When I first started delving into the world of essential oils I was a bit surprised that there was an essential oil made from black pepper. Surprised that is until I got a bottle and cracked it open. I was delighted by the earthy, spicy fragrance with hints of black pepper.
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Tidbits About Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black pepper is one of the most used spices on the planet, by almost every culture in every cooking style in the world. I have traveled extensively and will tell you that I cannot recall a single table where I’ve sat down to a meal that didn’t have a bottle of salt and pepper on the table.
Origination
Black pepper originates from India. The climbing vine of the Piper Nigrum grows to about 32 feet in height. The little fruits are about 1/4 inch in diameter and start out green. The unripe fruit is green turning to red at the ripened state and on to black when allowed to dry up. Black pepper essential oil is steam distilled from the dried crushed berries resulting in a finished product is a pale green oil.
History of Black Pepper
Throughout history in many parts of the world black pepper has been a prized commodity. Black pepper accounted for 70% of the spice trade and was as highly prized as gold and silver for centuries.
Phytochemicals
Black Pepper is high in phytochemicals (natural plant-based chemicals), which are high in anti-oxidant activity and are stimulating to the immune system.
The phytochemicals present in black pepper are piperine, limonene, linalool, alpha- and beta-pinene, camphene, myrcene, phellandrene, alpha-terpineol,beta-caryophyllene, beta-bisabolene, sabinene, pinocarveol, and alpha-terpinene with piperine being the main player. Piperine is responsible for the zesty flavor of black pepper.
Black Pepper Use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been utilizing black pepper for its medicinal qualities for centuries to relieve pain, fight infection, increase circulation and improve digestion. And here’s what you can use it for too…..
Benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil
Analgesic
Black Pepper Oil is a safe and effective alternative to OTC pain medications for relieving pain. In a randomized controlled study done at Hungkuang University a 3% concentration cream composed of four essential oils, marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint was applied to the neck for neck pain.
For the control group, only an unscented cream was provided. For 4 weeks, all patients applied 2 g cream directly to the affected area daily after showering or bathing. (1) The conclusion of the study was that the essential oil group had improved relief from neck pain over the unscented cream group.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
We have in our world now the troubling issue of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that are threatening our health. Overuse of antibiotics wreaks havoc on your immune systems and your gut flora leaving you vulnerable to pathogens or superbugs that aren’t phased by our antibiotics anymore.
The good news is that there have been studies done in China, Brazil and Korea in which the results showed that black pepper has shown promising results combating infectious endocarditis and e-coli. Clove essential oil is also amazing at combating pathogens that can cause destructive disease.
Enhances Digestion
Black pepper is well known for its ability to enhance healthy digestion. It stimulates digestive enzymes and increases the production of gastric acid, reducing gastrointestinal food transit time. It improves intestinal health and helps to alleviate embarrassing gas.
Lowers Blood Pressure and Protects the Cardiovascular System
Black pepper essential oil, when taken internally can increase circulation and improve heart health due to its warming properties. A Chinese study published in EBioMedicine in April 2017, found that the piperine in black pepper reduced the effect of cardiac fibrosis in an animal study, reducing the incidence of abnormal thickening of the tissues of the heart, which is a symptom of heart disease. (2)
Black Pepper Enhances the Bioavailability of Other Substances
Piperine, an active substance in black pepper has been shown to increase the bioavailability of other drugs and phytonutrients, meaning that the cells of the body are better able to utilize these substances when piperine is added. For example, adding black pepper to turmeric which increases the availability of the beneficial component, curcumin approximately 6 fold. (3)
Black Pepper Essential Oil Blends Well With:
- lavender
- clove
- sage
- lemon
- lime
- mandarin
- grapefruit
- bergamot
- clary sage
- ylang-ylang
- ginger
- coriander
- sandalwood
- frankincense
- fennel
To find quality essential oils check out the fine products at Starwest Botanicals.
Ways to Use Black Pepper Essential Oil
- Take internally to enhance the uptake of supplements, food, and herbs. Because of its ability to increase the bioavailability of substances, it’s taken with, you benefit all the cells in your body with greater nutrition. Just be aware that it will also increase the uptake of prescription drugs so definitely talk with your doctor if you are on any medications.
- Diffuse into the air and blend with other essential oils to create your favorite air freshener. Choose from the list above and have fun finding just the right blend for you. For some nice diffuser blends with black pepper check out this post from EssentialBlissWithSarah
- Add black pepper oil to a carrier oil like sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil and use as a massage oil for soothing sore muscles or tendonitis. Again, mix it up with some of your favorites from the list above.
- Use it in the kitchen. It’s probably not a thing for you to run out of black pepper but if you do! You’re covered. A little goes a long long way though. One drop will likely do it.
Precautions
Keep black pepper essential oil away from your eyes and nasal cavities. Or anybody cavities for that matter. Black pepper oil needs to be diluted for use on the skin, the more sensitive your skin, the more the dilution. Do a patch test on your forearm if you’re unsure.
Don’t use on small children and use caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. That pretty much goes for all essential oils because they are highly concentrated and very strong. Check with your aromatherapist or qualified health care professional.
Conclusion
Black pepper essential oil is a powerhouse. There are so many ways that this oil can enhance your health and help to ward off unwanted health problems. Banish muscle pain and muscle spasms, improve intestinal health, digestion and alleviate intestinal gas. Improve circulation and heart health. And apparently, it helps combat addictions by lessening cravings for nicotine and alcohol.
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The use of essential oils is a time-honored approach to bolstering and strengthening the body and as a natural, chemical-free way to treat disease. Always keep in mind that essential oils can trigger side effects and skin irritations.
I am not a doctor and do not claim to be. I am a seeker of pure, healthful living. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of these statements are intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult with your medical practitioner or oother qualified healthcare providers.