Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Medicinal Uses

 

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Piper nigrum L.
• Family: Piperaceae
• English Name: Black Pepper

Common Names in Different Languages

• Sanskrit: मरिच (Marich)
• Hindi: काली मिर्च (Kali Mirch)
• Gujarati: મરી (Miri)
• Marathi: मिरी (Miri)
• Bengali: গোলমরিচ (Golmorich)
• Telugu: మిరియాలు (Miriyalu)
• Punjabi: ਕਾਲੀ ਮਿਰਚ (Kali Mirch)
• Persian: فلفل سیاه (Fil-fil Syah)
• Arabic: فلفل أسود (Fil-fil Aswad)

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Introduction

Black pepper is a perennial, creeping vine that spreads with the help of glandular roots. It thrives in hot and humid regions, particularly in southern India. The plant produces two crops annually:

• First Crop: August-September
• Second Crop: March-April

It is sold in two main forms:

• Black Pepper: Made from semi-ripe fruits, dried directly.
• White Pepper: Made from fully ripe fruits, soaked in water, mashed, and peeled to remove the outer layer.

White pepper has a milder taste compared to black pepper.

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External Appearance

• Growth: Climbing, creeping vine, spreading over trees or supports.
• Leaves: 5-6 inches long, 2-5 inches wide, betel leaf-like with prominent veins.
• Flowers: Small, unisexual, white-grey in color.
• Fruits:
  • Unripe stage: Green
  • Ripe stage: Red
  • Dried state: Black (black pepper)

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Chemical Composition

Black pepper contains the following active compounds:

• Alkaloids: Piperine, Piperidine, Piperatein, Chavicine (responsible for pungency).
• Essential Oils: Volatile oils contributing to aroma.
• Other Nutrients:
  • Proteins, Carbohydrates, Fats
  • Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus
  • Vitamins: Thiamine, Riboflavin, Nicotinic acid, Vitamin A

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Properties and Benefits

• Digestive & Appetite Booster: Stimulates salivation and improves digestion.
• Gas Reliever: Helps in bloating and indigestion.
• Cough & Phlegm Eliminator: Useful in respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
• Liver Stimulant: Enhances liver function.
• Diuretic: Aids in flushing toxins through urine.
• Skin Benefits: Used in treating leprosy and other skin diseases.
• Eye Health: Beneficial for improving vision.
• Detoxifying Agent: Helps remove bodily impurities.

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Medicinal Uses

Respiratory Issues (Cough, Cold, Asthma)

1. For Cough Relief:
   • Take 2 grams of black pepper powder with hot milk and sugar candy.
   • Swallow 7 grains of black pepper to relieve cough.
2. For Cold:
   • Mix 50g curd, 15-20g jaggery, and 1.5g black pepper powder. Consume 3-4 times a day.
3. For Chest Congestion & Phlegm Removal:
   • Mix 2-3g of black pepper powder with honey and ghee. Consume morning and evening.
4. For Severe Cough:
   • Boil black pepper powder in cow’s milk and drink.

Headache & Hiccups

1. Burn a black pepper seed on a lamp, inhale the smoke to relieve hiccups and headaches.
2. Grind black pepper with Bhaangra juice or rice water, apply on the forehead to cure migraines.

Toothache & Throat Disorders

1. Grind 1-2g of black pepper powder with 3-4 Jamun leaves or guava leaves and gargle.
2. This remedy also helps with hoarseness of voice and throat infections.

Skin & Hair Care

1. For Head Lice:
   • Mix 10-12 custard apple seeds with 5-6 black pepper in mustard oil, apply before sleeping, and wash in the morning.
2. For Scalp Infections & Hair Fall:
   • Mix black pepper, onion, and salt, apply to affected areas.

Eye Diseases

1. Mix black pepper with curd, apply around the eyes for night blindness.
2. Rub black pepper in water and apply to painful boils on eyelids.

Stomach Disorders

1. For Indigestion:
   • Boil 1-2g of black pepper in 100ml water, reduce to 20-25ml, filter, and drink.
2. For Flatulence & Bloating:
   • Take black pepper extract or black pepper oil for immediate relief.

Vomiting During Pregnancy

1. Mix 1g black pepper powder with sugar candy syrup and pomegranate juice to stop vomiting.
2. Drink clove and black pepper decoction to ease morning sickness.