Rebecca Y.

Groundcover Grower, Production

Rebecca's many hats: Rebecca is our groundcover grower. She also plays a key role in keeping us on track and in flow when we stick cuttings. In spring she transplants, waters, and supports efficiency in whatever task she takes on. In the fall there the range of activities she does includes cleaning, writing, ordering. organizing, construction, and likely other tasks that support Rush Creek Growers.

The prompt for the 2026 staff musings is to contribute a recipe. It can be for anything from food or beverage to your recipe for happiness! Rebecca's response:

Sassy Cayenne Pepper Pain Salve - For Fiery Aches, Pains

When your body’s been working hard—digging, planting, weeding, chasing dreams, or simply carrying the weight of being human—this spicy little superhero salve comes in clutch, as the kids say.

You'll Need:

2 Tbsp organic cayenne powder (BONUS POINTS!-Dehydrate extra garden peppers at 135–145°F for 6–8 hours, or bake at 170–200°F with the oven door open. Once crispy, grind them up into a fine powder.)

½ cup of your preferred carrier oil, such as coconut, olive, or sweet almond. Pick your favorite; they all play nicely.
½ ounce beeswax (or 2 Tbsp pastilles)

Bring in the Heat

1. Warm things up: Combine your oil and cayenne powder in the top of a double boiler over low heat. The goal is steamy, not sizzly. No bubbling tantrums. Stir occasionally.

2. Double down: Let it cool, then warm it again. This second heating pulls out more of that spicy capsaicin — the magic molecule in the cayenne that makes muscles melt.

3. Let it rest: Remove from heat, allow to cool, and cover. Leave it to infuse for 24 hours, undisturbed. Patience equals potency.

4. Strain the flame: Pour through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to catch the pepper bits, keeping the golden oil/good stuff!

5. Melt & merge: Return your infused oil to the double boiler with the beeswax. Warm gently until the wax melts and everything comes together smooth and glossy.

Pour into tins or jars. Cool before sealing. Name and date it. Store it in a cool spot, and it will remain semi-solid and ready to rescue!

Note: A dab'll do ya! Wash your hands well after using — unless you like surprises.