Hello all!
In our last post we talked about a rather floral scent, Geranium. So to keep things a little more interesting I will talk about a rather spicy oil this time, one that packs quite the punch, Black Pepper. Which is also known by it’s Latin name of Piper Nigrum.
Something most people don’t know, is that the Pepper plant is originally a woody, climbing forest plant that uses trees or other natural supports to grow up, and can grow to about twenty feet high. However, for commercial purposes it’s generally kept at about twelve feet and tends to have a life span of about twenty years. A native plant of Indonesia and southern India, it has been cultivated there for well over two thousand years.
At one time, Black Pepper was considered sacred and even used as currency. It was considered so valuable at that time, that Gold was considered cheaper than Black Pepper.
The name pepper is derived from the Latin word ‘piper’, which in turn is taken from the Sanskrit word ‘pippali’, which means ‘long pepper’.
Precautions: According to Robert Tisserand, Black Pepper essential oil will irritate healthy kidneys and diseased kidneys alike, however only through oral application. **We never encourage oral application of any essential oil.**
The essential oil of Black Pepper has many therapeutic uses in aromatherapy. Most of theses uses pertain to the respiratory system, the muscular system as well as the digestive system along with a few others. Black pepper is a phenomenal expectorant, and extremely useful in helping the body overcome bronchitis, laryngitis and tonsillitis. This oil is also very useful for helping deal with muscular aches and pains, poor muscle tone, muscle stiffness and it can even help with headaches! When it comes to the digestive system, Black Pepper can ease constipation, aid digestion, restore colon tone, and aid in protein digestion, just to name a few!
There are also many other uses for this essential oil, some more common than other, but all equally wonderful. One thing to keep in mind when working with this oil though; Black Pepper is a rather spicy oil, and a little goes a long way!
Until next time!