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By Tasso Konia
The pungent, hot, and aromatic flavour of black pepper makes it a popular spice in the culinary world. Piperine, the active ingredient in it, not only adds a distinct flavour to curries, stir-fries, salads, and soups, but it also provides many benefits to our body and mind due to its wonderful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, which prevents chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
According to the National Library of Medicine, piperine, one of the key alkaloid components of Piper Nigrum, aids in cognitive brain functioning, nutrient absorption, and gastrointestinal functionality. Black pepper improves nutrient absorption, which means that more nutrients are available for use by your body. Black pepper also aids in weight loss, cough and cold relief, bloating reduction, immune improvement, and digestion.
Ayurveda recognises the properties of black pepper and has used it in its medicinal formulations for thousands of years. Black pepper has "carminative" properties, which means it relieves flatulence and other digestive issues, according to ancient medicinal exercise. Black pepper is believed to be beneficial for balancing Kapha, Vata, and strengthening Pitta.
"You may not be aware that an item that is in your kitchen right now might have one of the most impressive lists of health benefits out there. But it’s true: the black pepper sitting innocently in your shaker is an incredibly powerful little spice used for millennia to heal the sick," writes Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar in her recent Instagram post.
Here's everything you need to know about this humble spice black pepper known as Mareech in Ayurveda.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a strong and pungent spice. It is hot in potency and balances Vata and Kapha.
Dr Bhavsar lists all the benefits of black pepper or mareech.
- Improves taste (relieves anorexia)
- Good for cough and cold
- Improves immunity
- Works in reducing inflammation in joints and gut
- Relieves bloating and excess vata disorders
- Eliminates toxins
- Improves digestion
- Promotes oral health
- Clears nasal blockage (wonderful for allergies and sinusitis)
- Improves blood circulation (good for skin diseases)
- Melts fat (utmost useful in reducing obesity)
- Good for the liver and heart (works in managing cholesterol, diabetes & blood pressure)
- Helps with Alzheimer’s and overall brain health
- Useful in hairfall caused due to dandruff/fungus.
- Possible smoking cessation aid
- Helps prevent & even fight cancer
Dr Bhavsar says 1 black pepper daily is enough for prevention of diseases and maintenance of health. The expert also shares how the spice can be consumed.
- Can be sucked or chewed in morning on an empty stomach - for hormonal balance, diabetes, amenorrhoea, delayed periods and everything else.
- Can be had with 1 tsp turmeric and honey for immunity and respiratory issues.
- Can be had with a pinch of dry ginger powder in milk at bedtime for good sleep, immunity and arthritis (relieving joint pain).
- Can be had with 1 tsp desi cow ghee at bedtime for improving immunity and mental health.
Dr Bhavsar adds that people with high pitta issues should consume it only after consulting an ayurvedic doctor.
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