Rubefacient

Rubefacient herbs, sometimes also referred to as counter-irritants, act to produce a superficial inflammation of the skin in order to reduce a deeper inflammation. They do this by increasing surface blood flow, and often cause reddening of the skin when applied externally. They include chilli (Capsicum minimum), horseradish (Amoracia rusticana), mustard (Brassica spp.) and nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus).