Botanical Name: Piper nigrum
Origin: India
Family: Piperaceae
Plant Part Dried: Berries
Extraction: Steam Distillation
Note: Middle
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Colour: Pale yellow
Consistency: Thin
Scent: Strong, sharp, spicy smelling oil. fresh and somewhat peppery.
Blends With: Citrus, floral, spicy and woodsy oils.
Group: Spicy
Aromatically, Black Pepper Essential Oil shines best when incorporated into blends with other essential oils. Black Pepper really helps to perk up and add heat and spice to your blends.
Therapeutically, Black Pepper Oil helps to improve circulation and can help to ease the pain of aching muscles. Pepper Black is known to increase blood circulation in joints and relieve muscle soreness. It can be effective for digestive issues like indigestion or flatulence. For respiratory infections, it works as a decongestant and expectorant.
Although Black Pepper Essential Oil offers numerous benefits, it does not contain piperine, the constituent that is responsible for helping to improve the absorption of tumeric.
Emotionally, Black Pepper Essential Oil is stimulating and is a good choice for inclusion in blends intended to help enhance alertness and stamina. Black Pepper should be avoided before bedtime.
In her book Aromatherapy Science, Maria Lis-Balchin mentions a small study that may indicate that cigarette cravings may be decreased by inhaling Black Pepper Essential oil.