Pepper spray is made up of an active
ingredient called OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) and other inert ingredients. They can be water or oil
based. The best formula being oil based as oil based products do not have the
problem of separation.
The actual term OC (oleoresin capsicum)
refers to chili peppers, and is a horticultural term. Jalapenos, chiletpin,
cayenne, and habaneros are all chili peppers. Although they look quite
different, and can taste quite different, they all contain an alkaloid called
capsaicin. Capsaicin is tasteless and odorless. It is so powerful that even
when it is immersed in water, the heat from it can be detected. Studies show
that humans can detect even one part per ten million of this powerful alkaloid.
To make Pepper spray, we must extract the oleoresin capsicum from the peppers, the
OC is water soluble and oil soluble, we can use both to extract it. This is how
itís done.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cup: Isopropyl Alcohol
1/2 Cup: Canola, Vegetable oil
1/4 cup: fine grain Iodized Salt
2 dozen fresh peppers or dried (chili
peppers, chiletpin, cayenne, jalapeÒos, or habaneros) I suggest cayenne or
habaneroís
Blend up whole pepper (or for a more potent batch use 4 dozen peppers
and use only the veins and seeds of the peppers as they contain the most
Capsaicin in the peppers, the veins are the lighter colored things running down
the inside of the peppers). Combine alcohol, oil, and blended peppers in a bowl
or container and let sit for a minimum of 16 hours stirring occasionally.
During this time the oleoresin capsicum will saturate the oil and alcohol. Now
take the mixture and filter out the pieces of the pepper through a fine metal
or paper filter. Now heat solution on a very low heat (do not allow solution to
become hotter than 60 degrees Celsius as too much heat will diminish the
potency of the peppers) if you have time to spare just let the solution sit on
a window sill in the sun until it thickens up slightly. What you are looking
for is a consistency that is able to be sprayed from a spray bottle but is as
concentrated as possible. If consistency becomes too thick just add more
alcohol.Mix in salt and put in a spray bottle. The mixture is ready for use.
