There is an indissoluble link between taking chances and winning big and I personally believe in the expression “no pain no gain”. Then again to be perfectly honest, I must admit that in many cases I prefer to gain nothing because I’m terrified of pain.
I hope I didn’t scare you too bad before presenting you with a do-it-yourself recipe that can work wonders in alleviating muscle pain.
I’m not trying to advertise it as my own invention because anyone who watches TV a lot and TV series like the Orange is the New Black in particular, might remember it from a Netflix original series.
The difference resides in the fact that unlike the original recipe that involves the chewing and spitting of the jalapenos, this one is much more elegant.
Cocoa butter can simplify matters greatly for you and although the original product is not suitable because it is solid, heating it up or purchasing cocoa buttercream or lotion is a good alternative.
Why Jalapeños?
Jalapeños contain a mineral called capsaicin, which causes the hotness you experience when eating – or even touching – one. Capsaicin (pronounced cap-SAY-sin) is the active ingredient in chili peppers.
It’s what gives chili peppers their spicy kick. It happens to be the same warming agent that’s used in muscle rubs you can purchase in stores!
You’ll Need:
- 1 Jalapeño (or you can use tiny amount of Habanero powder – this powder is quite hot, so start out slow)
- Shea or Cocoa Butter cream or lotion
Directions:
① Cut the jalapeño open and scoop out the seeds using the spoon (or you can use the habanero powder).
② Fill a small container with your cocoa buttercream or lotion and add few seeds (approximately 8-12) and mix them thoroughly.
③ Grab a small amount of the cream and rub it over the affected areas to relieve sore joints and muscles.
What To Expect:
Once you rub the mixture on the affected areas, these areas will begin to feel the warming sensation similar to using a product like Bengay (though it’s not overwhelmingly hot that it burns your skin) after rubbing the lotion.
If you are trying to apply this mixture to a large area, try doing a spot test first and wait how it goes. And most importantly, always wash your hands after application.
Just a Precaution:
In conjunction with a carrier oil and shea butter, it will create an appropriate concoction that misses one single ingredient, namely the jalapeño seeds. You need to make sure to use the appropriate quantities and refrain from adding too many seeds, to avoid pepper burn.
If you don’t have very sensitive skin and you use the ingredients in moderation, there are very few reasons to worry about. Essential oils are also necessary and I suggest ginger, black pepper or cinnamon although nutmeg and clove should also work.
Warning:
- Do not apply it immediately after a hot bath or shower or use it with a heating pad.
- Avoid getting cream in eyes and other mucus membranes or broken skin.
How about the ginger or the cinnamon? Please give me some measurements using cinnamon, ginger or black pepper… Thanks!
Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas. PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING
Its better to use a commercial balm or lotion. ’cause you don’t know if the amount of seeds will burn your skin or not. 🙁
@Farzana,
That’s why you can control how many seeds your body can tolerate. Its an experiment