Essential Oil Love -- Black Pepper
Black Pepper is one of those oils I never thought I’d use. Every time I would see it I would think of peppercorn crusted steaks and sneezes - definitely not something I thought I’d have any use for. But like a bad penny this one just kept showing up everywhere I looked and since I’ve learned to pay attention when that happens I finally decided to check it out and boy am I glad I did!
First let me say, if your first impression was like mine - we got it all wrong! Black Pepper doesn’t smell like table pepper at all. It has a mild, almost woody aroma that will surprise you.
Since Black Pepper is a warm oil it is best diluted when used on the skin and it actually produces a warming sensation for cold hands and feet when used there. This is particularly good when you plan to be outside in cold weather for a while. It’s also really wonderful for a warming body massage.
The thing that most intrigued me is that Black Pepper is often used to help overcome addictions. Trying to quit smoking? Put a drop of black pepper oil and a drop of clove in the palm of your hand and inhale. This easy practice helps fight the urge to smoke. Black Pepper can also be used internally and some who use it to quit smoking will place a drop on the tongue when cravings are particularly strong. The flavor is intense though so start small if you try it.
Black Pepper is also high in antioxidants and is a great oil for assisting in the fight against environmental and seasonal threats. In those months where colds and flu’s run rampant take internally to ward off sickness. Just take a few drops in a veggie capsule and swallow like a regular pill.
Tummy trouble? I was also surprised to find out that it is also good for digestion and can help with digestive issues.
Do you have poor circulation? Black Pepper promotes healthy circulation in the body. I am looking forward to sharing this with a couple of friends I know with Reynauds who suffer from circulatory problems in the winter. I’m thinking this may help with both circulation and warming of the hands and feet that are always so cold.
Do you ever wake up from a nap feeling groggy? Dilute with fractionated coconut oil and place on the bottoms of your feet to invigorate your body and stimulate your mind again.
Black Pepper also has amazing emotional healing properties. When diffused it can be very effective to help reduce feelings of anxiety and is soothing to the mind and body.
I think the most beautiful thing I learned about Black Pepper is that it is called the ‘Oil of Unmasking’. It is believed to reveal the masks or facades we use to protect ourselves and helps to shed them, revealing the less understood parts of the self. It is used to assist with emotional honesty, truth and self-awareness. Um… must have!
And finally - yes! you can definitely use it as a flavoring in cooking to enhance food flavors. It works particularly well with meats - just use a teeny-tiny bit because it is incredibly potent!
Now aren’t you glad you learned about Black Pepper essential oil? I wouldn’t be surprised if you are doing exactly what I did and logging into your account and adding it to your cart! This oil is a keeper and is one of my new favs! I'm sure you will love it as much as I do!
