Cayenne pepper was introduced into Britain from India in 1548. The pepper is readily available over the counter.

Life-span: It is a perennial shrub.

Appearance: This shrub grows from anything between two and six feet tall. It has shiny green leaves and small white flowers. It produces green pods, which ripen and turn red.

Habitat: Cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries.

Effect: It is a well-known warming herb used as a tonic for the heart, for aching legs and sluggish circulation, to enhance fertility and for arthritis.

Method: About a quarter of a teaspoon is taken in a cup of water twice a day for as long as felt necessary. Once improvement occurs, the treatment is stopped.