What is Black Pepper?
Black Pepper, or Piper nigrum, is a vine that produces small fruits which are harvested and dried to be used as a spice for cooking and medicinal purposes.
It contains piperine, an alkaloid with strong antioxidant properties.
What is it used for?
Black pepper is used medicinally for a wide range of illnesses. It is a digestive stimulant and can cure constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, and aid in eliminating yeast infections in the digestive tract. The piperine found in black pepper is said to cause sneezing, but also increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, lifting mood and providing possible relief for depression. Additionally, piperine has been seen to increase absorption of vitamin B, vitamin A, curcumin and selenium. Pepper has been used for centuries as a cure for tooth decay and oral abscesses, and as a heart tonic to improve circulation and cardiovascular health.