Black Pepper Essential Oil (10 ml)
Black Pepper's Story
The Black Pepper personality is very easy to recognize: stern, upright, too mature for his age. He is the precocious 4 year old kid that acts like an adult. Everything he says is well thought and well-articulated. If anyone dares to behave inappropriately they will immediately get rightfully scolded by Black Pepper. Despite his dictatorial, self-righteous attitude, Black Pepper can be the most loyal, dependable and kind friend. He has the gift of instilling a sense of security that makes him the best advisor in terms of finances. Black Pepper most probably will invest your money and earn you some interest as well. Risky or not, go ahead and blindly trust your friend. He will show you why he is worthy.
Some outgoing characters like Melissa or Bergamot might say Black Pepper has a predictable and boring personality but, well, Black Pepper likes routine, and does not care for opinions!
Aroma
Warm, spicy, woody and dry. While other spices like Clove or Cinnamon have a sweet aroma, Black Pepper is dry and sharp.
Clinical Applications
Circulation: Warming, with proven vasodilatory properties, Black Pepper is highly effective for stimulating blood circulation and relieving pain around the area of application (Aromahead Institute). It is often blended with Clove Bud, Lavender, and Lemongrass in massage oils and creams for the purpose of local topical application.
Digestion: Inhaling the aroma of Black Pepper helps calm nausea and vomiting. It is also an effective digestive stimulant. Massaging the belly with a cream containing 1% dilution of Black Pepper can reduce gas and constipation, supporting overall digestion (Aromahead Institute).
Immunostimulant: Black Pepper’s febrifuge actions make this an excellent oil to have handy during the cold and flu season. A chest rub or a foot massage oil with a drop of Black Pepper reduces fever and boosts the immune system.
Musculoskeletal: Topical application of Black Pepper helps reduce pain, stiffness and sore muscles. It is an excellent addition to sports massage oil and for soothing rheumatic pain. Black Pepper works well with Sweet Basil, Lavender, and Geranium to ease aches and pains. The d-limonene, β-caryophyllene, and α- and β-pinene in Black Pepper give the oil its warming, anti-inflammatory and analgestic properties Ou et al. (2014).
Respiratory: Topical application using a massage oil or chest rub containing Black Pepper can help reduce bronchial congestion. Rose and Cardamom may be added as well. Studies show that Black Pepper stimulates mucus production and facilitates expectoration by irritating goblet cells (Aromahead Institute).
Smoking cessation: A randomized controlled study showed that smokers who inhaled the aroma of Black Pepper demonstrated considerably lower cravings for cigarettes (Kitikannakorn et al. 2013).
Safety & Dilution
If oxidized there is a risk of skin sensitization.
Only use diluted on the skin (dilution ca be done in any carrier like coconut, olive oil, lotion etc). See here DILUTION GUIDELINES according to age or ailment.
Discontinue in case of any skin irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears and sensitive areas.
Keep out of reach of children. Do not apply on the skin of children younger than 2 years old. If pregnant, nursing or under medical care please consult physician. Do not use internally, unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician.
Use with caution around pets. When diffusing in the room make sure the door is open so that the animal can leave in case of discomfort.
Shelf Life & Storage
Shelf Life: 4 years
We recommend storing oils in a cool, dark and dry area away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap closed tightly to avoid oxygen exposure. Oils that are past expiry date should not be used for therapeutic purpose but they can still be used for cleaning.
More Information
Latin Name: Piper NigrumBotanical Family: Piperaceae
Main chemical constituents: Caryophyllene, b-Pinene, D-limonene
Country: India
Extraction Method: Steam distilled
Plant part used: Dried Berries
Culture: Unsprayed
Aromatic note: Middle