Chilli

Chilli is a shrubby plant of the nightshade family native to the Americas, brought to India by the Portuguese and now grown everywhere in the country. It bears white flowers and pungent berries that ripen from green to red, yellow or orange, and India is the world's largest producer.

Chilli entered later Ayurvedic writings as a warming, pungent spice. Traditionally it is used to stimulate appetite and, in external warming preparations, for joint and muscle comfort. The fruit is the part used.