Black Pepper

NOTE Middle

COST £5 to £6 for 10ml

FAMILY NAME Piperaceae

LATIN NAME Piper Nigrum

ACTIONS analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antiseptic, expectorant, sexual tonic (fire element),

rubefacient (hot), diaphoretic (causes sweating).

INDICATIONS

Rheumatic pain, Back pain (Good in a massage blend with Lavender & Marjoram), Muscle aches.

Traditionally used for treating gastrointestinal tract ailments including: stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion and lack of appetite. However as the oil cannot be taken internally, massage to the chest is the only option available for treating stomach conditions. Therefore I feel that Black Pepper may be of little use in treating stomach conditions.

Some aromatherapy books suggest that the oil is good for treating constipation, however I've had no successes with using Black Pepper for constipation.

SAFETY DATA - CONTRA INDICATIONS

Generally a safe oil but because of some reports that I have heard, please be careful if you are allergic to spices, aftershaves or perfumes. Especially keep this one well away from your eyes.

BLENDS WELL WITH

Frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, rosemary, marjoram. Other spices and florals in small quantities.

REMARKS

Both black and white pepper have been used in the east for 4000 years for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

Chemical Constituents

Hydrocarbons - Monterpenes, Sequiterpens

Alcohols - Monoterpenols

Ketones (1-8%)

Alderhydes

Oxides