In the spice jar of a Chinese kitchen, peppercorns are definitely indispensable. Whether it's the spicy and fragrant hot pot, the fragrant mapo tofu, or the mouth-watering peppercorn chicken, it is inseparable from its unique numbing taste and aroma. But did you know? This small peppercorn is not just a condiment, it also hides many surprising effects and effects. Today, I will take you to understand why Sichuan peppercorns can "double bloom" in the kitchen and health care world!

1. Unique flavor to enhance the soul of food

The charm of Sichuan peppercorns is first reflected in the unique flavor it gives to food. The volatile aromatic substances it contains, such as limonene, kudhol, etc., can emit a strong and special aroma, stimulate the olfactory nerve, and instantly arouse appetite. The unique numbing taste of Sichuan peppercorns comes from the hemp in Sichuan peppercorns. This substance stimulates the nerve endings on the surface of the tongue, producing a slight tingling and numbness, and this unique taste experience is the key to the spicy and fragrant characteristics of Sichuan cuisine, Hunan cuisine and other cuisines.

In cooking, peppercorns are used in a variety of ways. When stir-frying, you can add a few peppercorns to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant, which can add a different flavor to the dish; When making spicy seasoning, grind the peppercorns into powder and mix them with chili peppers, salt, etc., to prepare fragrant spicy powder; Adding a few peppercorns to the stew can not only remove the fishy smell and relieve greasy, but also make the meat more tender. It is precisely because of the existence of Sichuan peppercorns that ordinary dishes have been transformed into evocative delicacies.

2. Warm and disperse cold, protect the health of the spleen and stomach

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, peppercorns are warm in nature, pungent in taste, and return to the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians, which have the effect of warming and dissipating cold. When the spleen and stomach are attacked by cold evil, symptoms such as cold pain in the stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea will occur. At this time, peppercorns are like a warm "guardian", which can dispel the cold in the spleen and stomach and relieve discomfort.

Modern research has also confirmed that the volatile oil components in Sichuan peppercorns have a certain stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can promote the secretion of gastric juice, enhance gastrointestinal peristalsis, and aid digestion. For people with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, moderate consumption of peppercorns can improve digestive function and enhance the transport ability of the spleen and stomach. For example, boiling water with peppercorns or adding a small amount of peppercorn powder to porridge can have the effect of warming and dissipating cold, warming the stomach and relieving pain. In addition, peppercorns can also be used externally, stir-frying peppercorns and coarse salt and putting them in a cloth bag, and applying hot compresses to the abdomen, which can effectively relieve abdominal pain caused by cold and condensation.

3. Remove dampness and relieve pain, relieve joint discomfort

Sichuan peppercorns have the effect of dispelling dampness and relieving pain, and have a certain effect in relieving joint pain. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that dampness is one of the important factors that cause joint pain, swelling, and unfavorable flexion and extension. Sichuan peppercorns are warm, can warm the meridians, promote the circulation of qi and blood, and help the body expel moisture, thereby reducing joint pain symptoms.

Folk peppercorns are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Soak the peppercorns in high-grade liquor, seal them for a period of time, and wipe the painful joints with the soaked medicinal wine, which can warm the meridians, dispel cold and relieve pain. Although peppercorn wine cannot completely cure rheumatoid arthritis, it can relieve pain and improve joint mobility to a certain extent.

4. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, protect oral health

Volatile oils and alkaloids contained in peppercorns have strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These ingredients can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria in the oral cavity, and have a significant inhibitory effect on common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

In daily life, we can use peppercorns to maintain oral health. When there is swollen and painful gums and mouth ulcers, take a few peppercorns and chew them on the painful area, and the active ingredients in the peppercorns can quickly act on the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation. Gargling with peppercorns can also freshen breath and prevent oral odor.

5. Deworming and relieving itching, a little helper in life

In the past, peppercorns were often used as a natural insect repellent. It emits a special smell that can repel mosquitoes, ants and other pests. For the itching of the skin caused by mosquito bites in the human body, peppercorns also have a certain relieving effect. After boiling the peppercorns, wipe the itching area with it, which can reduce the itching symptoms, because the ingredients in the peppercorns have an anesthetic and anti-itch effect. Although peppercorns cannot completely replace professional anthelmintic drugs and anti-itch ointments, they still have certain practical value in daily life as a natural and safe method.

How to use and precautions for Sichuan peppercorns

1. Diverse usage methods

In addition to being used in cooking as a condiment, peppercorns can also be made into peppercorn oil, peppercorn powder, etc. Sichuan peppercorn oil is soaked in hot oil to fully integrate the aroma of Sichuan peppercorns into the oil, and is often used in cold dishes, pasta, etc.; Sichuan peppercorns are ground into a fine powder, which can be sprinkled directly on dishes or used to make various seasonings. In addition, peppercorns can also be used to make tea and wine to exert their health benefits.

2. Precautions for consumption

Although peppercorns have many benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. For people with yin deficiency and fire, real heat syndrome, such as people who often have symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, constipation and other symptoms, it is not advisable to eat excessive peppercorns, otherwise it will aggravate the fire in the body. Pregnant women should also be cautious about eating peppercorns to avoid causing fetal restlessness. At the same time, peppercorns are highly irritating, and eating too much may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause stomach pain, diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms, so pay attention to controlling the amount of consumption.

The small peppercorns contain great energy. From adding flavor to protecting good health, from solving small troubles in life to exerting medicinal value, peppercorns show their unique charm in all aspects. Next time you see peppercorns in the kitchen, don't just treat it as an ordinary condiment, you might as well try it to maintain your health and feel the magical effect of this "treasure spice"!