Essential oils have a wide range of medicinal properties and health benefits. Most essential oils such as black pepper oil contain analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, antispasmodic and antibacterial properties, making them a natural remedy to treat various ailments and health conditions.
What Is Black Pepper Oil?
The dried fruit of the pepper plant, black pepper is one of the most commonly used kitchen ingredients in every household. More than just a flavoring agent in food, black pepper is also used in perfumes and medicinal purposes.
One of the most common forms of black pepper usage for its medicinal value is in essential oil form. To extract the essential oil from the black pepper, it has to go through the process of steam distillation.
The aroma of this oil is musky, spicy and warm. The essential components of black pepper oil are linalool, camphene, pinene, limonene, phellandrene, myrcene, sabinene, alpha-terpene and pinocarveol.
Uses and Benefits of Black Pepper Oil
Black pepper oil easily blends with other essential oils like sage, lemon, lavender, ginger, clove, mandarin and sandalwood. Beyond flavoring and medicinal uses, there are several other causes for which black pepper oil is used extensively.
Uses of Black Pepper Oil
Uses of black pepper essential oil include the following:
- To ease constipation
- To clear chest congestion
- As a food preservative
- As an appetite stimulant
- To curb cigarette cravings and anxiety
- As an ingredient in anti-cancer drugs
- To treat respiratory infections
- To alleviate fatigue
- To regulate blood pressure
- To speed up wound healing
- To alleviate nausea
- To treat vertigo
Used in the right quantities, black pepper essential oil offers many benefits.
Benefits of Black Pepper Oil
Some of the popular health benefits of black pepper oil include the following:
1. Aids digestion
Owing to its digestive properties, black pepper essential oil aids in digestion and helps ease discomfort caused due to constipation, gas and diarrhea. The oil is also an excellent remedy to treat IBS symptoms and bladder dysfunctions.
2. Improves circulation
Black pepper oil can be consumed along with turmeric or cinnamon. When consumed, black pepper oil stimulates bile and mucus flow and improves overall circulation.
3. Cleanses the excretory system
Black pepper oil contains mild purgative properties that help cure digestive related infections and cleanses the entire excretory system.
4. Relieves arthritis pain
Known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties, black pepper oil helps in treating arthritis pain, rheumatism and other joint-related disorders. Its stimulating and warming property also promotes blood circulation to affected areas.
5. Detoxifies the body
Black pepper oil is rich in antioxidants that help eliminate toxins and excess waste from the body. The antioxidant properties also protect the body against damage of free radicals during oxidation.
Additionally, black pepper oil also reduces the signs of aging, wrinkling of skin, memory loss and nerve disorders.
6. Treats bacterial infections
Often considered to be one of the best remedies for bacterial infections, black pepper oil effectively treats bacterial infections in the digestive system, colon, mouth and urinary tract.
7. Increases urination
Known to possess diuretic properties, black pepper oil increases the output of urine volume and sweat, and thus, helps eliminate toxins, clears the pores and disinfects the body. Black pepper oil also helps to lower blood pressure and increase weight loss.
8. Reduces cholesterol
Studies have proven that black pepper essential oil has a hypolipidemic effect on the body. When consumed internally, the oil reduces the concentration of LDL, which is the “bad” cholesterol, and increases the concentration of HDL, the “good” cholesterol, in the body.
Side Effects of Black Pepper Oil
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers are advised not to use this oil.
- If taken in large quantities, it is known to induce vomiting, nausea, uneasiness, insomnia and inflammation of the digestive system.
- Avoid contact with inner ears, eyes and other sensitive regions.
