Herbier des Anciens — Detailed Guide

Capsicum annuum

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Never apply to damaged, irritated skin or mucous membranes; avoid all contact with eyes. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women in concentrated form, nor for young children. Concentrated internal use or capsules may interact with certain treatments (anticoagulants, antihypertensives): consult a healthcare professional. Always perform a skin patch test before external application, due to the risk of burns or intense skin reactions.

Poultice / ointment — Fruit (pepper) dried or fresh, reduced to powder or paste

Warming ointment for chest and joints

Pepper powder is mixed with a neutral fatty base (vegetable oil or fat) in very low proportion, then applied in a thin layer on the chest or painful areas. Leave on for only a few minutes, then remove, monitoring for any excessive burning sensation. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Tincture — Dried fruit

Pepper tincture for diluted external use

The dried fruit is macerated in high-proof alcohol for several weeks, then heavily diluted before any topical application as a local friction. This preparation, reserved for external use, must be handled with caution and never applied undiluted. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Pepper is easily found in the garden or dried in grocery stores; tincture or standardized powder preparations for traditional use are available in specialized herbalist shops.

Harvest season

When to harvest

The fruits are harvested at full maturity, generally from late summer to early autumn, when they have taken on their characteristic red color.

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