Chilli

Capsicum spp.

Originating from South America, Capsicums may be grown outdoors during the summer months in the UK, although they prefer to be in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill.

They embody the saying ’food is medicine’, as anyone with blocked sinuses who has eaten a hot curry can testify, and also are a good lesson in dosage. A little Chilli can go a long way.

Capsicums are ’rubefacient’  This means that applied externally they will bring the blood supply close to the surface. As an ointment ingredient, chilli stimulates the circulation, thereby helping remove waste products in some stages of the inflammatory process. It also promotes the absorption of phytochemicals and it can have a pain relieving effect on nerve pain. 

In the makeshift camps in Calais and Dunkirk, People on the move are living outside in the cold and damp, and herbalists often give out a warming muscle rub. Chilli oil is an important ingredient in this. 

Here is how to make an infused oil  You can adapt the recipe to include chilli.