Black Pepper
All about Black Pepper
Piper nigrum
Basic Information
Black pepper is native in Southwestern India. It is a flowering vine cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. Dried ground pepper has been used since antiquity both for its flavor and as a traditional medicine. Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, and is one of the most common spices added to cuisines around the world.
Black Pepper is best known as a common cooking spice that enhances the flavor of foods, but it’s internal and topical benefits are equally noteworthy. Black Pepper has a chemical structure similar to Melissa, contributing to its reputation as an oil that soothes nerves and lessens anxious feelings. This essential oil is high in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, known for their antioxidant activity and ability to help ward off environmental and seasonal threats. Black Pepper promotes healthy circulation both internally and externally, but should be used with caution when applied topically due to its strong warming sensation. It can also help with the digestion of foods, making it an ideal oil to cook with and enjoy both for its flavor and internal benefits.
Introduction
- Plant Part: Fruit
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Aromatic Description: Hot, sharp, fruity, spicy
- Main Chemical Components: ß caryophyllene, limonene, carene
Usage
- Aromatic: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
- Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
- Topical: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
Main Function
- Rich source of antioxidants
- Supports healthy circulation
- Aids digestion. It may help ease the discomfort of constipation, IBS and gas.
- Soothes nerves and lessens anxious feelings
- Reduce cigarette cravings and symptoms of anxiety in smokers deprived from smoking
- Boost immune health and fights inflammation.
- Enhances food flavor
Application
- Combine one to two drops with carrier oil to soothe sore muscles and joints or to warm the skin during cold weather.
- Diffuse or inhale directly to soothe anxiety and craving for cigarettes.
- Diffuse Black Pepper essential oil with Juniper Berry and/or Cedarwood , it can help produce a calming and grounding effect on your senses and emotions, and can help you destress and relax.
- After an afternoon nap, apply a few drops of Black Pepper essential oil to the bottom of feet for a stimulating wake up
- Take one to two drops in veggie caps daily when seasonal threats are high.
- Add one drop of Black Pepper essential to your steak marinade. It will be your marinade’s secret ingredient.
- Add to meats, soups, entrees, and salads to enhance food flavor and aid digestion.
Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity, diluted with carrier oil before apply.
Plant Science
Alertness
Human clinical research (n=43) suggests that inhalation of black pepper oil causes a 1.7 fold increase in adrenaline, therefore promoting alertness(1)
Cell-Protection
- In vitro research suggests that caryophyllene, a major constituent of black pepper oil, may be effective at stopping cancer from spreading as well as killing cancer cells. Research suggests that caryophyllene may be toxic against colon cancer cells, while not being toxic towards healthy cells.(2)
- In vitro research suggests that black pepper oil may prevent aflatoxin B1, a cancer-causing chemical, from binding to DNA.(3)
Anti-Inflammatory
Animal research in mice suggests that 100mg/kg injections of black pepper oil, daily, for five days reduced chronic inflammation(4)
Anti-Microbial-
- In vitro research suggests that caryophyllene, a major constituent of black pepper oil, may be effective against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) (5)
- In vitro research suggests that black pepper oil may be effective against most types of bacteria.(6)
Anti-Oxidant
In vitro research indicates that black pepper oil is a strong antioxidant.(7)
Bone Health
In vitro research suggests that caryophyllene, a major constituent of black pepper oil, may increase collagen content and mineralization in bone cells. These results suggest caryophyllene may be effective in healthy formation and maintenance of bone.(8)
IV insertion
Human clinical research (n=120) suggests that 20% black pepper oil in aloe gel was may increase the visibility of veins in patients had no visible veins to aide nurses in inserting an IV.(9)
Nicotine Craving
- Human clinical research (n=20) suggests that inhalation of 1 drop of black pepper oil on a tissue for 2 minutes was effective in reducing the self-assessed craving for tobacco.(10)
- Human clinical research (n=48) suggests that inhalation of black pepper oil whenever needed, not only reduced the self-reported craving level for tobacco, but also reduced the reported symptoms of withdrawal.(11)