Pepper Herb

Other Names: Piper Nigrum, Kalimirch (Hindi), and Maricum (Sanskrit)

Useful Parts of the Plant: Fruit

Pepper is called the king of spice and has been used since ancient times in cooking as well as for its medicinal properties. Back in the day, it was a very valuable spice, used as currency and also to appease the gods as a sacred offering. It still holds an important place in the modern world and accounts for about a quarter of the spice trade. Native to India, the pepper plant is a vine that grows in tropical climate to about thirty feet. Its fruit is dried at various stages, which brings about difference in the color of the black, green, and white peppercorn.

Nutritional Information and Properties of Pepper Herb:

Nutritional benefits of black pepper include a healthy amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It contains a substantive percentage of dietary fiber, and it adds flavor to food without adding calories. It contains manganese, which is vital for bone health and bone development. It is also a great antioxidant. Black pepper is also rich in vitamin K that aids brain and nerve function. It contains iron that is needed to form red blood cells in our body and aids in metabolism of the body. It contains no cholesterol and has very little sodium. Two teaspoons of black pepper contain 4.48% of fiber, 12% manganese, and 6.89% of iron.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Pepper Herb:

Health benefits of pepper have been known for centuries and have been used extensively in ancient medicinal practices. Modern research has corroborated that ground black pepper indeed is a useful spice. Some of the benefits are listed below.

Eating black pepper helps to send signals to the stomach to secret hydrochloric acid that helps to digest food better. Stimulating hydrochloric acid in the stomach also helps to prevent gas forming in the intestines. This is useful in preventing bloating and flatulence. Pepper is also used for treating diarrhea.
Medicinal uses of black pepper also include its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It has vitamins C and A, which help to remove dangerous free radicals. It also contains compounds that help to battle against cancer and other ailments. Its main ingredient piperine is known to have antibacterial properties. Its antibacterial properties also make it a popular home remedy against cough, cold, and chest congestion. A pinch of pepper with honey helps to clear congestion and the nasal passages.
Black pepper also helps with dental problems, keeping teeth healthy and preventing toothaches.
Studies have shown that combined with turmeric, black pepper can help to combat breast cancer.
Black pepper may also help to reduce weight; the outer skin of the peppercorn contains nutrients that help to increase metabolism of the body.
It also has properties that make it a natural antidepressant and can be used to help people suffering from this condition.
Peppers in olive oil have uses for aromatherapy. They help to ease body aches, relieve stress, and relax muscles
The oil of black pepper is used as a good remedy for skin ailments due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Research has indicated that piperine, an ingredient of black pepper, can help with various skin conditions.

Precautions/Side Effects/Warnings:

As such, there are no side effects of pepper, unless you happen to be allergic to it. If you feel funny after ingesting black pepper, be sure to get to a doctor straight away to assess your allergy levels. Also, it is good to consult a doctor before making any changes to diet or increasing your intake of pepper. Additionally, since it spicy, eating too much of it may leave your mouth feeling burned.