BLACK PEPPER

(Piper nigrum)

Part used:

Dried fruit (berries and powder). The unripe fruit is black, the ripe is white.

Therapeutic action:

Stimulant, tonic, antiperiodic, diaphoretic, carminative, aroma tie, rubefacient, pungent, condiment, febrifuge. This is an active stimulant, especially to the gastrointestinal trait. It may be used as a substitute for cayenne.

Medicinal uses:

Cholera morbus, colic, condiment, fevers (periodic, intermittent), flatulence, gums, indigestion, rheumatism (plaster), sore throat (gargle).

Preparation:

Do not boil or heat black pepper. When heated, the molecular structure changes very quickly from organic to inorganic, making an irritant to the kidney, liver and gall bladder areas. This should always be used fresh. Much of that which is purchased in grocery stores has had dangerous preservatives added to keep vermin out, so please try to use the whole pepper or peppercorn and grind it fresh in a small pepper mill (which is relatively inexpensive).