Black Pepper oil: the aromatherapy and health benefits of black pepper essential oil

Black pepper essential oil is derived from the peppercorns of a tall, vining jungle plant.

Pepper was once considered a precious commodity; it was so valuable that the ancient Turks taxed it heavily, and the French, Dutch, and Portuguese even went to war over the routes that would allow them to trade the fruit of this valuable plant.

Today, black pepper, whose plants grow for up to twenty years, is grown in parts of Africa and Asia, and the oil is distilled mainly in India, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Although useful for many things, black pepper oil is no longer considered so precious, as the peppercorns produced by these long-lasting plants yield almost two percent of their weight in essential oil.

The hot, spicy scent of black pepper essential oil is warming to cold bodies and even cold hearts.

Black pepper oil is an excellent remedy for many skin conditions, including chilblains and dermatitis.

Its warming effects cause blood to circulate better near the skin, which means that it can help bruises heal more quickly, and its antibacterial properties mean that it's also a good alternative to traditional antibiotic creams.

When using black pepper oil on the skin, be sure to dilute it properly in a carrier oil, as black pepper oil used on its own can cause burns.

A solution of carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil) and black pepper oil will also help with muscle complaints.

Used as an aromatherapy massage oil, it will increase circulation, flushing away the toxins that are often a cause of sore muscles.

It can also be rubbed into tender joints as a cure for arthritis pain and stiffness.

Beyond this, black pepper oil can actually help improve poor muscle tone by bringing more blood flow to out-of-shape muscles.

Dispersed throughout the air of a room by a candle, or aromatherapy diffuser, black pepper oil will relieve some of the respiratory symptoms of the flu, colds, bronchitis, and asthma.

The warmth of black pepper oil will help break up mucous in the lungs; patients can receive these effects through simply using black pepper oil in an aromatherapy diffuser or through a chest rub or compress that involves diluted black pepper oil.

Black pepper essential oil can also combat general bacterial and viral infections. Because it increases blood flow, it helps the body overcome these diseases more quickly, and it can increase sweating, lowering the body temperature during bouts involving high fever.

These same stimulant and antibacterial properties of black pepper oil make it a possible solution for kidney and bladder infections as well as infections of the skin.

During the winter, black pepper oil is a great addition to a warmth-generating aromatherapy mixture for the home.

In an aromatherapy diffuser or home-made, oil-based perfume combination, it will make a room feel warmer and cozier, and it will help dispel sickness and emotional coldness or weariness.

For this purpose, black pepper oil blends well with other warming oils, such as clove oil, and it balances well against citrus scents such as lemon oil and lime oil, and also with luxurious, rich scents such as frankincense oil.

As an aromatherapy oil, black pepper will stimulate the mind. Use black pepper oil in an aromatherapy diffuser while studying or working to increase mental clarity and focus, to stay alert, and to continue working through a long, tired night.

Black pepper oil is also prescribed by many aromatherapy practitioners to ease life or emotional changes, as it can help keep one alert through these changes while balancing the emotions.

The stimulant quality of black pepper oil also means it is an aphrodisiac. It can be used in a diffuser or in foods to awaken sexual desire and to warm cold feelings.

Molton Brown do a range of black pepper products, aimed mostly at men. My husband uses and really likes the black pepper shower gel.

Black pepper oil can also be a solution for general impotence, and it will stimulate the urinary system as well, detoxifying the kidneys and increasing urine flow.

Because it is a stimulant, black pepper essential oil, taken internally, can increase the metabolism and help dieters lose weight more efficiently.

This oil can also help with digestive complains by relieving gas and flatulence, suppressing nausea, and getting rid of diarrhea.

Used regularly, black pepper oil will detoxify the colon and improve its tone, making the digestive system work more smoothly and effectively.

Black pepper oil will also stimulate the appetite, making it a useful tool for combating eating disorders.

If taken internally in too large a dosage, black pepper essential oil can cause kidney damage, so be sure to always consult a certified aromatherapist before ingesting any amount of this powerful oil.

Because of its strong warmth, black pepper oil used alone can cause surface skin burns, but when it is properly blended and used in low doses, it is non-toxic and a completely safe remedy for many common ailments.

It should therefore be mixed with a carrier oil; sweet almond oil is ideal for this.