During the Middle Ages, pepper was the most important commodity traded between India and Europe. Rents and taxes were frequently paid with pepper...

Black Pepper is a warming and reviving oil with a fresh, dry-woody, warm spicy scent.

Nature: warming, reviving

Improves the benefits of other oils that are used together with black pepper.

Ideal in a bath or skin oil to loosen tight muscles and increase circulation.

Principal Actions: Stimulates the nervous system, aphrodisiac, stimulates the circulation, eases cold and flu symptoms.

Practical Uses

Methods of Use: skin oil/lotion, massage, mist spray

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

The warming properties of Black Pepper stimulate circulation, loosen tight muscles and dispel chills. Black pepper is used to improve poor muscle tone (muscular atonia). Use black pepper to relieve pain from general body aches, sprains, arthritis, rheumatism and chilblains.

To reinforce its stimulating effect on the circulation, combine with rosemary and coriander. Mix 2 drops black pepper, 4 drops coriander, 2 drops rosemary in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and apply to affected areas.

Respiratory System

To support its warming, decongestant properties combine with ginger: Mix 2 drops black pepper and 1 drop ginger in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into chest and back as needed.

Digestive System

Black pepper can be used in small amounts for stomach complaints; it is an aid for colic, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Sluggish Digestion: Mix 1 drop black pepper, 2 drops basil, 1 drop ginger in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and rub into abdomen using circular clockwise strokes. Alternate oils that could be used: coriander or rosemary.

Sluggish Liver: Mix 1 drop black pepper, 2 drops basil and 2 drops Helichrysum angustifolium (everlasting) in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and rub into abdomen using circular, clockwise strokes.

Sluggish Pancreas: Mix 1 drop black pepper, 2 drops juniper berry, 2 drops geranium in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and rub into abdomen using circular, clockwise strokes.

Stimulate Digestion and Ease Constipation: Mix 2 drops black pepper, 2 drops nutmeg, 4 drops ginger in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and rub into abdomen using circular, clockwise strokes.

Immune System

Black pepper has strong antibacterial properties that makes it effective for the treatment of colds, influenza, infections and viruses.

For a strong, stimulating antibacterial blend: Mix 2 drops black pepper, 2 drops cajeput, 2 drops clove bud, 2 drops ginger in a diffusor and use in general living areas to improve the air quality.

Nervous System

Black pepper is reviving and stimulating; it improves mental clarity.

To enhance its mentally stimulating effect: Mix 1 drop black pepper, 2 drops grapefruit and 3 drops bergamot in a diffusor.

Black Pepper in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Piper nigrum

Note: Middle

Parts Used: crushed peppercorns

Source: steam distillation from the dried and crushed black peppercorns of the tropical climbing vine native to India.

Description and Odor Effect: a water-white to pale olive liquid with a fresh, dry-woody, warm spicy scent. The odor effect is stimulating and warming; a reputed aphrodisiac.

Blends well with: frankincense, lavender, rosemary, marjoram, sandalwood, spices and florals

Applications: application, massage, mist spray

Therapeutic Properties: analgesic, antibacterial, anitcholeric, anticonvulsive, antidote, antiemetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antitussive, aperitive, aphrodisiac, cardiac, carminative, detoxifier, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, drying, expectorant, febrifuge, heating, insect repellent, insecticide, laxative, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant (circulation; kidneys), stomachic, tonic, tonifying (muscles), vasodilator

Safety Data: Non-toxic. This oil can be mildly irritant or sensitizing; avoid in baths or massage if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Use in small amounts. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Black Pepper – Quick Reference

Skin: chilblains

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: anemia, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, neuralgia, poor circulation, poor muscle tone (muscular atonia), rheumatic pain, sprains, stiffness

Respiratory: catarrh, chronic bronchitis

Digestive: colic, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea

Immune: colds, fevers, influenza, infections and viruses

Nervous: sexual tonic, frigidity

Keyword: Penetrating

Did you know .... Black pepper was highly valued by many of the immigrants that settled in the United States from Europe. At the onset of a cold or flu, a tea was made from a small amount of the powdered spice. Pepper was added as a food seasoning at practically every meal. Pepper has the ability to control bacterial organisms in the human body and in food. This was extremely important before the introduction of refrigeration.

Black Pepper Harmony

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To ease muscle pain:

• 2 drops Black Pepper
• 2 drops West Indian Bay
• 6 drops Spike Lavender