Pepper is extensively used in the wintry cusine of North India, to impart warmth and pungency to veg. dishes. In the South, it is used as a flavouring spice in non-veg preparations. Pepper incidently is an important spice in the Indian four-spice classic 'garam masala'. Pepper corns boiled in water along with basil leaves, are said to relieve chest congestions and asthematic condition.