Black pepper used to be a very exotic spice, so much so that it was even one of the reasons why Christopher Columbus travelled across the ocean looking for India, to find black pepper amongst other spices he sought.
These days we don’t think much of this ordinary spice, we use it as an addition to our meals and nothing more. But it turns out that black pepper, or its essential oil has a plethora of health benefits, and can help in the treatment of many diseases and health problems.
Black Pepper Essential Oil and Its Health Benefits
The essential oil of this spice has a number of medicinal properties including antibacterial, laxative, expectorant, carminative, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, stimulant and so on and so forth.
Here’s what you can treat with it:
Stomach problems: Black pepper essential oil stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and improves the digestive function. Good digestion in turn prevents constipation, diarrhea and colic. It also prevents intestinal gas formation and boosts sweating and urination which aids in toxin elimination.
Weight loss: It can actually help you slim down because the peppercorn’s outer layer boosts fat cells breakdown, completely naturally and hence aids weight loss and fat burning.
Improves skin quality: Black pepper is efficient against vitiligo, a condition which causes areas of the skin to turn white. Many studies have shown that the piperine in pepper increases pigment production.
Respiratory relief: Pepper alleviates sinusitis and nasal congestion as a result of its ability to dissolve respiratory tract mucus and phlegm.
Antibacterial agent: Since it has potent antibacterial properties it’s very efficient against infections and insect bites.
Antioxidant agent: It also has potent antioxidant properties which prevent free radicals damage and protect from cancer, cardiovascular problems and liver diseases.
Neurological health: Black pepper’s main ingredient, piperine is believed to prevent memory problems and cognitive malfunction.
What you benefit from black pepper essential oil mainly depends on how you consume it or use it because it can be taken orally, applied topically or inhaled. Here are the three methods of use and its respective benefits:
Orally
If you take it orally, add it to your meals, this essential oil has potent antioxidant properties and will promote sweating and urination, the elimination of toxins. It will also boost your digestion because it will increase the bile production in your stomach.
Aromatically
If you inhale it, you will promote body and mind relaxation. You can use it in combination with juniper and lavender essential oil to relieve mental stress. Also, if you’re a smoker and want to quit, inhaling black pepper essential oil can help you curb your cravings and make it easier for you to quit.
Topically
If you apply black pepper essential oil topically you will relax your muscles and eliminate muscle cramps. It has antispasmodic properties and antioxidant as well, making it an excellent treatment for arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
Article and image source: besthealthyguide.com