[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Botanical name: Piper nigrum
Chinese name: Hei Hu Jiao
Hindu name: Kali Mirch
Family Piperaceae
Botany
Piper nigrum is a perennial, flowering vine native to southern India and Indonesia.
Black, green, and white peppercorn come from the same species, but are prepared differently.
Black peppercorn-cooked and dried unripe fruit
Green peppercorn-dried unripe fruit
White peppercorn- ripe fruit
Application
Commonly used in culinary dishes; can be added to tea; applied topically by an essential oil or tincture; aromatherapy.
Black pepper is best used synergistically in combination with other herbs to increase the desired effect rather than used alone.
Organs
Stomach, large intestines, lungs, brain, and skin.
Energetics and Taste
Hot, stimulating and pungent.
Essential oils
Made by steam distillation of the dried and crushed fruit.
Aromatherapy
Black pepper aromatherapy helps reduce tobacco cravings when quitting smoking.
Psychological and metaphysical uses
Emotions addressed:
Emotional dishonesty.
Repressed emotions.
Feeling trapped in cyclic thoughts, experiences, perspectives.
Being prideful, superficial, or overly judgmental.
Black pepper is used to
Uncover the authentic Self.
Uncover root motives.
Enliven the passion of the soul.
Increase motivation, inspiration, and energy.
Hasten the healing process.
Companion oils: vetiver, frankincense, cinnamon, lavender
Chemical Compounds
Black pepper contains a chemical called piperine, which has potent antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties.
Therapeutic actions
Analgesic: relieves or diminishes pain.
Anti-septic: destroys microorganisms on the surface of the skin.
Anti-bacterial: destroys or inhibits the growth or bacteria.
Anti-depressive: uplifting and elevating of heart
Anti-diabetic: controls glucose levels on in the blood by increasing insulin production in the pancreas
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Anti-microbial: destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms
Anti-mutagenic: prevents the mutation of DNA during cell division
Anti-oxidant: neutralizes free radicals that contribute damage cells
Anti-tumor: prevent or inhibit the formation of tumors
Anti-spasmodic: eases muscle spasms and cramps
Aromatic: contains essential oils
Carminative: settles the digestive system and aids the expulsion of gas from the intestines
Cordial: invigorating or stimulating, especially of the cardiovascular system
Diaphoretic: promotes perspiration
Diuretic: increases the production and elimination of urine
Expectorant: expels mucus from the airways
Laxative: aids bowel movements
Relaxant: induces relaxation of the body and mind
Rubefacient: warming and increases blood flow
Tonic: strengthens and improves bodily performance
Uses
Immune system
Beneficial for a easing syptoms of respifever, cough, cold Fevers
Antioxidant properties protect against cancer and tumor growth. Combine turmeric and black pepper to use against cancer cells.
Circulatory system
Moves slow or stagnant circulation.
Digestive system
Improves nutrient absorption in the intestines.
Digestive and carminative properties aid flatulence, heartburn, indigestion, stomachache, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Gentle laxative properties aid in regular bowel movements.
Antioxidant effects protect the liver.
Nervous system
Analgesic properties reduce nerve pain.
Black pepper will counteract the anxiety producing effects of cannabis.
Anti-depressant properties can be increases by combining use with turmeric.
Respiratory system
Expectorant properties expels mucus from the airways. Beneficial for sinus and respiratory infections.
Use by steam inhalation or use in tea to relieve congestion.
Endocrine system
Diuretic properties increase urination.
Reproductive system
Anti-spasmodic and analgesic properties give relief to painful menstrual cramps.
Lymphatic system/detoxification
Diaphoretic properties induce sweating.
Musculoskeletal system
Black pepper is often used in pain recipes along with spearmint to create that hot/cold effect to relieve muscle and joint pain.
Recommended for arthritic pain.
Skin Care
Used topically for itchy skin, insect bites, and bacterial or fungal infections.
Treats vitiligo, which is a skin disease which causes the skin to lose pigmentation.
Antioxidant properties protects against skin cancer.
Oral care
Sore throat/Hoarseness.
Sore, infected or receding gums.
here’s where i source my black pepper
Safety
Non-irritating, non-sensitizing
Safe when used in small amounts in culinary.
Safe during pregnancy, safe for children.
Note: Never ingest essential oils unless directed by a medical professional.
Drug interactions
Black pepper may slow the speed of blood clotting, use caution when consuming amounts higher than commonly used in food. This may pose a risk for surgery and those with blood disorders.
Black pepper may affect blood sugar levels, diabetic patients should carefully monitor their blood sugar levels when consuming therapeutic dosages of black pepper.
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness