Black Pepper

(S) Marich, a name for the sun, owing to its containing large amounts of solar energy

(C) Hu jiao

Part Used: fruit

Energetics: pungent/heating/pungent KV- P+

Tissues: plasma, blood, fat, marrow and nerve

Systems:digestive, circulatory, respiratory

Actions:stimulant, expectorant, carminative, febrifuge, anthelmintic

Indications: chronic indigestion, toxins in colon, degenerated metabolism, obesity, sinus congestion, fever, intermittent fever, cold extremities

Precautions: inflammatory conditions of the digestive organs, high Pitta

Preparation: infusion, powder (100 to 500 mg), milk decoction, medicated ghee

BLACK PEPPER is one of the most powerful digestive stimulants. It burns up Ama and cleanses the alimentary canal (energizing Agni to destroy toxins and digest food). Black pepper can be taken nasally as a rnedicated ghee to relieve sinus congestion, headaches, and even epileptic seizures. It is a good antidote to cold food like cucumbers and for excessive intake of raw food and salads. Used externally, it helps ripen boils and promote suppuration. Prepared in ghee, it heals inflamed surfaces, such as in urticaria and erysipelas. With honey, it is a powerful expectorant and mucus-cleanser, drying up secretions. If used excessively, black pepper can act as an irritant as its quality is rajasic.