Latin name: piper nigrum
Source country: India
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow thin liquid.
Aroma: Strong sharp spicy peppery smell.
Derivation: The oil is steam distilled from the unripe red fruit of the plant. (as opposed
to the household white pepper where the berry is used when fully ripe then ground.)
Chemicals: The main constituents are myrcene, limonene, pinene, phellandrene,
caryophyllene, bisabolene, pinocarveol, and camphene.
Uses: The main properties are associated with its warm and spicy nature. It is extesnively
used for relieving aching muscles and joints. It also helps the circulation. These functions
are due to the rubifacient nature of black pepper - it irritates the skin into arousing more
blood flow to the area on which it is spread, thereby helping more of the bodies pain
killing chemicals to that area. Many arthritis relieving creams and lotions use black
pepper. It is also reputed to be an excellent bait for certain kinds of fish presumably
because of its aromatic odour.
Note: As with all pure essential oils, dilute appropriately with a suitable carrier oil
before using on the skin. Do not take essential oils internally
