Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
With only two ingredients, this is an herbal remedy that is simple to make a can provide your body a powerful punch of nutrition. Here is how to make cayenne tincture using either fresh or dried cayenne.
Hot peppers, particularly cayenne peppers (scientifically known as capsicum annuum), offer a range of medical benefits when consumed. They increase blood circulation which can improve heart health, aid in digestion, and can even reduce pain. The peppers are also high in vitamin C and can help strengthen and protect your immune system. Cayenne pepper tincture makes a wonderful herbal medicine that should be a staple in the homemade medical cabinet.
Health benefits of cayenne tincture
Pain Relief – Cayenne contains capsaicin, which is a compound that has pain-relieving properties. Topical application of cayenne tincture (by adding the tincture to a salve or body cream) may help alleviate muscle and joint pain.
Digestive support – Cayenne is believed to stimulate digestion by increasing saliva production. It may also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, gas, and bloating, and can even help to prevent or heal stomach ulcers.
Support cardiovascular health – Some have said that cayenne can stop a heart attack however there is limited evidence of this. That said, some studies suggest that cayenne may provide cardiovascular support by improving blood circulation, increasing blood flow, and reducing cholesterol levels. This can lower the chance of blood clots and improve the overall function of the circulatory system.
Weight management – The compound capsaicin in cayenne is thought to boost metabolism and increase fat burning, which could potentially aid in weight loss efforts.
Anti-inflammatory properties – Cayenne contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. This would contribute to overall health and potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Cold and flu relief – Cayenne’s spicy heat can help clear congestion, relieve sinus pressure, and help ease sore throats when consumed in food or tincture form. It may also have antimicrobial properties that help fight off infections and can strengthen the immune system.
How to make cayenne tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with a piece of parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
A small amber glass bottle with dropper tops – I use these ones.
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A knife – for chopping up the fresh peppers
Supplies
Fresh, dried, or powdered cayenne peppers – it’s best to use organic cayenne powder and peppers if you can find them. Here’s a bulk, organic source.
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I use this bulk raw apple cider vinegar and this food-grade glycerin. If you’re using fresh cayenne peppers, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the peppers.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Sanitize your glass jar, lid, and amber dropper bottle.
If you’re using fresh peppers, use a knife to chop them up. This increases the surface area that is exposed to the alcohol which will lead to a more concentrated tincture.
Add the fresh cayenne peppers to the jar and fill it up ¾ of the way full.
If you’re using dried peppers, fill the jar ½ full to leave room for the peppers to expand when they absorb the alcohol.
If you’re using powdered peppers, use a 1:2 ratio with alcohol. For example, if you use a 4oz mason jar, add about 2 tablespoons of powdered cayenne pepper into the jar.
Completely submerge the peppers in alcohol.
Add the lid to the jar and shake it to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.
Leave it sit in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry.
After 4-6 weeks, use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to strain off the peppers from the tincture. Make sure to remove all of the pepper from the tincture to avoid the tincture spoiling early.
Use a funnel to pour the tincture into the amber bottle.
Date and label the bottle so you know what it is.
How long does cayenne tincture last?
If the tincture is completely strained off and stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight it should last 2-5 years.
How much cayenne tincture to take?
I like to take 10-15 drops at a time. You can repeat the dose 2-3 times a day if needed.
Can you use hot peppers instead?
Yes, you can swap out cayenne peppers for hot peppers like habaneros and scotch bonnets. Hot peppers generally have increased levels of capsaicin which is what helps the body with inflammation so they’re a great alternative.
How to use cayenne tincture
Directly – Add the dosage directly under your tongue for the fastest absorption. It’s spicy so be warned!
Diluted in water or juice – Add the dosage to hot or warm water, or to juice. It tastes nice in tomato juice or mixed with hot water with a squeeze of lemon.
Topically – You can dilute cayenne tincture in a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil), or add it to a salve or lotion. Use your finger to mix it in and apply it to sore muscles or joints (or even varicose veins) to help ease pain and inflammation.
Incorporate into cooking – Simply add a few drops of cayenne tincture to your favorite recipes for a spicy kick. It can be added to soups, sauces, marinades, dressings, and beverages like tea or lemonade.
DIY remedies – You can mix cayenne tincture with other natural ingredients to create homemade remedies. For example, you can combine it with ginger and honey for a sore throat remedy, mix it with apple cider vinegar and water for a natural detox drink, or use it in your homemade fire cider immune tonic.
Can you make cayenne tincture without alcohol?
Yes, simply swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar. Extracts made with vinegar will not last as long as tinctures made with alcohol and it’s best to use the extract made with vinegar within a year.
Can I use bell peppers to make cayenne tincture?
Cayenne tincture is typically made using cayenne peppers because they contain capsaicin. Bell peppers, on the other hand, do not contain capsaicin and are not spicy like cayenne peppers. Therefore, bell peppers should not be used to make this tincture.
I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, do your own research and speak to your doctor, paediatrician, or health care practitioner.
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How To Make Cayenne Tincture (Simple DIY Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make sure your glass jar, lid, and amber dropper bottle are clean.
- If you’re using fresh peppers, use a knife to chop them up. This increases the surface area that is exposed to the alcohol which will lead to a more concentrated tincture.
- Add the fresh cayenne peppers to the jar and fill it up ¾ of the way full.
- If you’re using dried peppers, fill the jar ½ full to leave room for the peppers to expand when they absorb the alcohol.
- If you’re using powdered peppers, use a 1:2 ratio with alcohol. For example, if you use a 4oz mason jar, add about 2 tablespoons of powdered cayenne pepper into the jar.
- Completely submerge the peppers in alcohol.
- Add the lid to the jar and shake it to ensure everything is covered in alcohol.
- Leave it sit in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cabinet or pantry.
- After 4-6 weeks, use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to strain off the peppers from the tincture. Make sure to remove all of the pepper from the tincture to avoid the tincture spoiling early.
- Use a funnel to pour the tincture into the amber bottle.
- Date and label the bottle so you know what it is, and enjoy!
Yes, simple!! thank you. I’ve started.
Question > The fresh peppers do not seem so hot. If i were to add some organic powder, how much would you recommend…..as an addition to the fresh cayenne peppers in alcohol? Thanks again. Warm regards, Lucy
Hi, I’d recommend brewing them separately and then combining the two tinctures together after they have steeped for 8 weeks. This is because fresh plant material tends to have more water content, which can slightly dilute the alcohol base and extend the extraction time. Using a pint jar, fill the jar with the fresh peppers 3/4 of the way full and for the powder, fill the jar 1/3 of the way full. I hope this helps and let me know how you get on!
I read on a recipe for another tincture that I could replace alcohol with apple cider vinegar, is that possible for this one?
Hey – yes, you can swap out the alcohol for ACV or food-grade glycerin. Neither are as good as alcohol at extracting the beneficial compounds or preserving them so the final tincture will be a bit weaker and will last a shorter time – I like to consume vinegar-based extracts within about 6 months and glycerin-based extracts within a year.
If you use powder cayenne do u strain it or leave it in? Thank u!
Hey, you want to strain it off – I recommend using doubled over cheesecloth or a coffee filter to do this. The coffee filter will take a while but you get a cleaner strain. You could do a couple of strains using the doubled over cheesecloth as well. xx
I grow super hot peppers…ghost, habanero, scotch bonnet…and slice and dry them. Can I use these instead of cayenne peppers to make this tincture?
Yes, definitely, the hotter peppers generally have increased levels of capsaicin which is what helps the body with inflammation so they’re a great alternative. Let me know how it goes!