What Are The Top Benefits of Black Pepper?

Black pepper is a common spice that is made from the dried fruit of the Piper nigrum plant. It is used to add flavor and heat to a variety of dishes, and is one of the most widely used spices in the world.

Black pepper has been traditionally used as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and traditional medicine of other cultures. It has many potential health benefits, which are backed by scientific research. Some of the potential benefits include:

• Improving digestion: Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which can help increase the absorption of certain nutrients and improve digestion.
• Relieving pain: Black pepper has been traditionally used as a natural pain reliever.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Black pepper has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
• Antioxidant properties: Black pepper is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
• Boosting brain function: Black pepper has been found to improve cognitive function and memory.

Nutritional Value Of Black Pepper

Black pepper is a low-calorie spice that is packed with many essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key nutritional values of black pepper per 100 grams:

• Vitamin K: 31% of the daily recommended value
• Vitamin C: 15% of the daily recommended value
• Iron: 13% of the daily recommended value
• Manganese: 12% of the daily recommended value
• Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended value
• Magnesium: 9% of the daily recommended value

In addition to these essential vitamins and minerals, black pepper also contains small amounts of other nutrients such as potassium, zinc, and copper.

Black pepper also contains a compound called piperine, which is responsible for its strong, pungent flavor and is also being studied for its potential health benefits. But it should be noted that black pepper is not a good source of any nutrient and should not be consumed in large amounts. It should be used as a spice to enhance the taste and flavour of food.

Black pepper Benefits for skin and hair

Black pepper has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve skin and hair health. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of black pepper for the skin and hair, some potential benefits include:

• Improving circulation: Black pepper has been found to increase blood flow, which can improve the health and appearance of the skin.
• Reducing inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of black pepper may help reduce redness, puffiness, and other signs of inflammation on the skin.
• Fighting acne: Black pepper’s antibacterial properties may help fight acne-causing bacteria, which can reduce the risk of breakouts.
• Hair growth: Black pepper oil has been found to stimulate the scalp, which may help promote hair growth.
• Dandruff: Black pepper oil is traditionally used as a remedy for dandruff and itchy scalp, as it is believed to help clear the scalp of dead skin cells and other impurities.

Note – It should be noted that black pepper should not be applied directly to the skin or hair as it may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It should be used as an ingredient in hair and skin care products that are formulated with other ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation.

Black Pepper Herb water :- 

Black pepper herb water, also known as black pepper hydrosol, is a water-based solution that is made by steam distilling the fruits of the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum). It is an ark of black pepper made distillation process, and contains the water-soluble compounds and essential oil components of the plant. The resulting hydrosol is less concentrated than the essential oil, making it a gentler and more versatile form of black pepper for various uses.

Hydrosols are used in many ways, such as:

• Skincare: Black pepper hydrosol can be used as a toner, after-shave, and facial mist to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and even fight acne.
• Hair care: Black pepper hydrosol can be used as a scalp tonic to stimulate hair growth, reduce dandruff, and promote a healthy scalp.
• Aromatherapy: Black pepper hydrosol can be used in a diffuser, humidifier, or sprayed in a room to create a refreshing, invigorating and uplifting atmosphere.
• Cooking: Black pepper hydrosol can be used as a cooking ingredient to bring a unique and subtle flavor to your dish.

Always dilute black pepper hydrosol in other hydrosols like rose, lavender, chamomile, orange, turmeric etc. to use on skin or hair. Black pepper hydrosol alone is very strong and therefore should be diluted.  

Black Pepper Essential oil 

Black pepper essential oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the dried, unripe berries of the black pepper plant (Piper nigrum) using steam distillation. It has a sharp, woody, and spicy aroma that is widely used in aromatherapy and perfumery.

Some of the potential benefits of black pepper essential oil include:

• Pain relief: Black pepper essential oil has been found to have natural pain-relieving properties, which can be helpful in managing conditions such as arthritis and sore muscles.
• Improving digestion: Black pepper essential oil may help stimulate digestion and relieve gas, bloating, and constipation.
• Fighting infections: Black pepper essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against bacteria, fungus, and viruses.
• Boosting circulation: Black pepper essential oil can help increase blood flow, which can improve the health and appearance of the skin.
• Improving mental clarity: The aroma of black pepper essential oil may help to stimulate the mind and improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity.

Direct use of essential oil on skin and hair is not advisable hence diluting it in cold pressed oils like apricot oil, hemp seed oil, almond oil etc. will make it healthy and suitable for use.

SNAANA black pepper essential oil is edible & powerful and therefore always make use in 1-2 drops to reap its benefit. If you are new to using essential oils and hydrosols, read how to cook with essential oils here.

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