When people think of black pepper essential oil, they only think of its ability to help quit smoking.
Black pepper has a surprising 29.1% beta-stigmasterene content, which is higher than that found in clove essential oil (which contains 8.97%).
Beta-stigmasterene has many benefits, including, very specifically, being used as a natural anesthetic.
Therefore, the effectiveness of black pepper essential oil in relieving pain is outstanding.
Top 10 benefits of black pepper essential oil
Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world. It is not only seasoning in our food but has many other uses such as medicinal, preservative, and spice.
In recent decades, explorations have studied the many benefits of black pepper essential oil and its main active ingredient, β-stigmasterene. It has the ability to enhance the digestive system and protect us from oxidative damage.
Pain relief
Black pepper essential oil can reduce the symptoms of muscle injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, and rheumatism due to its warming, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects.
A 2014 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of aromatic essential oils on neck pain.
When patients applied a cream containing black pepper, marjoram, lavender, and peppermint essential oils to their neck for four weeks, the group reported significant improvements in their pain tolerance and neck pain.
Aids digestion
Black pepper essential oil helps relieve the discomfort of constipation, diarrhea and flatulence.
A series of studies have shown that it has antidiarrheal, stomachic and antispasmodic effects.
Black pepper increases the production of stomach acid by stimulating the stomach, which is necessary for proper digestion.
Black pepper has been used to effectively treat symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and bladder dysfunction.
Lowering cholesterol
A 2002 study demonstrated the lipid-lowering effects of black pepper, which lowered cholesterol, free fatty acids, phospholipids and triglycerides after being administered to rats fed a high-fat diet with black pepper essential oil.
Researchers found that supplementation with black pepper increased HDL cholesterol concentrations and decreased LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol concentrations in the blood of rats fed a high-fat diet.
HDL is High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL and VLDL are low-density and ultra-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
HDL is negatively associated with cardiovascular disease and can be interpreted as good cholesterol, which is good for health.
LDL and VLDL are positively associated with cardiovascular disease and can be interpreted as the bad, harmful cholesterol.
Internal use of black pepper essential oil can reduce high triglycerides and improve overall cholesterol levels.
Pathogen resistance properties
The long-term use of antibiotics has led to the evolution of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Research published in the journal Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that black pepper extract contains anti-pathogenic properties, meaning it targets toxins in cells without affecting their activity, which may not be prone to resistance.
The study showed that 83 essential oils, including black pepper, ylang-ylang, and myrrh essential oils, inhibited biofilm formation and virtually eliminated the hemolytic activity (destruction of blood red blood cells) of Staphylococcus aureus after screening.
Promotes Circulation
When taken internally, black pepper essential oil promotes a healthy circulatory system, stimulates mucus secretion and bile flow.
It has warming properties when taken internally or when applied topically to the skin.
Mixing black pepper with cinnamon or turmeric essential oil strengthens circulatory activity.
Anti-cancer activity
According to a 2010 study by The Michigan State University, black pepper essential oil and its constituents have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities.
Compounds extracted from black pepper inhibit the proliferation of human cancer cells, and piperine is the most effective compound.
Please note that black pepper essential oil itself does not contain piperine as a component, and the black pepper extract mentioned here may not refer to the pure essential oil.
Relieves Anxiety and Helps Quit Smoking
Black pepper essential oil may help reduce cravings and anxiety symptoms in smokers.
A 1994 study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that black pepper essential oil may suppress certain symptoms that occur during smoking withdrawal, including cravings for cigarettes.
In addition, the black pepper group showed a reduction in symptoms of negative mood and anxiety following smoking deprivation.
This study suggests that respiratory sensation is important in relieving smoking withdrawal symptoms, and that cigarette substitutes that provide a black pepper component may be useful in smoking cessation treatment.
Black pepper essential oil is also one of the best essential oils for relieving anxiety and tension.
Helps detoxify the body
Black pepper essential oil produces a warming sensation when applied topically to the skin, therefore increasing sweating.
It also acts as a diuretic, increasing urination and helping to remove toxins and excess water from the body, which can reduce swelling and inflammation; in addition, it can help lower blood pressure.
A 2013 study published in the journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics found that supplementation with piperine helped normalize blood pressure, improve glucose tolerance (normalizing your blood sugar levels), reduce inflammation, and improve liver function in rats fed a high-fat diet.
These changes clearly show that by helping the body eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation, piperine can reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in humans.
Appetite promotion
Studies have shown that the use of black pepper essential oil stimulates the sense of smell, promotes appetite and helps patients with swallowing nerve disorders.
Inhaling and ingesting black pepper essential oil activates the islets or prefrontal cortex of the eye sockets, which improves reflexive swallowing movements.
In 2008, the effects of olfactory stimulation with black pepper essential oil were studied in pediatric patients receiving long-term enteral nutrition (with liquid supplements or intranasal feeding) for neurological disorders.
The intervention with black pepper essential oil lasted for three months in eight of the 10 patients, and oral intake increased in five patients.
It was shown that the addition of black pepper treatment helped to swallow activity.
Can be used as a food preservative
Black pepper and green pepper essential oils were used in a 2015 study to determine the antibacterial activity that prevents food spoilage when added to chicken broth.
Researchers found that black pepper oil had antifungal and antibacterial activity and successfully inhibited the growth of bacteria in chicken broth.
The results of this study show that black and green pepper essential oils are effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms known to spoil food.
How to use black pepper essential oil?
Black pepper essential oil can be sniffed and inhaled by opening the oil bottle directly, or diffused in a home aromatherapy machine, taken internally in small doses or applied topically to the skin.
When taking black pepper oil internally, be sure to purchase a high quality, 100% pure oil from a trusted and reputable company.
When applied topically, black pepper oil produces a warm sensation, so use small doses and dilute with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba or almond oil, in a 1:1 ratio, especially for sensitive skin.
There are many ways to use black pepper essential oil, and its uses extend far beyond food seasoning. Here are some simple ways to use black pepper oil at home.
- To improve circulation and blood flow to the muscles and nerves, add 3 to 5 drops of black pepper essential oil to a hot compress on the abdomen or joints.
- To relieve constipation, diarrhea and flatulence, add 1 to 2 drops of black pepper essential oil to smoothies, soups or appetizers. It can also be applied to the abdomen.
- To relieve muscle injuries and tendonitis, apply black pepper essential oil to the affected area.
- To relieve respiratory conditions, inhale directly by sniffing or incense spray.
- To help clear the airways, apply 2 to 3 drops of black pepper essential oil to the chest area (start with 3 drops of coconut oil as a base for those with sensitive skin).
- To reduce cravings for cigarettes, diffuse black pepper essential oil or sniff the oil directly during cravings.
- Can be used as a natural remedy for arthritis and rheumatism by applying 2 to 3 drops of black pepper essential oil to the affected area (start with a base of 3 to 5 drops of coconut oil)
- To help detoxify the body, take 1 to 2 drops of black pepper essential oil internally (recommended in an empty capsule with water) or 2 to 3 drops applied to the soles of the feet and pressed until absorbed.
- To flavor soups, stews, stir-fries, salads and main dishes, add 1 to 2 drops of black pepper essential oil.
Origin of black pepper plant
Archaeological evidence of black pepper dates back to 2000 B.C. in India.
References to black pepper in Greek and Roman texts hint at an ancient trade between India and the West.
The Romans enjoyed adding pepper to their food; in fact, 80% of the oldest surviving recipes contain spice.
Signs of ancient trade in pepper from India to Egypt have also been found, including pepper grains stuffed into the nostrils of Ramses the Great when he was mummified.
The chemical composition of the black pepper
Black pepper essential oil is extracted by steam distillation. The essential oil has a spicy, warm, peppery and musky aroma.
It is commonly used to aid digestion and the nervous system – stimulating circulation and promoting emotional balance. Black pepper has a unique versatility that is both energizing and warming.
In addition to making people feel energized, it also clears the mind and is a favorite of athletes and people who love life because of its warming and energizing properties.
Black pepper essential oil is also an important health food because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, and stomach-supporting properties.
Black pepper is rich in phytochemicals, including volatile oils (essential oils), oleoresins, and alkaloids.
Piperine helps the cognitive function of the brain, promotes nutrient absorption and improves gastrointestinal function.
Studies have also found that the free radical scavenging activity of black pepper and its active ingredients may help act as a chemoprotective agent that may inhibit the process of tumor growth.
Considerations for using black pepper essential oil
Black pepper essential oil is a strong irritant in high doses, so it is recommended to dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil.
It is best to test a small area of skin before applying black pepper essential oil to your skin.
You can apply 1 drop of essential oil to your wrists and the soles of your feet to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction.
Conclusion
Black pepper essential oil has a spicy, warm, peppery and musky aroma. It can aid digestion and the nervous system – stimulating circulation, promoting emotional balance, stimulating appetite and lowering cholesterol levels.
Use black pepper essential oil to aid digestion, clear the breath, help detoxify the body and add flavor to food.
One of the best studies on black pepper essential oil is its ability to help with smoking cessation.
When the scent of black pepper essential oil is inhaled to make it through the throat and chest, it has been shown to help people quit smoking more easily.
Diffusing black pepper essential oil helps to relieve anxiety and tension.
If you apply black pepper essential oil topically to the skin, dilute it with a vegetable oil first, it may be more irritating to the skin.