Chillies have long been burnt to cleanse spaces in South American cultures, and evidence of their use dates back to 8000 BC. They were brought by Christopher Columbus to Europe in the late 15th century (some say via India, but actually, according to herbalist Maud Grieves (1858–1951), via the West Indies).

Uses include as food, for medicine, and for fumigation. Chillies are believed to increase the power of a spell and can be worn as protective necklaces to ward off evil. They are symbols of fertility and are said to have aphrodisiac qualities. Culpeper (1616–1654), the well-known herbalist and physician, used chillies, and there are many references to their antibiotic, pain-relieving, digestive, detoxing, and antioxidant qualities.