Black Pepper Used in Aromatherapy

You probably use black pepper on a regular basis in the kitchen. Did you know that the essential oil from pepper could also bring aromatherapy benefits to your health?

Here are some facts about this essential oil:

Botanical Name	Piper Nigrum
Family	Piperaceae
Extraction Method	Steam Distillation or CO2 Extraction
Essential Oil Colour	Clear or pale yellow
Consistency	Thin
Description	Middle note, and medium initial strength, it has the warm, sharp, crisp, fresh and spicy aroma of peppercorn. Some people find it similar to clove oil.
Important Constituents	Beta-caryophyllene, Delta-3-carene, Limonene, Alpha and Beta pinene

How Can You Use This Herb?

• Cooking. Where do I begin? It is one of the most used spices in the world. If you want to reduce your salt consumption, try using a little more freshly ground pepper instead. You may find that the added flavor compensates for the lack of salt, and your health will thank you.
• Tea. Black pepper tea can help relieve cramps. You can make this kind of tea by adding a teaspoon of pepper to a pint a boiled water. Take a swallow of the tea every five minutes until the cramps are gone.

• Essential Oil. This essential oil has many positive properties. It can be used as an analgesic, antiseptic, or laxative aid. It also helps relieving pain due to rheumatism, muscular aches, chills and colds and flu symptoms.
  
  The warming effect of the oil, once diluted with a carrier oil, with soothe your aching muscles. Black pepper also increases circulation and helps with sinus congestion and fever. Try to add a few drops of this oil to your aromatherapy neck wraps or add it to your favorite aromatherapy bath recipe.
  
  If you're looking for mental stimulation, this essential oil can also help by aiding concentration and strengthening the nerves. On the spiritual side, it is believed that this essential oil can be helpful if you're feeling a little cold, indifferent or apathic. It instills the will to change, to think and to act positively.
  
  This essential oil blends well with lavender, rosemary, ginger, bergamot, sage, geranium, grapefruit, marjoram, sandalwood, juniper, thyme, clove, pine, fir needle balsam, coriander, fennel, ylang ylang and lemon.

DO NOT apply this oil directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil first. An estimate of 5 drops of essential oil per 2 tablespoons of carrier oil is suggested.

Where Can You Find This Essential Oil?

This essential oil comes in bottles of various sizes and can be found in major drugstores and specialized aromatherapy retail stores. Many internet-based aromatherapy companies also carry this essential oil. You can purchase Black Pepper Oil 100% Pure Essential Oil 2oz from Amazon

Black pepper oil is only one option. Find out more about aromatherapy

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IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: This essential oil may irritate sensitive skin. Use in moderation. Too much of this essential oil may over-stimulate the kidneys. Pregnant women, or people with health problems should not take this essential oil before consulting a specialist. Undiluted oils should never be applied onto the skin. Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified professional aromatherapy practitioner. Consult a professional aromatherapy practitioner prior to using this oil to treat children.

Note: The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a physician and/or other health specialist. Precautions must be taken to ensure aromatherapy does not conflict with existing medical conditions.