I grow my herbs in garden rooms, separated by high planting, so as to protect them from swishing summer tennis rackets and the ravages of basketball damage. In every home I have germinated chilli pepper plants easily from seed, from the southern coast of Australia, south of England and Northern Ireland. They grow remarkably well outdoors in full sun and produce a bright array of fruits.
Capsicum minimum or chilli is a fast growing annual best grown from seed every year. A delightfully satisfying plant, ideal to involve children in the sowing and propagating as it is fast, bright and sunny. Cayenne can be used as a salve or a tincture but I love it best prepared in a plain marshmallow syrup.
To prepare a home-made tincture, one ounce of bruised fruits need mixing with half a litre of 60% vodka. After macerating for a week and shaking it daily it will be ready to use. 2 teaspoons in a wineglass of water can be taken or 1-2 drops added to other medicaments which is said to enhance all other herbal preparations. As one would expect, this preparation has considerable heat.
Using cayenne, as a tiny addition to a plain syrup, is the single most excellent remedy for laryngitis. Having spent many years lecturing, I suffered from this ailment regularly. Taking as much as would just coat the very tip of a teaspoon, then swallowing wholly, the intensity of its warming help is concentrated on the larynx and, as if charmed by magic, the voice immediately returns.
Regarded as a pure and safe stimulant, it tends to accelerate cell oxygenation and equalize circulation in the aged. Indeed, it is indicated for use in feeble patients with cold extremities (as you would expect), lack of energy and poor circulation. Widely used as a digestive aid, it eases intestinal spasm (where the digestive tract is without inflammation) and acts as a carminative. As a salve or cream, the warming effects can also give symptomatic relief from rheumatic pain, neuralgia, backache/lumbago. As an avid label-reader, this plant is actually a common inclusion in over-the-counter treatments for osteoarthritis.
If you happen to benefit from a south facing aspect to your garden room, this plant is a joyful addition which has many uses, besides the culinary. If you are taking any prescribed drugs, please check with your doctor or herbalist before self-medicating with cayenne as it may be contra-indicated. Plant much and plant freely and if you happen to own a garden room structure, adorn the sills with these plants. From cooking to ailments, their uses are multiple and not to be underestimated.
