Black pepper essential oil has antibacterial, carminative, digestive, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, antioxidant, antiarthritic, and antirheumatic properties.

It is derived from black pepper, a spice that is widely used throughout the world due to its hot taste and appetizing aroma.

In the past, black pepper was considered a sacred plant and it was used as a form of currency. It was one of the most valued trade items that were exported from India to other countries.

Its main active compounds include pinene, limonene, phellandrene, myrcene, beta-bisabolene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, sabinene, camphene, and alpha-terpene. It is also abundant in vitamins and minerals such as manganese, calcium, vitamin K, iron, phosphorus, beta-carotene, selenium, and potassium.

These are the health benefits of black pepper essential oil

1. It improves the process of digestion

This oil stimulates the function of the digestive system and promotes the secretion of the digestive juices that facilitate digestion. It can be safely used by people who are forbidden to consume chilies, such as those who have stomach or mouth ulcers.

2. It relieves spasms

As we have already mentioned, black pepper essential oil has antispasmodic effects, which means that it prevents muscle spasms, pulls, cramps and convulsions.

3. Lowers the levels of cholesterol

According to a 2002 study, black pepper can lower the levels of cholesterol in rats. In other words, supplementation with black pepper increases the concentration of HDL cholesterol and lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol.

4. It eliminates the excess gas

Due to its carminative properties, black pepper prevents the formation of gas in the intestines and encourages its elimination by inhibiting the bacteria that trigger gas formation.

5. It cleans the excretory system

Black pepper essential oil can effectively clean the intestines and it can also treat infections in the excretory and digestive system.

6. Reduces arthritic pain

This oil has stimulating and warming effects which improve circulation. This in turn provides relief from arthritic pain and rheumatism. It can also remove the uric acid from the blood, thus alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, chronic rheumatism, and gout.

7. Protects against cancer

It has been scientifically proven that black pepper oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Namely, its main active compounds can suppress human cancer proliferation.

8. Increases urination

Black pepper can act as a diuretic since it increases urination and sweating. It eliminates toxins from the body and clears the skin’s pores. Both urinating and sweating remove the extra water and fat, thus promoting weight loss.

9. Provides body detoxification

Black pepper essential oil protects the body from the damage caused by free radicals. It can also delay the adverse effects of the aging process, such as macular degeneration, vision loss, skin wrinkles, nervous system disorders, loss of mobility in the joints, muscle loosening, and memory loss.

10. Aromatherapy

Diffusing black pepper essential oil can help you to remain alert, focused, and sharp. It won’t make you sneeze since it has a soft woody and earthy fragrance. This oil also blends well with other kinds of essential oils.

11. Treats bacterial infections

Owing to its antibacterial properties, black pepper essential oil can treat all kinds of infections, such as urinary infections, digestive system infections, and mouth infections.

12. Reduces cigarette cravings and eases feelings of anxiety

A study published in 1994 showed that black pepper oil can reduce both cigarette cravings and the symptoms of anxiety in smokers. Moreover, its active compounds reduce symptoms of human metabolic syndrome, thus helping the body to reduce inflammation and eliminate toxins.

Other benefits:

• Maintains the ocular health due to beta-carotene in its content
• It is rich in potassium, selenium, and calcium which regulate the blood pressure and improve the health of the hair and nails.
• Keeps the bone and teeth health
• Stimulates the brain function

Although it has numerous health benefits, make sure you are cautious because if taken in large quantities, black pepper essential oil can cause vomiting, uneasiness, unrest, irritation, loose motions, sleeplessness, intestinal inflammation, and overeating. These symptoms aren’t serious but you need to avoid touching your nose and eyes after using this oil since it may cause sneezing, irritation, and burning of the eyes.

You can blend black pepper essential oil with the following ingredients:

• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Sandalwood
• Lime
• Sage
• Juniper
• Ylang-ylang
• Bergamot
• Clove
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Coriander
• Frankincense oils
• Fennel

Source:

  1. draxe.com