Black Pepper Piper nigrum

Extraction Method:

Steam Distilled

Part of Plant: 

Dried Berries

Country of Origin: 

India

Growing Method:

Cultivated

Description:

The plant is originally a forest plant and this climbing woody vine uses trees or other supports to grow to about twenty feet high, but is normally kept to about 12 feet for commercial purposes and has a lifespan of about twenty years.

Colour: 

Pale yellow

Aromatic Description: 

It is a strong, sharp, spicy smelling oil, slightly herbaceous . It is faintly reminiscent of clove oil. (A more fruity oil is produced from the fresh green fruit.)

Strength of Aroma:

Medium

Blends well with:

Bergamot, Clary Sage, Clove, Coriander, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Sage, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang.

Aromatic Note:

Middle

Consistency:

Thin

Common Uses: 

Black pepper oil can be used to help in the treatment of pain relief, rheumatism, chills, flu, colds, urinary-tract infections, congested lungs, fevers, increase poor circulation, exhaustion, muscular aches, physical and emotional coldness, nerve tonic, and fevers. It’s also been known to help with food poisoning and indigestion. The fragrance is emotionally stimulating and, some say, aphrodisiac. The therapeutic properties of black pepper oil include the following as an

Therapeutic Actions: 

analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, febrifuge, laxative, rubefacient, stomachic, tonic (especially of the spleen).

Works with the following Body Systems:

Circulatory, Digestive, Musculoskeletal

Best form of Application:

To skin - Massage, compress, ointment - It makes a warming liniment.

Inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser.  Extensively used in room sprays and household insect repellents.

Shelf life: 

Users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 2 Years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight).

Cautions: 

Black pepper oil may cause irritation to sensitive skins and using too much could over-stimulate the kidneys and should be avoided in pregnancy due to its possible skin sensitizing effect.

History:

The word pepper is derived from the Latin word piper, which in turn is taken from the Sanskrit word pippali. It has been used since the times of the Ancient Romans and Greeks and even the Turks levied a tax on pepper, while the French, Portuguese and Dutch often went to war in the middle ages to fight for this lucrative trade from the far east.