Black Pepper Essential Oil has tons of benefits and uses that you should be leveraging to better your health! Here’s how!
There would hardly be anyone who isn’t familiar with black pepper, as it is a popular spice. But besides being a spice, the plant gives us black pepper essential oil–that serves many other purposes, such as medicinal, preservative, and even perfumes! Find out more below.
What Is Black Pepper Essential Oil Good For?
Let’s start with where it comes from. Black pepper, by itself, is cultivated from the fruits known as peppercorns. Peppercorns are essentially the unripe drupes of the plant that have dried out in the sun. In the drying process, the skin shrinks into a thin black layer–these are then called peppercorns. Black pepper oil is extracted from these very peppercorns.
The oil’s smell is similar to crushed peppercorns, and the best part is you can inhale it without sneezing or eye irritation! Researchers have conducted several studies that prove piperine has many health benefits, including reducing pain, improving digestion, and even lowering blood pressure. But these aren’t all that black pepper oil is good for!
Benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil
1. Can Help Manage Pain
Black pepper oil has a warming effect that alleviates symptoms of aging joints and muscles quite well. Moreover, its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties relax muscles to soothe pain. Researchers have concluded black pepper oil is especially effective in cases of neck pain when massaged topically.
Note: Always dilute black pepper oil (like all other essential oils) with a carrier oil to prevent irritation or other side effects. A good carrier oil is jojoba oil. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. Just add 2-3 drops of black pepper oil per 1 ounce of jojoba oil.
2. Can Help with IBS symptoms and Improve Digestion
To follow up on the previous point, the antispasmodic effects of black pepper oil also help with painful abdominal cramps. In fact, in an animal study, researchers found that piperine, the active compound in this oil, significantly alleviated the symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), too.
Plus, black pepper oil has other therapeutic properties, including digestive, laxative, diuretic, and antiseptic properties, keeping your digestive system working smoothly.
3. May Help Reduce Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
It would hardly come as a surprise that high cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease worldwide. But what might surprise you is how black pepper oil can help keep your cholesterol levels in check!
Moreover, an earlier study showed that piperine, thanks to its ability to modulate blood vessels, is a major contributor to lowering blood pressure. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, incorporating black pepper oil into your daily routine can help you with cholesterol and blood pressure.
4. May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels
Yet another surprising health benefit of black pepper oil is its ability to control blood sugar. In an animal study, black pepper extract was found to lower a glucose spike in rats. In a controlled human study, supplements with piperine improved insulin insensitively positively after two months.
However, research is still ongoing on the effects of black pepper oil on blood sugar levels.
5. Ease Cigarette Cravings
Surprised? Well, black pepper oil seems to be an unexpected ally when quitting cigarettes, which does take a psychological and physical toll.
In a clinical study, it was found that inhaling black pepper oil could not only suppress cigarette cravings but also help with withdrawal symptoms. Inhaling vapor from black pepper extracts can also help with the latter.
6. Has Antioxidant Properties
Many lifestyle and environmental factors, such as pollution, cigarette smoke, or stress, result in the formation of free radicals in the body. These can cause oxidative stress, damage to cells, and consequently lead to serious health problems.
Several in-vitro and animal studies suggest that piperine in black pepper oil has anti-oxidant properties. These antioxidants can reduce the damage caused by free radicals, resulting in better body function and appearance.
7. Exhibits Anticancer Activity
Researchers have found in in-vitro studies that piperine could slow down the growth of cancerous cells in the breast, colon, and prostate. Though there have been no human trials yet, the results of the test-tube studies are quite promising.
In a separate laboratory test, piperine was also found to reduce the multidrug resistance of cancer cells. This means that the efficacy of some chemotherapy treatments could be improved when used in conjunction with black pepper extracts or oil.
How To Use Black Pepper Essential Oil
We know you’re waiting to try these out for yourself. Here are the two main ways to use it at home.
1. Aromatherapy
A great way to enjoy some of the many health benefits of the black pepper essential oil is by diffusion. The warm, spicy aroma can help soothe you, calming down any anxiety and symptoms of stress.
If you are suffering from withdrawal symptoms of cigarette addiction, diffusing black pepper oil can also help you in your journey of quitting. Just add a few drops to a diffuser to fill your home with its scent. You can also pour some onto a tissue and inhale it directly.
2. Topical Application
For a more relaxing experience, dilute the oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond and massage it onto your skin. Massaging a diluted solution on your abdomen, joints, or other painful body parts can help alleviate health concerns like inflammation. Avoid applying it to sensitive areas like the face or genitals.
It’s important to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before using black pepper essential oil, especially if you have any existing health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications. Black pepper oil can interact with certain medications and may not be safe for everyone.
Amazing DIY Recipes With Black Pepper Essential Oil
Various essential oils work quite well when combined with black pepper oil, giving amazing benefits. Here are some DIY recipes!
1. The Revitalizing Blend
This blend is perfect for keeping your senses alert and boosting energy levels, especially as you start your day. All you need are five drops of black pepper oil, four drops each of peppermint oil, and lemon oil, all mixed in a tablespoon of carrier oil (sweet almond or jojoba oil).
2. Get Rid of Muscle Aches
Do you know how black pepper oil can greatly help with pain management? Combining other oils in smaller ratios can ease tension and promote greater relaxation. You will need four drops each of lavender and rosemary oil combined with five drops of black pepper oil in one tablespoon of jojoba oil to dilute it.
3. Enjoy Better Digestion
If you have been suffering from digestive issues like bloating or gas, this blend can stimulate your digestive system and improve your overall well-being. Mix four drops each of ginger and fennel oils in one tablespoon of carrier oil containing five drops of black pepper oil.
4. Clear Your Sinuses
Respiratory issues like blocked nasal passage caused by cold and flu can be very uncomfortable. This anti-microbial blend of four drops each of eucalyptus and tea tree oil with five drops of black pepper oil can ease respiratory discomfort. Don’t forget to blend it all in a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil!
5. Improve Focus and Clarity
For some mental stimulation and improved concentration, combine a tablespoon of carrier oil and five drops of black pepper oil with four drops each of bergamot and frankincense oils.
The best part about these blends is that you can use them in a diffuser and topically on painful areas of your body. You can also adjust the oils’ ratios according to your preference and needs.
Precautions When Using Black Pepper Essential Oil
As with other essential oils, you must keep some things in mind before using black pepper essential oil, too.
- As mentioned before, you must always dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil.
- Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin with diluted black pepper oil and wait at least 24 hours for any adverse reactions. If none occur, you can use the oil topically. If you do see adverse side effects, seek medical help immediately.
- Do not use the oil if you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or nursing, as it has a skin-sensitizing effect. You must always consult a licensed medical professional before using any essential oil.
- Keep away from children and pets, as this is quite a potent oil.
And that’s all there is to black pepper oil. Of course, it’s a lot! However, adding this oil to your collection can help combat many health issues.