The Extra ordinary Spice – Black Pepper

No matter the age or gender, anyone can benefit from Black pepper, this extra ordinary spice!
It has an active component called piperine that gives Black pepper its characteristic taste. It contains iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, chromium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients.
Also called the ‘King of Spices’ and ‘Black Gold’, Black pepper has a unique taste of its own, and it is not intended to be used like salt.

The History –-

The history of it lies in the Indian soil – the spice is native to South India and other parts of South Asia and has been used in Indian cooking since 2000 BC. The source of pepper exports to neighboring countries was the Malabar Coast, which is present-day Kerala.

Peppercorns were an important trade good, and for this reason, they were also called ‘Black Gold’ and were used in the form of currency.

The nutrients in it are what have given it a powerful culinary status which is why it is important that we know about them.

The Classical Categorization according to Ayurveda –
According to Acharya Charaka –
  • Deepaneya – which increases the digestion strength
  • Krimighna – helps in de worming
  • Shiro Virechanopaga – helps in expelling the doshas from the head and neck
Health Benefits explained in Ayurveda –
  • Avrushya – It is an Aphrodisiac
  • Ruchikaraka – improves taste
  • Pittakrut – Causes increase in Pitta
  • Kaphahara – decreases Kapha
  • Vayu Nivarayati – helps in Bloating
  • Kruminut – useful in intestinal worm infestation
  • Shwasahara – useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders
  • In Vishama Jwara – used in treating recurrent fevers

Health Benefits –-
Increases the nutrient absorption —
  • The piperine in it enhances the bioavailability of various nutrients such as vitamins A and C, selenium, beta-carotene, and others, thereby improving your overall health.
Improves Digestion —
  • Not to mention it  stimulates the taste buds and increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which in turn aids proper digestion.
  • Interestingly, most digestive problems are caused by a lack of hydrochloric acid rather than excess amounts of it.
  • By improving digestion, it relieves issues like colic, bloating, indigestion, flatulence, and constipation. It also has antibacterial qualities that help treat intestinal diseases caused by bacteria.
Stimulates appetite —
  • Furthermore, research has shown that it helps improve the appetite through olfactory stimulation. This makes it an excellent, simple remedy for those with a poor appetite.
Facilitates weight loss —
  • Although it stimulates the appetite, it also can help you lose weight. The outer layer of peppercorns contains phytonutrients that encourage the breakdown of fat cells.
Relieves Gas —
  • Being a carminative, black pepper relieves stomach gas and also helps prevent gas formation.
  • Additionally, to cure indigestion and heaviness in your stomach, you can have a glass of buttermilk mixed with one-quarter teaspoon each of black pepper and cumin powder.
Helps clear congestion —
  • It can be used to clear up a stuffy nose and congestion as it helps loosen phlegm. It also has antimicrobial properties, which is why it is included in various cough and cold remedies.
  • Simply drink a glass of lukewarm water mixed with one-half tablespoon of black pepper powder, two or three times a day to clear the respiratory system.
Combats arthritis —
  • The piperine present in black pepper is highly beneficial for treating arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.
  • In addition, this wonderful spice improves circulation, thereby preventing or reducing joint pain caused by poor circulation. Researchers have also found that black pepper helps reduce the perception of pain and arthritic symptoms.
Works as a natural anti depressant —
  • The piperine in black pepper acts as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin production.
  • Serotonin is a neurotransmitter important for mood regulation.
  • Furthermore, Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression.
Treats teeth and gum problems —
  • As it reduces pain and inflammation, you can use black pepper with its salt to reduce gum inflammation along with problems like bad breath and bleeding gums.
  • Just mix equal amounts of both salt and pepper in a few drops of water, and massage your gums with the mixture.
Fights Wrinkles —
  • Comparatively, the antioxidants in black pepper fight free radicals that cause signs of aging and harm your skin in more than one way.
  • It fights the signs of premature aging – including wrinkles, fine lines, and even dark spots.
Exfoliates skin —
  • Similarly, it is used as a scrub to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This makes your skin smoother.
Some Home remedies –-
For wet cough
  • Grind 3 g of black pepper coupled with the juice of basil (tulsi) leaves. Take it a few times a day to relieve excess sputum.
In chronic cough
  • similarly, mix black pepper, honey, and butter to form a paste. Take this a few times a day to stop chronic cough.
For dry cough
  • Mix a ripe banana, 1 tsp honey, and 2 pinches of powdered black pepper. Eat this 2–3 times a day.
To relieve congestion and kapha
  • Mix 1/4 tsp powdered black pepper with 1 tsp honey. Eat this mixture on a full stomach.
  • It relieves congestion through its heating ability, removes the kapha, and stops the cough
Fights Wrinkles
  • You can simply add black pepper to your daily diet to see its skin-enhancing effects.
  • Or just combine a teaspoon of black pepper with equal amounts of honey or turmeric. Add water for a smoother consistency. Apply the mask to your face twice a day.
Exfoliates skin
  • Crush some black pepper and make a scrub to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate your skin.
  • Just take 1/2 teaspoon of powdered black pepper and 1 teaspoon of yogurt. Apply to your face and wash after 20 minutes.
For Dandruff
  • Add a teaspoon of crushed pepper to a bowl of curd and apply it to your scalp, leaving it on for about 30 minutes. Wash off with water.
  • Do not use shampoo. If you want, you can shampoo the next day as this will give the mixture ample time to work on dandruff.
Loss of appetite
  • Grind 5 to 6 black pepper and make a paste by mixing with natural honey. This formulation is useful as appetite stimulant.
For clear skin
  • Add coarsely ground pepper powder to your face pack and apply it over the face and keep it for 15 minutes.
  • Now, wash your face with warm water. Do this regularly to get desired results.
Acidity
  • To relieve indigestion with burping and high acidity,
  • Take a combination of black pepper, garlic cloves, clove and a pinch of rock salt with the main meal for 3-4 days regularly.

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