Black Pepper oil

Common Name: Black pepper oil

Botanical Name:  Piper nigrum

Other Names: Kali Mirch, Pepper, White pepper, Green peppercorns, Maricha, Gulmirch

Introduction

Black pepper oil is derived from the unripe reddish black fruit of the Piper nigrum plant belonging to the Piperaceae family. The unripe peppercorns are steam distilled to extract the oil. This spice originated in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Madagascar.

Once upon a time, black pepper was exchanged with gold from India to other countries as gold was considered cheaper to this spice. The black pepper plant is a woody climber that uses trees or other supports to grow as much as 20 ft. However, the plant is pruned and kept within a reachable height. The oil has a sharp spicy smell. Chemical composition includes a-thujone, camphene, sabinene etc.

Uses of  Black Pepper oil

Aromatherapy: Black pepper oil is used in vaporizers to energize the mind and body and to provide warmth during chills. The oil blends well with other essential oils.

Medical uses: The therapeutic properties of the oil include antiseptic, analgesic, antitoxic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, and aphrodisiac properties. It improves circulation, stimulates appetite, can be used for treatment of rheumatism, flu, cough and cold. Ancient Chinese and Indian medicinal practitioners widely used black pepper oil as an active ingredient. 

Culinary uses: As black pepper is a spice, the oil or the crushed fruits are used to impart a particular spicy taste to the food. It’s antitoxic and digestive properties are considered highly beneficial.

Other uses: Perfumers sometimes use this oil as well. The word pepper is derived from the Latin word piper, which in turn is etymologically akin to the Sanskrit term Pippali.