Via @BuckhornCliffs:
A homemade castor oil and cayenne pepper salve combined with DMSO might be the best one two punch for pain relief.
The recipe: 1 cup castor oil, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper powder. Heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to infuse the castor oil with capsaicin (the active compound in cayenne) without overheating it. Strain, cool, and store in a sealed jar. (https://buckhorncliffs.com/castor-oil-and-cayenne-pepper-salve/)
A few things worth knowing:
Capsaicin works by binding to TRPV1 receptors and depleting Substance P, the chemical that signals pain to your brain. That’s the science behind why it actually works, not just feels warm.
Castor oil is loaded with ricinoleic acid, which has its own anti-inflammatory effect and helps drive the cayenne deeper into tissue.
Layer DMSO on top after the salve absorbs and the relief reaches deeper. Just make sure your skin is clean first since DMSO carries whatever is on the surface into your body.
Store away from light and heat. Capsaicin breaks down with UV exposure.