Black pepper helpful in depression and other health benefits
Black Pepper - Piper Nigrum L.
Origin: India
Used part: Seeds
Description:
Black pepper is the fruit of the black pepper plant from the Piperaceae family and is used as both, a spice and medicine. The chemical piperine, present in black pepper, causes the spiciness. It is native to Kerala, the southern state of India. Since ancient times, black pepper is one of the most widely-traded spices in the world. It is not a seasonal plant and is, therefore, available throughout the year. When dried, this plant-derived spice is referred to as a peppercorn. Because of its antibacterial properties, pepper is used to preserve food. Black pepper is also a very good anti-inflammatory agent.
Health benefits:
Black pepper is used in the treatment of depression. When one chews raw black pepper, a mood-inducing chemical is released from the brain, and this fills the mind with a soothing, calm mood. Black pepper is credited with piperline and this when combined with turmeric can help in preventing cancer. Black pepper is also loaded with antioxidants, and presence of vitamins like Vitamin A, flavonoids and carotenes helps in combating cancer causing free radicals. People should consume black pepper in the raw form to prevent the occurrence of cancer.
Black pepper aids in digestion, and when a person consumes raw black pepper, hydrochloric acid is released by the stomach, and this helps in breaking down of proteins. The release of hydrochloric acid also helps in cleaning the intestines and helps in combating gastrointestinal diseases. Stomach disorders such as constipation, colon cancer, diarrhea and other bacterial diseases are prevented when black pepper is consumed daily.
Cold and cough can be cured by adding this spice to herbal tea and consumed two or three times a day. Having dishes prepared with black pepper are useful in winter and facilitate removal of phlegm from the body. Black pepper with honey prevents chest congestion. One can add crushed black pepper to warm water along with eucalyptus oil drops and inhale the steam to get rid of chest congestion.
Black pepper is used in the treatment of dandruff. One should crush black pepper, mix it with curd and then apply it to the scalp. Leave it for thirty minutes before washing it off. Make sure that excess black pepper is not used as it can cause burns on the scalp. One should not use shampoo for twenty-four hours for black pepper to show its effects. Add lime to crushed black pepper and apply it to the scalp. When left for thirty minutes before washing it off, the mixture will make the hair shiny.
Skin deformation, like wrinkles, is kept at bay if one adds black pepper to their diet since young age. The occurrence of premature ageing, dark spots are also kept in control if one eats black pepper in raw or cooked form. Eating black pepper makes sure that blood circulation to different parts of the body is improved. This also ensures that skin is rejuvenated. Skin disorders like acne are controlled if one adds black pepper to their diet. The skin exfoliation can be done by crushing some black pepper and applying it over skin.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Combat cancer
- Helps in digestion
- Good for constipation
- Treat respiratory disorders
- Treat skin problems
- Helpful for blood circulation
- Good for hair growth
- Weight Control
- Remedy for depression
- Relief from joint pain
- Removes toxins from the body
- Helps reduce joint pains
Directions:
Black pepper is used in many cuisines as a spice globally. It is used extensively during cold and winter seasons and helps to combat respiratory problems. It is used as an aphrodisiac and also in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Contraindications:
Pepper may cause sneezing. Patients who have undergone abdominal surgery should not add excessive pepper to their diet because it can have an irritating effect on the intestines. Black pepper should not be taken in high concentration, and if you see signs of an allergic reaction, discontinue its use and consult a doctor.