This elixir is relaxing and uplifting.

 It could be used for trauma ,grief, depression, anxiety, heartbreak and chronic stress and fatigue to good effect. 

Rose has also been known to help restore the flora in the gut and settle  gastric disturbances. 

Source

http://www.learningherbs.com/news_issue_35.html