Spice Spotlight: Black Pepper!

                     

Photo Credit: Bunchofgrapes

This common household spice had an amazing journey through history. Native to southern India, Black pepper has made its way to many different tribes and countries by trade. It is actually dubbed "one the most traded spices in the world". This once highly prized spice had set explorers seeking its pungent flavor across the seas as it was an expensive item at the time. How expensive? Roughly 500 years ago, it was worth its own weight in gold and used as currency in some areas.  It was the symbol of fine cookery and whoever had an abundance of it in his possession was considered wealthy. [1,2]

Cultivation

Photo Credit: Devadaskrishnan

Whole black peppercorns that we purchase at a grocery store are dried fruits of a flowering plant that can grow up to 33ft tall. They start off as green berries bunched much like grapes and are picked when they are just about to turn red. Once picked they are boiled and left out to dry in the sun for about three or four days.[3] Essential oils can be produced from the dried berries or it can be grounded as we see it today.

Health Benefits

Black pepper is popular for its aid in the digestion.  It increases hydrochloric acid secretions in the stomach (hydrochloric acid breaks down proteins in the stomach, kills bacteria and facilitates digestion), contains carminative properties (relieves flatulence) and removes toxins from the colon. Beyond that, it is also known to help regulate blood sugars due to present antioxidants.[4] These same antioxidants can repair or prevent damage caused by free radicals. This means it has the potential to prevent cancer. 

Another aspect that can aid in the fight against cancer is piperine; an active compound of black pepper. This is what gives it its strong, pungent smell and spicy flavor.[5] This heat induces sweating and release of toxins from the body. 

An additional benefit of black pepper is its aid in weight loss. It increases the metabolism and the break down of fat cells. This can be accomplished through drinking teas or using it as an ingredient in a topical salve or oil blend. 

Here is an essential oil recipe from a beloved book, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, Ph.D.:

-10 drops of lavender oil

-10 drops of black pepper oil

-5drops of sandalwood oil

-5drops of frankincense oil 

Mix into a 3fl oz. (100ml) almond oil. Store in dark container. Clearly label mixture to show it is for weight reduction use and massage into areas where you want to lose weight.

Please note that pungent spices like black pepper should be used in moderation. No more than a teaspoon a day is needed to receive benefits unless otherwise directed by your holistic practitioner or functional medical provider.

Disclaimers

• All product reviews are based on my experiences. Please be advised that everyone may not have the same experience. I am not affiliated with any product or marketing unless otherwise noted. Please check with manufacture disclaimers prior to use of any product.
• All advice, information, and remedies should be taken into severe consideration. Please contact your health practitioner or holistic practitioner if you are struggling with a disease or currently taking any form of medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.