A perennial plant cultivated for its spicy fruits, which are used as a culinary spice and in traditional medicine for their analgesic and circulatory-stimulating properties.
May cause gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals.
Anti-Spasmodic
Applied topically to relax muscle spasms and ease pain. It can also be used internally at first sign of cold or flu. Tincture at 1:5 for 14 days or as a sealed simmer glycerite. With the addition of Lobelia, watch for feelings of nausea, - cut dosage or discontinue use. Lobelia can be toxic in larger doses so do not exceed recommended dosage!! Not suitable during pregnancy or for nursing mothers.
Pain relief liniment
Liniment with rubbing alcohol - EXTERNAL USE ONLY!! Macerate for 2 weeks (because of the lobelia), strain and then add 5 drops each of camphor and wintergreen essential oils per ounce of finished menstruum.