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In the West Indies a preparation called Cayenne Pepper Pot is much 

 esteemed and extensively used. It is made from the ripe pods, which 

 are first thoroughly dried by the sun, and then placed in earthen pots in 

 layers, with flour between each. The vessels are then placed in an oven, 

 and slightly heated to remove any moisture that may remain. After this 

 process the fruit is taken out of the vessels without the flour, and the 

 pods and seeds are ground into a fine powder. Flour is then added in 

 the proportion of one pound to an ounce of the powder, and yeast as in 

 making ordinary bread. The whole is then mixed well together, and 

 made into small flat cakes which are baked in the ordinary way. These 

 cakes may be kept for a considerable time, and are reduced to powder 

 when required for use. In India a very popular preparation called 

 Mandram is made chiefly from Capsicums. It is made from the ripe pods 

 which are cut and mixed with thin slices of Cucumber, garlic, or shallots 

 chopped fine, with a small quantity of lime juice and wine added. These 

 materials are well mixed, and vinegar poured over them, when they are 

 ready for use. This is considered to be an excellent preparation for 

 stimulating the appetite. Capsicums or preparations made from them 

 are used extensively by the natives of countries where they are indigenous, 

 who consider them to have valuable properties. 



Medicinally the Capsicum possesses some valuable qualities, and is 

 serviceable in various complaints. The pods and seeds contain a warm 

 acrid oil which is considered useful in promoting digestion, for invigora- 

 ting the blood, assisting the action of the bowels, and correcting flatulency 

 arising from the use of vegetables. For lethargy, corna, and delirium, 

 which often accompany tropical fevers, a poultice of the bruised seeds is 

 said to have a more speedy remedial effect than anything else. In 

 dropsical complaints a small quantity of the powdered seed is said to 

 frequently afford relief when other remedies fail. Capsicums are some- 

 times used successfully in cases of yellow fever, and are said to have a 

 soothing effect upon the stomach, and to often cause a favourable turn in 

 that complaint. Sometimes the seeds are used as a remedy for pleurisy 

 and paralysis, being bruised, mixed with lard, and rubbed upon the 

 affected parts. When used for these complaints, this remedy is said to 

 frequently afford substantial relief when others fail. Capsicums have 

 been used beneficially in cases of scarlatina, and as a throat gargle when 

 mixed with barley water for sutferers from influenza. The pepper is 

 oiten used effectively as a cure for tooth-ache when placed in the cavities 

 of hollow teeth. In cases of opthalmia from relaxation of the membranes 

 of the eye, the greatly diluted juice is said to have been employed with 

 good effect, and in some parts of South America it is used by the Indians 

 to strengthen their sight when they are spearing fish. If the pods of 

 Capsicums are thrown upon a fire, a strong pungent vapour is produced 

 that is noxious to most persons, as it will cause sneezing and even 

 vomiting. Capsicums are generally admitted to be wholesome when 

 used in moderation, but when used in excess by themselves or in prepar- 

 ations in which they form the basis, they are injurious, and the frequent 

 cause of liver complaint. The fruit gathered fresh and eaten in small 

 quantities before meals is said to be an aid to digestion, but when used 

 too freely the stomach is liable to injury. 



