Sichuan pepper, or Sichuan peppercorn, is a commonly used spice in Sichuan cuisine. It has slight lemony overtones and creates a tingly numbness in the mouth. It is often used to stimulate the taste buds, warm the body, get rid of cold and dampness and protect the stomach and spleen. Green Sichuan pepper has a more robust and earthy flavor then red Sichuan pepper.