Still HOT Cayenne spent menstruum (what to do with it)…

[SharonStudent]

So I tinctured some hot (150-250K heat units) of cayenne powder in 40% for 2 weeks (and it was a 1:4 ratio since there was plenty of liquid over the powder in the jar).  After pressing, hubby wondered how much heat was still left in the powder, so he tested it (he’s braver than I am – I’m a sissy with cayenne), and found that there is still a LOT of heat left.  So should I just pour the previously tinctured material back over it and give it a second run, or do I have to use new alcohol?<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>Seems too much of a waste to trash material that still has heat and oil left in it.<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  Must be something good to do with it since it still seems to have a lot of life left.  </span>Thoughts?

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Lisa Derksen

[Michelle KochStudent]

Wow, good thinking!  I would never have thought of that!  I also just happen to have a little jar of cayenne macerating, same ratio and medium as you did.  And in light of what you just posted, I think I will take the leftover menstruum and infuse it in a jar of oil, but I will label it as something like “reclaimed” or “recycled” from alcohol, so you know.  Then you could use the infused oil in a balm for sore muscles and rheumatic conditions.  (Or even in cooking?) “Waste not, want not.”

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Lisa Derksen, Sharon

[SharonStudentTopic Author]

That’s a cool idea Michelle.  I wonder if we did it as an oil, would cooking with it kill off any medicinal properties like it does with other things? If I used salves and such the oil would be a good fit, but the tinctures seem to work better and faster than salves, thus the “love affair” with tinctures!  Hubby still thinks there’s more medicine in it for tincture and wants to use a higher proof, but I keep telling him no need for higher proof.

[Author]

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