Black Pepper MNB

Pimienta negra

Botany

Piper nigrum is a native of southern India and Indonesia. It has been cultivated in the same areas for over 2,000 years. The main pepper producers are India, Indonesia and Malaysia. Pepper oil is produced only from black pepper berries.

Only a very small percentage of the black pepper seeds produced is distilled to produce an essential oil. 

It is a perennial vine climbing to about 5 m. The inflorescence is a spike of about 20-30  sessile flowers, which develop into sessile fruits. The fruits on a spike do not mature together, and when a few fruits are ripe the spike is harvested. RIpe fruits are removed and allowed to ferment, or are soaked in running water to remove the pericarps. The seeds are dried and powdered to give us white pepper of commerce. 

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.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Plant part benefits

Fruits have an uplifting and cleansing effect. They contain a lot of water, and are good for the lymphatic system and for emotional cleansing. They are refreshing, and the oils can be used to bring fresh, clear energy to a space. They bring nourishment and energy! Fruits also protect and nurture the seeds in the plant. Citrus oils can be used to encourage inspiration, fun, creativity, self expression and ease. The oils are often used in blends to lift depression and offer joy to the heart and mind

The essential oil of black pepper is produced by the steam distillation of the dried, crushed but not quite ripe fruits of the pepper vine, Piper nigrum.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Airborne deodorizers and purifiers; decongestant (respiratory and muscular); some are rubefacients and provide an analgesic effect where muscle pain and stiffness are present; skin penetration enhancers; inhibit the accumulation of toxins; many have anti-inflammatory effects; many are antiviral; reduce stagnation, supporting movement or change in the body.

Tend to be uplifting and energetic

The therapeutic effects of each oil need to be considered individually, as one cannot generalize as easily as with monoterpenes. 

Many oils high in sesquiterpenes are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and cicatrisant.

They tend to be energetically and emotionally grounding

Antibacterial, antiseptic.

Help with emotional trauma.

black-pepper

Analgesic, antioxidant, circulatory, rubefacient.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.

General aches, stomach cramp, digestive problems, rheumatism, circulatory conditions, cold limbs, chills, exhaustion, convalescence.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Circulation: Black Pepper is warming and has vasodilatory actions, and so is one of the best oils for stimulating peripheral circulation. For this, it blends well with Lemongrass, Clove Bud, and Spike Lavender in massage oils and creams for local application.

Digestion: Black Pepper can be inhaled to reduce nausea. Just put a drop or two on a tissue and inhale for a few minutes. Add to a cream and massage into the belly for constipation, gas and to support digestion. Use at a 1% dilution. Black Pepper works well with Cardamom for digestive support.

Immune: Great for the cold and flu season. Try adding a drop to a chest rub or foot massage oil to warm up the body and stimulate the immune system.

Musculoskeletal: Due to its analgesic, warming, and anti-inflammatory qualities, Black Pepper is great in sports massage oils for sore muscles, pain, and stiffness. It’s also useful for rheumatic pain. Black Pepper works well with a variety of oils to alleviate aches and pains, including Lavender, Basil, Clary Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Geranium, and Juniper Berry.

Respiratory: Black Pepper would be good in a chest rub or massage oil to alleviate bronchial congestion (perhaps combined with Cardamom and Rose).

Smoking cessation: There is some evidence that supports the use of Black Pepper in smoking cessation. A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of inhaled Black Pepper essential oil, and it was found that it significantly reduced the craving for cigarettes (Kitikannakorn et al. 2013).

Analgesic: Based on its dominant components, notably β-caryophyllene, d-limonene, and α- and β-pinene, Black Pepper is likely to have analgesic and antinociceptive actions. Ou et al. (2014) demonstrated this in a randomized controlled study, where a blend of Black Pepper, Marjoram, Lavender, and Peppermint (applied daily in a 3% cream formulation) was significantly more effective in reducing neck pain in comparison with a control group.

Anti-inflammatory: Some of the main components of Black Pepper essential oil, including d-limonene and β-caryophyllene, show good anti-inflammatory activity (Baylac and Racine 2003).

Antiemetic: Traditionally, Black Pepper was used as a digestive stimulant, and it may help to reduce vomiting and nausea, especially if related to overindulgence.

Antibacterial: Black Pepper is active against pathogenic bacteria such as the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Streptococcus faecalis, and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi. (Karsha and Lakshmi 2010, Zarrinhhalam et al. 2013).

Circulatory stimulant: Black Pepper is valued as a rubefacient and vasodilator—it stimulates local blood circulation, creating a feeling of warmth and pain relief.

Expectorant: Black Pepper’s stimulating qualities may irritate goblet cells and increase mucus production, enhancing expectoration.

Febrifuge: Black Pepper is used to reduce fever in many systems of traditional medicine.

Digestive stimulant: Black Pepper is valued as a digestive stimulant in Chinese and traditional Greek medicine.

Rubefacient, Vasodilator, Warming: See circulatory stimulant.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

Circulatory system

Black pepper oil is recommended for the treatment of anemia, and 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 atonic dyspepsia, constipation, flatulence and loss of appetite.

Digestive system

Black pepper’s stomachic, antispasmodic and carminative properties make it an excellent choice for treating disorders of the digestive system. Iti 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.

Skin care

Black pepper essential oil is generally not used in skin care.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
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Black pepper oil will help us ‘get a move on’ at times when our lives feel stuck. Black pepper is the scent of strength and fortitude. It gives us the courage to move forward and to venture into places unknown. It also dissolves energy blockages caused by anger and frustration.

Black pepper will strengthen the Zhi, the spirit of the Kidneys, which is our willpower we draw upon to survive ordeals, overcome obstacles and perseverance against hardships

very stable, responsible  and dependable. They are very private. They like to be punctual and precise, and are very orderly. They have good concentration and are difficult to distract. They find it hard to relax as they think that things that help relax are non-productive. They enjoy being in nature. They can be overly detail-oriented , are devoted workers, and are very thorough and accurate in everything they do. They like to have strict rules and procedures and tend to be inflexible. They are modest and unassuming and make loyal friends. They may have difficulties expressing feelings of warmth and tenderness to loved ones. They can make quick critical judgement of others.

Black pepper oil will help us ‘get a move on’ at times when our lives feel stuck. Black pepper is the scent of strength and fortitude. It gives us the courage to move forward and to venture into places unknown. It also dissolves energy blockages caused by anger and frustration.

The warming qualities of black pepper indicate that is the ideal essential oil to use to dispel any cold pathology. In TCM, cold is associated with poor digestive function, the onset of an infection with headaches, chills, fatigue, fluid congestion, and general aches and pains.

According to the principles of the Five Elements, black pepper oil has a strong affinity with the Earth and Water Elements. It helps to eliminate damp, which weakens the Earth Element and eliminates excess cold, which weakens the Water Element. It tonifies the Yang Qi and warms the Kidneys. Whenever we experience Kidney Yang deficiency , we experience low sex drive, and suffer from lower back pain, fatigue and apathy.

Excess damp leads to Stomach-Spleen damp-cold condition, which is associated with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and cold limbs. Excess damp also leads to Lung cold-damp conditions, which is associated with cough and copious amounts of mucus and phlegm. Black pepper will strengthen the Zhi, the spirit of the Kidneys, which is our willpower we draw upon to survive ordeals, overcome obstacles and perseverance against hardships.  

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Reduce fear and motivate change

Protection from negative energy

Helps to release blocked energy

Reduce fatigue, depression, low energy

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
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The personality of black pepper is associated with that of a  stern older person. Black pepper personalities are often extremely dictatorial,  self-righteous and tend to take responsibility for everyone in their family circle. While black pepper is a warming oil, a black pepper personality is not easily able to express feelings of love. 

Worwood explains that black pepper personalities can have a total lack of empathy for other people, and can have a complete lack of lateral thinking as they are usually only interested in themselves and their families. 

They prefer jobs that give them power and money They are likely to excel at being lawyers, judges, solicitors, bankers, accountants, financial advisers, or a life in the military services. They will not be happy unless they are in charge. 

According to Myers-Briggs personality types, the black pepper personality is likely to be an ISTJ. ISTJs are very stable, responsible  and dependable. They are very private. They like to be punctual and precise, and are very orderly. They have good concentration and are difficult to distract. They find it hard to relax as they think that things that help relax are non-productive. They enjoy being in nature. They can be overly detail-oriented , are devoted workers, and are very thorough and accurate in everything they do. They like to have strict rules and procedures and tend to be inflexible. They are modest and unassuming and make loyal friends. They may have difficulties expressing feelings of warmth and tenderness to loved ones. They can make quick critical judgement of others.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.

Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.

For muscular aches and pains, consider blending black pepper oil with essential oils such as cajeput, fragonia, kunzea, lemongrass, spike lavender, sweet marjoram, nutmeg, pine or rosemary.

For mental fatigue, consider blending black pepper oil with essential oils such as basil, clove bud, cardamom, lemon, ginger, lemongrass, cold pressed lime, lemon myrtle or peppermint.

For physical and emotional strength and confidence, consider blending black pepper oil with essential oils such as basil, cardamom, clove bud, cinnamon bark, sweet fennel, ginger, lemon, cold pressed lime, peppermint or rosemary oil

In perfumery, black pepper provides interesting effects with eugenol, which is found in clove oil. Arctander suggests that it blends well in rose-based perfumes and when creating an oriental style fragrance.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.

4 drops Black Pepper

4 drops Eucalyptus (globulus)

2 drops Rosemary (ct. camphor)

4 drops Lavender (angustifolia)

Blend into 1 oz (30 ml) jojoba. Rub on sore area several times during the day.

“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.

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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 wa a significant factor influencing world exploration and history.

The word originates from the Latin piper which in turns comes from the Sanskrit pippali.  Black pepper is one of the oldest known spices, being  described by Theophrastus in the fourth century BC. By the Middle Ages, pepper was of great importance in Europe to season and preserve meats, and to overcome odours of rancid food. Peppercorns were very expensive and accepted as currency.

Pepper arrived in Java with the early Hindu colonists, and its widespread cultivation dates from at least AD 500. Marco Polo describes pepper cultivation in Java when he visits in 1280, of Chinese sailing vessels loading up to 6,000 baskets, and of the abundance of pepper on the Malabar Coast of India.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Black peppercorns are used as a diaphoretic, carminative and diuretic. It stimulates the taste buds and produces a reflex increase in gastric secretion. It has allegedly been used in treatment of cancer. 

It is used in herbal medicine as a carminative to alleviate flatulence. It also promotes urine and stimulates the kidneys.

Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.

Hazards: Skin sensitization if oxidized.Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be avoided.

Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.

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