Black Pepper Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Black Pepper essential oil is derived from the Piper nigrum plant, which is native to southern India. The oil is extracted from the plant’s berries, which are then dried and crushed to produce the familiar black peppercorns. Black Pepper essential oil has a sharp, spicy aroma that can be stimulating or invigorating. The oil is also said to have antidepressant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Black Pepper essential oil is a popular ingredient in massage oils and blends well with other oils, such as Lavender, Clary Sage and Lemon.

What is Black Pepper?

Black Pepper is the dried berry of the Piper nigrum plant. The berries are harvested when they are ripe and then sun-dried, which turns them black. Black pepper is native to southern India, where it has been used for centuries as a spice and medicinal herb.

Different types of Black Pepper:

There are two types of black pepper:

Piper nigrum – The most common type of black pepper, grown in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and other tropical countries.

Piper longum – A rarer type of black pepper, grown in Nepal, Bhutan and India.

How Black Pepper essential oil is made?

Black Pepper essential oil is made by steam distilling the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant. The berries are first crushed to release their essential oils, which are then collected and distilled.

What is the botanical name of Black Pepper?

The botanical name for Black Pepper is Piper nigrum.

What is the chemical composition of Black Pepper essential oil?

The chemical composition of Black Pepper essential oil includes a-pinene, b-pinene, limonene, myrcene, sabinene, a-terpinene, terpinolene, linalool and carvacrol.

What are the benefits of using Black Pepper essential oil?

Black Pepper essential oil is said to offer a range of benefits, including:

– Stimulating the appetite

– Soothing indigestion

– Reducing inflammation

– Easing muscle pain

– Relieving anxiety and stress

– Improving circulation

Study shows black pepper oil significantly inhibited the growth of food spoilage microorganisms. It can be used as natural alternative to chemically synthesized preservatives.

Study 2015

What are ways to use Black Pepper essential oil?

Black Pepper essential oil can be used in a diffuser or blended with other oils for use in massage. It can also be added to lotions, creams and baths.

How can I use Black Pepper essential oil internally?

Black Pepper essential oil should not be taken internally without the guidance of a healthcare professional.

How can I use Black Pepper essential oil topically?

Black Pepper essential oil can be applied topically, but should be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil.

Some Great diffuser blends with Black Pepper essential oil:

– 3 drops Black Pepper, 2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Bergamot

– 3 drops Black Pepper, 2 drops Clary Sage, 1 drop Rosemary

– 3 drops Black Pepper, 2 drops Lemon, 1 drop Cypress

How can I use Black Pepper essential oil in bath?

Add 5-10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil to a warm bath and relax for 20 minutes.

How Black Pepper essential oil has been used historically?

Black Pepper was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a spice and medicine. It was also used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

What blends well with Black Pepper essential oil?

Black Pepper essential oil blends well with Lavender, Clary Sage, Lemon, Rosemary and Bergamot.

What does not blend well with Black Pepper essential oil?

Black Pepper essential oil does not blend well with mint or citrus oils.

How should Black Pepper essential oil be stored?

Black Pepper essential oil should be stored in a cool, dark place.

What are the side effects of using Black Pepper essential oil?

Black Pepper essential oil is generally considered safe for topical and aromatherapy use. However, it should be diluted before use and avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have any health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional before using Black Pepper essential oil.

What does Black Pepper essential oil smell like?

Black Pepper essential oil has a sharp, spicy smell.

Can I make Black Pepper Essential Oil at home?

Yes, Black Pepper essential oil can be made at home by steam distilling the crushed berries of the Piper nigrum plant.

What is the shelf life of Black Pepper essential oil?

The shelf life of Black Pepper essential oil is 2-3 years.

Is Black Pepper Essential Oil safe for kids?

Black Pepper essential oil should not be used on children under the age of 12. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult a healthcare professional before using Black Pepper essential oil.

Can Black Pepper Essential Oil be used on pets?

Black Pepper essential oil should not be used on pets. If you are considering using Black Pepper essential oil on your pet, please consult a veterinarian beforehand.

DIY recipes using Black Pepper essential oil:

1. Black Pepper Massage Oil: Combine 1 cup of carrier oil with 10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil. Apply to sore muscles and joints for relief.

2. Black Pepper Diffuser Blend: Combine 3 drops of Black Pepper essential oil with 2 drops of Lavender essential oil and 1 drop of Bergamot essential oil. Diffuse to help boost your mood and reduce stress.

3. Black Pepper Bath Oil: Combine 5-10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil with 1 cup of carrier oil. Add to a warm bath and relax for 20 minutes.

4. Black Pepper Room Spray: Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil. Shake well and spray around the room to freshen the air and boost your mood.

5. Black Pepper Insect Repellent: Combine 1 cup of distilled water with 10 drops of Black Pepper essential oil and 10 drops of Cedarwood essential oil. Shake well and spray around the room to repel insects naturally.