Black Pepper Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
Enhances Food Flavors
Black pepper can be used to enhance flavors of soups, entrees, and salads, along with marinating meats. However, it is important to remember essential oils are potent, and should be diluted prior to using. Reducing in a cooking oil can also disperse the essential oil evenly throughout the whole dish without being too overpowering.
Supports Digestive Health
The spice displays unique properties to stimulate the digestive system, primarily by activating the secretion of digestive juices such as bile. The activation may mostly manage chronic indigestion and other gastric ailments.
Acts as A Diuretic
Black pepper is touted to offer diuretic effects. Diuretics, also called water pills, are designed to increase the amount of water and salt eliminated from the body as urine. Though primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), diuretics may also help manage congestive heart failure, edema, and glaucoma.
Displays Antibacterial Properties
While black pepper has been touted to display antibacterial properties, a study conducted at the University of Karachi further proves it so. In fact, the study demonstrated black pepper can exhibit maximum effects against Staphylococcus aureus. This uniqueness of black pepper aligns with black peppers use, as it has also been reported to inhibit the growth of meat spoilage.
Manages and Treats Scabies
Black pepper has been suggested to treat scabies, an itchy skin condition cased by mites burrowing into the skin. Along with use of prescription skin cream or lotion, black pepper may play a role in its treatment.
Supplies Antioxidants
Spices such as black pepper tend to display powerful antioxidant properties, defending and inhibiting the process of oxidation. Within the body, oxidation is a chemical process and reaction that has the potential to cause inflammation in the body. Antioxidants are touted to promote heart health, boost the immune system, protect against cancer, slow the progression of aging, and numerous other benefits to overall health.
Provides Micronutrients
Black pepper essential oil also supplies valuable micronutrients in the forms of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin A for eye health and vision, vitamin K critical for blood clotting, calcium for bone support, and potassium for blood pressure regulation.
Soothes Emotions
Whether following a long day or simply desiring a relaxing afternoon, essential oils are promoted to support emotions, particularly when inhaled or rubbed externally over the skin. Dilute a drop of black pepper essential oil and rub over the heart or soles of the feet.
Ultimately, despite the benefits it may offer, black pepper oil should not be used to solely treat or manage chronic diseases or conditions. And while black pepper and its oil is generally recognized as safe, large and potent doses may lead to unrest and uneasiness, especially if used topically or orally. It should also be kept away from the eyes and nose, as it may lead to irritation, sneezing, and a burning sensation. For additional and specific dosing recommendations and guidelines, your primary healthcare provider can assist and provide a customized plan, especially if pregnant, breast-feeding, or prescribed to certain medications.
