Or you could make a capsaicin lotion by steeping five to ten red peppers in two pints of rubbing alcohol for a few days. Just wash your hands thoroughly after using any topical capsaicin treatment, as you don't want to get it in your eyes. Also, since some people are quite sensitive to this compound, you should test it on a small area of skin before using it on a larger area. If it seems to irritate your skin, discontinue use. I'd also suggest adding a few drops of lavender oil to your red-pepper salve.
Lavender oil is a mainstay of aromatherapy, useful for treating inflammation and burns.
This herb contains curcumin , a potent anti-inflammatory chemical. Some studies suggest that curcumin is only about half as effective as the pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication cortisone, but consider that cortisone is expensive and can have nasty side effects. Turmeric is much easier on the system and the pocketbook, not to mention a lot tastier. Naturopaths suggest taking 250 to 500 milligrams of pure curcumin a day, between meals. That's a lot more than even I would add to a curried rice dish.