Chilli, Red Pepper

Latin name : Capsicum annuum (Linn.), C. frutescens (C.B.Clarke), C. purpureum (Roxb.), C. minimum (Roxb.)
Sanskrit/Indian name : Katuvira, Mirchi
Urdu name : Lalmirch

General information :
Chilli or Red Pepper is a rich source of essential vitamins and nutrients. The red pepper variety was first cultivated in South and Central America more than 5,000 years ago. The herb has a host of medicinal benefits. It reduces painful inflammation upon topical application, is a powerful detoxifier and maintains heart health. The herb is under the scanner in various research institutes worldwide for inherent anticancer compounds.

Therapeutic constituents :
Chilli contains capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile oil and steroidal saponins. Capsaicin stimulates blood circulation. It topically desensitizes nerve endings and acts as a local analgesic (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 129. 2007). Chillies are an excellent source of vitamins A, B, C and E and folic acid.

Key therapeutic benefits :

• Chillies are detoxifiers which help the body get rid of accumulated toxins.
• The presence of folic acid and vitamin B in Chillies reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Externally applied, the herb alleviates joint pain as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.