Black Pepper

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

Botany and Origins: It is a native of southern India and Indonesia. It has been cultivated in the same areas for over 2,000 years. It is a perennial vine climbing to about 5m. The inflorescence is a spike of about 20-30 sessile flowers, which develop into sessile fruits. Black peppers are more pungent and are produced from the unripe fruits on the harvested spikes. These are sun-dried usually after soaking in hot water. The pungency is due to the presence of various resins and a yellow crystalline alkaloid called piperine.

Method of Extraction: Black pepper oil is produced by the steam distillation of the dried, crushed but not quite ripe fruits.

Cultivation: Certified Organic

Historical and Traditional Uses: Pepper has been esteemed as a spice in India since time immemorial and dispersed in trade throughout the world. Pepper was so important that the search for the source of the spice and the control of the trade was a significant factor influencing world exploration and history. The word originates from the Latin 'piper', which in turn comes from the Sanskrit 'pippali'. Black pepper is one of the oldest known spices, being described by Theophrastus in the 4th century BC.

The warming and stimulating properties of pepper were well known to early European herbalists. Black and white pepper are used extensively as domestic spices. They are widely used as flavour ingredients in most food products. It is used in TCM and Ayurvedic medicine for its carminative, warming and eliminative properties.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Black pepper oil was found to have antibacterial properties.

Indications:

• Circulatory System: Black pepper oil is recommended for the treatment of anaemia, as a stimulant of the spleen, which is involved in the production of new blood cells, and for the treatment of bruises. It is also recommended for the treatment of chilblains.
• Digestive System: Black pepper's stomachic, antispasmodic and carminative properties make it an excellent choice for treating disorders of the digestive system. It is recommended for atonic dyspepsia, constipation, flatulence and loss of appetite.
• Musculoskeletal System: Black pepper oil is recommended in a massage blend for the relief of rheumatism and arthritis, muscular aches and pains, tired and aching limbs and muscular stiffness. It can be used before training or a performance to prevent pain and stiffness and possibly improve performance.

Safety: Non irritating and non sensitising and there are no contra-indications.

Country of Origin: Madagascar

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)