Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium and potassium; the capsaicin in peppers also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce heart disease, The risk of certain tumors and other chronic diseases that occur with age; in several human experimental studies, it was found that meals containing chili peppers can increase the body's energy expenditure and help lose weight; last year an article was published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" The article also pointed out that regular consumption of chili peppers can effectively delay the development of atherosclerosis and the oxidation of lipoproteins in the blood. In addition, people used to think that eating chili peppers regularly might irritate the stomach and even cause gastric ulcers. But the opposite is true. Capsaicin not only does not cause an increase in gastric acid secretion, but it inhibits gastric acid secretion, stimulates the secretion of alkaline mucus, and helps prevent and treat gastric ulcers. Pharmacological effects ① Effect on the digestive system: Capsicum tincture or capsaicin can be used as a stomachic agent when taken orally, which can promote appetite and improve digestion. Animal experiments (Barsov's gastric infertility dogs) have proven that pepper water stimulates the oral mucosa and reflexively strengthens gastric movement. Condiments made from various peppers can increase saliva secretion and amylase activity after oral administration. Large doses taken orally can cause gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It has been reported that pepper has inhibitory and antispasmodic effects on isolated animal intestines. ② Antibacterial and insecticidal effects: Capsaicin has a significant inhibitory effect on Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, but is ineffective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Its branches and leaves have no antibacterial effect and only slightly inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 10-20% chili peppers fried in Jingjing have the effect of killing bed bugs. ③Redness-promoting effect: External use as an lubricant has a soothing effect on the skin, causing local blood vessels in the skin to reflexively expand and promote local blood circulation. Tinctures can be used for chilblains; however, some people believe that peppers only strongly stimulate sensory nerve endings and cause a sense of warmth, but have little effect on blood vessels and do not cause foaming at high concentrations, so they cannot be regarded as redness-promoting agents. ④ Effect on the circulatory system. Spicy substances (ginger, pepper, especially chili) can stimulate the taste receptors of the human tongue. Reflexively causes an increase in blood pressure (especially diastolic blood pressure) without significant effect on pulse. Intravenous injection of capsaicin or capsicum preparations into anesthetized cats and dogs can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, slow heartbeat and difficulty breathing. This is caused by stimulating the chemoreceptors or stretch receptors in the lungs and coronary areas. It has a direct excitatory effect on the isolated guinea pig atrium, and also has a constrictive effect on the blood vessels of the hind limbs of rats. ⑤Other Effects It has been reported abroad that after 3 weeks of eating food with red pepper as condiment (unknown variety), free hydrocortisone in plasma can be significantly increased, and the excretion in urine can also be increased; it can also reduce fibrinolysis. active. The decoction of the aerial parts has a stimulating effect on the isolated rat uterus. Functions and Indications: Warming and dispersing cold, strengthening the stomach and digesting food. It is used for cold stomach pain, flatulence, and indigestion; it is used externally to treat chilblains, rheumatic pain, and lumbar muscle pain. Root: activate blood circulation and reduce swelling. External use to treat chilblains. Usage and dosage: 1 to 3 qian of fruit; appropriate amount of root for external use, decoct in water and wash the affected area. Note: It is contraindicated in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers, acute gastritis, tuberculosis, hemorrhoids or eye diseases.