A rubefacient is a substance for external application that produces redness of the skin e.g. by causing dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
Common herbal rubefacients include:
- Cayenne (Capsicum minimum)
- Cloves (Eugenia caryphyllus)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia)
- Mustard (Brassica alba or B. nigra)
- Nettle (Urtica dioica)
- Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperata)
- Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Rue (Ruta graveolens)