Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c5.s2.t6.2

v1.c5.s2.t6.2

Pepper is one of the favourite condiments and also one of the main spices carried in the maritime trade between Asia and Europe. Pepper’s major medicinal value, according to traditional Chinese medicine, lies in its stimulation function, which can reduce *qi* and remove cold and stimulate secretion in the stomach to help digestion. Pepper has played an important role in the history of Indian drugs for several centuries. It has long been considered and used as aromatic stimulant and carminative to expel gas from the gastro-intestinal tract. It works well in treating dyspepsia, flatulence and hemorrhoids and sometimes, it can be used as an anti-malarial drug. Pepper can be also used as external medicine.