Black Pepper
Piper Nigrum
Black Pepper Oil is a spicy and earthy oil that is made from black peppercorns. Used in alternative medicine to improve circulation and alleviate the pain of aching muscles, it is also popular as a detoxifier and restoring balance in your digestive system. Originating in Asia, it has been used for centuries in medicine, but also has its place today within cosmetics, candles and fragrance, too!
History of Black Pepper Oil
Black Pepper Oil, also known in Latin as Piper Nigrum, was mostly used in India and China in ancient medicine, as it boasted healing properties. Egyptians used it as a part of the embalming process and Greek’s saw Black Pepper as a symbol of status and power. In Greek history, Black Pepper Oil was a symbol of power, and the Roman’s used Black Pepper as a currency. In fact, you could actually pay for things in peppercorns because it was of such value! It was heavily sought after throughout history, and has cemented itself in multiple cultures making it a go-to oil for many people today. Black Pepper is found in many things: food, spice mixes, perfumes, candles, moisturisers and much more. The spicy and earthy taste and scent of Black Pepper is popular even today. It still has its roots in South East Asia, with the vast majority of Black Pepper production being in Vietnam and can also be found growing in Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
So, why is Black Pepper still so popular today?
Despite being considered a luxury in ancient periods, Black Pepper Oil is in fact reasonably easy to access and in comparison to other oils, isn’t considered to be in the high end price bracket. It is popular today because it’s so versatile, and its properties (plus the spicy scent) means that it’s still effective as a natural remedy, even with modern medicine. For example, Black Pepper Oil has been included in scientific studies where it has been proven to reduce aches and pains. It is also effective as a vapour rub to soothe a runny nose and chesty cough! For those who aren’t a fan of over the counter medicines, it’s worth having a bottle of Black Pepper Oil close by!
The scent of Black Pepper Oil is also used in a lot of high end perfumes, luxury candles and beauty products because it works well with other scents rather than overpowering them. A lot of spicy scents can often overpower when blended, but Black Pepper Oil can take a backseat or it can be the star of the show - meaning its versatility is incredibly popular in the beauty industry because of this. Next time you buy a luxury candle - you’ll see that a lot of brands will incorporate Black Pepper Oil into their formula (same with an aftershave or perfume!)
Extracting Black Pepper Oil
There are a number of techniques used to extract Black Pepper Oil from its vine; hydro-distillation, steam distillation and solvent extraction can all be methods used, but the yield of oil will vary depending on the process that you use. Steam distillation is a common process used when extracting essential oils, and is a careful and effective way of separating the oil using steam and then condensing the mixture - leaving you with the essential oil! Hydro-distillation is a variant of steam distillation, so if you see that this method has been used to create your oil - the end product should not be any different. Solvent extraction is a slightly more aggressive process that must be used for some extractions of essential oils because it has to use alcohol to coax the oil out. You could technically achieve solvent extraction at home, but often the yield and quality of oil is sub-par in comparison.
Can I make Black Pepper Oil at home?
With most essential oils that require steam distillation, you could technically make this oil at home should you have the right equipment to do so. However, if you don’t have access to the equipment you could also try using a solvent (like alcohol) to extract the oil from the vine. Unless you have access to the vine and enough of it to yield the oil, you may be better off purchasing the oil online as it will be pure (and save you a lot of time in the process!). Black Pepper grows in tropical temperatures, so if you are in a country that experiences cold weather frequently, you may find it difficult to grow the plant in the first place.
Do you like Black Pepper Oil and have you tried to make it? We’d love to hear your stories and how it turned out for you. Feel free to email one of the Essentially Yours team today and tell us how it went!
Can I make Black Pepper Oil at home?
With most essential oils that require steam distillation, you could technically make this oil at home should you have the right equipment to do so. However, if you don’t have access to the equipment you could also try using a solvent (like alcohol) to extract the oil from the vine. Unless you have access to the vine and enough of it to yield the oil, you may be better off purchasing the oil online as it will be pure (and save you a lot of time in the process!). Black Pepper grows in tropical temperatures, so if you are in a country that experiences cold weather frequently, you may find it difficult to grow the plant in the first place.
Do you like Black Pepper Oil and have you tried to make it? We’d love to hear your stories and how it turned out for you. Feel free to email one of the Essentially Yours team today and tell us how it went!
Black Pepper Oil Varieties
Black Pepper Oil Varieties
Black Pepper Oil originates in Asia, with roots in China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. It’s tropical growing conditions means that it cemented itself in ancient Asian culture, mostly used for medicinal purposes due to its healing properties.
There are over 700 species of pepper, and within that family you have commonly known varieties such as Black Pepper, White Pepper and Pink Pepper. Black Pepper itself has around 20 varieties of it, but Piper Nigrum, as it is known by (its botanical name in Latin) is what you’ll see it being described as. The variety that you get will vary depending on the supplier and the country that it’s come from, but the fragrance and make-up of the oil won’t be any different. However, if you had a pink or white pepper oil, it may notice some different notes to it.
So, how do I know which variety of Black Pepper Oil I should be using?
As mentioned, there aren’t differentiators with the varieties of Black Pepper Oil that would make you choose one over the other. With most essential oils it’s down to personal preference and what works for you; whether that’s a brand, blend or how you apply it. What we recommend doing is having a think about what you want to achieve with Black Pepper Oil, and do research around it to see which type would be recommended for a specific goal. That should give you a better idea of what will work for you - but from what we’ve researched and seen, most Black Pepper Oils are the same!
Please note that the benefits of Black Pepper Oil, although some have been scientifically proven it may also vary from person to person, so if you don’t get the desired result it may just not work for you! Always consult with a specialist if you are going to use an oil for alternative medicine or aromatherapy if in doubt.
What do you think about Black Pepper Oil? Is there a particular variety that you’ve tried that’s worked for you? As always, we love hearing your stories and recommendations, so please contact one of the Essentially Yours team today!
So, how do I know which variety of Black Pepper Oil I should be using?
As mentioned, there aren’t differentiators with the varieties of Black Pepper Oil that would make you choose one over the other. With most essential oils it’s down to personal preference and what works for you; whether that’s a brand, blend or how you apply it. What we recommend doing is having a think about what you want to achieve with Black Pepper Oil, and do research around it to see which type would be recommended for a specific goal. That should give you a better idea of what will work for you - but from what we’ve researched and seen, most Black Pepper Oils are the same!
Please note that the benefits of Black Pepper Oil, although some have been scientifically proven it may also vary from person to person, so if you don’t get the desired result it may just not work for you! Always consult with a specialist if you are going to use an oil for alternative medicine or aromatherapy.
What do you think about Black Pepper Oil? Is there a particular variety that you’ve tried that’s worked for you? As always, we love hearing your stories and recommendations, so please contact one of the Essentially Yours team today!
Benefits of Black Pepper Oil
Black Pepper Oil originally comes from South East Asia and was used mostly in ancient times by China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and India. The Black Pepper was considered a luxury to possess, and once it rose to popularity in Europe it was used as a currency as well as establishing wealth and power. Black Pepper Oil has been used globally for centuries in alternative medicine due to its healing properties; from soothing aches and pains to repelling insects and clearing up skin infections - Black Pepper Oil was a holy grail to many. Today, it is still popular for medicinal purposes but is widely used in beauty as well as aromatherapy.
So, what are the benefits of using Black Pepper Oil?
Natural antioxidant
Black Pepper Oil is packed with antioxidant properties, and simply inhaling the oil in the morning to wake you up can help to flush out unwanted toxins and help you to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Can help to quit smoking
When smokers are trying to quit, a natural remedy that is recommended is inhaling some Black Pepper Oil which can help to curb cravings.
Soothes muscle aches and pains
Whether applied topically to the desired area, or combined with a carrier oil to create a soothing massage oil, Black Pepper Oil has been proven to soothe muscle aches and pains - which can be a great alternative to the modern day painkiller.
Helps digestive issues
If you are struggling with bloating, indigestion or constipation - Black Pepper Oil can help to stimulate your digestive system and soothe inflammation.
Encourages circulation
If you know that you have poor circulation, or you have noticed symptoms that indicate that you are struggling, taking Black Pepper Oil (topically or in some cases internally) can help.
These are just some of our favourite benefits of using Black Pepper Oil - our favourite being helping people to quit smoking! Who would have thought that a natural oil could be so powerful.
Please note that the benefits of Black Pepper Oil can vary from person to person, and if you are ingesting the oil you must consult with a professional and ensure that the oil is safe for ingestion before you do so. When applying topically, if you have sensitive skin you can combine the oil with a carrier oil for a smoother application, and when inhaling you can do this by using the oil in hot water to create a steaming effect!
Uses of Black Pepper Oil
Black Pepper Oil is a popular oil that has been used for centuries due to its medicinal qualities. Originating in South East Asia, the black pepper plant has been seen as sacred, including being used as a currency and a status of power! For hundreds of years it’s been used to treat muscle aches, flu symptoms and also as a food preservative. Today it is popular in alternative medicine as well as cementing itself into the beauty industry - whether it’s infused into creams or used as a base, middle or top note in perfumery.
Aromatherapy
Black Pepper Oil is used in aromatherapy to help alleviate anxious feelings. It can act as a soother to your emotions and instate a feeling of calm and relaxation. When combined with other essential oils with similar properties it can be incredibly powerful!
Perfume
You wouldn’t use this as a standalone perfume (unless you really love to smell like black pepper) but mixing this with other essential oils (we love Geranium) will create a gorgeous perfume that you can dab onto your wrists and neck.
Curbing cigarette cravings
Inhaling the aroma of Black Pepper oil is said to curb cigarette cravings and help those who are addicted to quit.
Inhalation when sick or to improve circulation/digestion
Filling a bowl with hot water and adding a few drops of the essential oil into it is a great way to inhale Black Pepper Oil. Cover your head with a towel and immerse yourself - and watch your digestion and circulation improve over time with repeated use.
DIY candles
If you are sick and tired of spending your money on expensive Black Pepper candles, why not make your own at home?
Massage oil for aching muscles
Combining Black Pepper Oil with a carrier oil such as Coconut or Almond will create a beautiful massage oil that can be worked into the skin to soothe aching muscles.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing our knowledge with you to enable you to get the most out of your essential oil collection. When you make a new purchase it’s important to understand exactly how you can use that oil to the best of its ability - so we’ve collated a series of articles for each oil to ensure you can find that information here. Whether it’s the history behind a particular oil, or understanding which oils compliment each other - you’ll find that all here. In this blog, we are going to be specifically talking about which oils blend best with Black Pepper Oil. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
A rich and thick carrier oil, Coconut Oil can be paired well with Black Pepper Oil to make an enriching massage oil. The two could also work together in a relaxing bath which will leave the skin feeling moisturised, but also relax your muscles.
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Jojoba Oil
This is a popular carrier oil which can be blended with every essential oil out there, as it sinks into the skin and can work well even with those who suffer from acne or oily skin. Jojoba Oil mimics your skin’s natural oils due to its make up, so it’s perfect if you want to start using an oil but don’t want to overload your pores with too much
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Almond Oil
Silky and sweet, Almond Oil is great if you’re looking for a carrier oil which absorbs seamlessly into the skin. Black Pepper Oil and Almond Oil can work well together as a moisturiser or as a massage oil.
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Bergamot Oil
Fragrant and slightly floral, Bergamot Oil is an incredibly unique citrus oil due to its scent. The floral notes blended with the spiciness of Black Pepper works really well as an aromatherapy blend, and can scent a room beautifully.
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Geranium Oil
The complex and tantalising scent of Geranium Oil is beautiful when blended with black pepper because it feels and smells spicy and warm. This works incredibly well to target pain when used topically.
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Lavender Oil
We love Lavender Oil because it blends with pretty much any essential oil on the market. The floral, comforting scent of Lavender works well with the spiciness of Black Pepper Oil. This is a great aromatherapy blend which can leave you feeling calm - diminishing feelings of anxiety and stress.
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