You know that it tastes good in pasta and adds a bit of kick to all dishes but did you know that black pepper is also used to make essential oil? In fact, black pepper essential oil — potent, crisp, warm and just a tad peppery — has found avid fans in those looking for a more unique scent.
If this is the first you have heard of black pepper essential oil, read on to learn more about this distinctive oil, including whether it is really made of pepper, how it is extracted, its benefits, the oils it mixes well with, and more.
What is Black Pepper Essential Oil Made Of?
Let’s address the first burning (pun fully intended) question most people would have: yes, black pepper essential oil is made of black pepper. Now, let’s go further into details.
Black pepper oil is extracted from the fruit of the Piper nigrum plant or what most us refer to as a peppercorn. The oil is produced from the unripe red fruit of the Piper nigrum plant, to be exact. In contrast, the white pepper that you use in the kitchen is harvested from berries that are already fully ripe.
How is Black Pepper Essential Oil Extracted?
Most black pepper oil is extracted via steam distillation. A popular method, steam distillation involves forcing pressurized steam through the fruit. The hot steam must be at a heat high enough to allow the release of the essential oil but not so high that it damages the plant. The steam with the essential oil then passes through a cooling system where the steam condenses into a liquid of essential oil and water. The oil will float to the top since it is lighter than the water and can then be separated from the water.
Benefits of Black Pepper Essential Oil
1. Complements a relaxing massage
As black pepper essential oil produces penetrating warm sensations when applied, it is the perfect oil to be used in relaxing massages. Not only does its warmth eases aching muscles but its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties also reduce joint and muscle pains. For those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism, the oil is excellent for relief.
Besides that, its aroma also helps to make any massage session considerably more relaxing.
To get started, combine one or two drops of black pepper essential oil with a carrier oil and apply all over your body or to sore muscles and joints.
2. Warms things up
Black pepper essential oil’s ability to create warm sensations is also a boon on colder days. If you are heading out for a walk on a chilly day, place a drop of the oil to your lotion or carrier oil and rub onto your hands and the bottoms of your feet.
Besides that, black pepper essential oil is the ideal companion for those of you with perpetually cold feet, too.
3. Excellent as a pick-me-up
If you need a little something to perk you right up when you have had a long day or just trying to power through the soul-sucking 3 p.m. afternoon slump, you will not go wrong with black pepper essential oil.
Simply apply a few drops of the oil to the bottoms of your feet or, alternatively, add a few drops to your diffuser for a reviving wake-up call.
4. Relieves anxiety and stress
When it all gets too much and you can feel the stress up to right here, black pepper essential oil may be able to help. Just like many other essential oils, black pepper oil had been proven to relieve anxiety and stress.
Place a few drops of the oil into a diffuser or inhale it directly from the bottle to soothe and calm the frayed nerves as well as stress.
5. Helps quit smoking naturally
For those of you looking to quit smoking, black pepper essential oil has been shown to significantly reduce the craving for cigarettes. It is believed that inhaling the oil stimulates the respiratory system in a way that mimics smoking, hence, the reduction of cravings and anxiety.
Plus, black pepper essential oil can also alleviate the stress associated with quitting smoking.
6. Promotes good health
In addition to the above, black pepper essential oil also contains various natural chemicals that are vital in supporting the immune system and natural functions of the body. This includes the chemicals monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are popular for their antioxidant activity.
7. Boosts circulation and improves blood flow
Research has also shown that black pepper essential oil has “bio-transformative” effects. This is because it can boost circulation, improve blood flow and glucose tolerance, and normalize blood pressure.
With these bio-transformative effects, toxins, impurities, and excess fluids are removed from the body which will result in less inflammation and improved radiance.
8. Purifies problematic skin
Black pepper essential oil’s high antioxidants, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties make it excellent as a skin-purifier. It easily rids the skin of impurities and bacteria for a blemish-free complexion.
Apart from that, its high antioxidant also means that the oil can help to combat free radicals to hold off premature aging. Rejuvenated and glowing courtesy of the black pepper essential oil, you can bid adieu to fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentations.
9. Helps to elevate flavors
No, there is no need to get the pepper mill or grinder just yet. Instead of adding typical ground black pepper to your dishes, why not try something a little different and include black pepper essential oil as your secret ingredient?
Add a drop or two of the oil to meats, soups, or vegetables for an explosion of flavors. Besides that, you can also incorporate the black pepper essential oil into marinades for steaks, ribs, and other meat. Fragrant and rich, everyone would be asking for a second helping of the dish.
Mixing Black Pepper Essential Oil with Other Essential Oils
Black pepper essential oil’s peppery and slightly woody scent is perfectly complemented when you mix it with something citrusy such as bergamot essential oil, orange essential oils, and kaffir lime essential oil.
Additionally, black pepper essential oil also brings a little heat and nuances to traditional floral oils like geranium, lavender, and ylang-ylang.
To turn up the spice factor, you can also blend black pepper essential oil with other spice oils including basil, ginger, and clove.
Other Good-to-Know Information
Always start with a patch test before you apply essential oil to your body — especially a spicy essential oil like black pepper. Rub a drop of black pepper essential oil to your inner forearm and cover it with a bandage. If you do not see any allergic reaction or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
Besides that, as black pepper essential oil produces warming sensation, you might want to dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
Is Black Pepper Essential Oil Right for You?
While it is undoubtedly an acquired taste, many who tried the oil have not been able to stay away. If you are in the market for a fiery and stimulating oil with various health benefits, you should definitely check out black pepper essential oil.
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