Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)

Family Name: Piperaceae

Description: Pepper is a climbing vine with dark green leaves, white flowers and red berries.

Note: Middle

Origins: Pepper is one of the earliest know spices. It is available in black or white, but the essential oil is obtained from the black pepper. It was a very popular spice with both the Greeks and the Romans. Pepper is grown in the Far East and is much valued as a spice.

Therapeutic Effects: Black pepper essential oil is made from steam distillation of ripe peppercorns. The oil is greenish yellow in colour and has a strong, sharp and spicy middle note. It has warming effect on the body, is a good circulatory stimulant, and has aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, diuretic and vasco-dilating properties.

Uses: It is a good remedy for colds and flu. The warming and expectorant action of black pepper can clear mucus. It is good for rheumatic pains. It stimulates the kidneys and is good for sluggish digestion.

Cautionary Note: Can over stimulate the kidneys. May cause skin irritation unless used in small doses. Avoid if pregnant and also with babies, infants and children.

sourced by kind permission: Karen Morgan Celtic Touch