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)
• Wintergreen Oil (Methyl Salicylate)

See also

• Liniment