What Is Indian Long Pepper (Pippali)?
Herbal medicines have grown in popularity, partly due to the reduced chance of adverse effects. Thousands of plants have traditionally been used to heal a wide range of ailments. Medicinal plants from the genus Piper are among them, and they are utilized in a variety of medical systems. Long pepper, also known as Pippali or Piper longum, is primarily a medicinal herb. The plant is a member of the Piperaceae family and is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in Ayurvedic medicine. Long pepper can be used in a variety of ways, including as a spice, a home remedy, a medicinal herb, and a catalyst to enhance the action of other herbs.
P. longum has a lot of medicinal value, as it’s been used to treat gonorrhea, menstruation pain, tuberculosis, sleeping issues, respiratory tract infections, chronic gut discomfort, and arthritic disorders. Almost every part of it, including the roots, stems, and fruits, has medicinal value and is used to treat respiratory tract problems like bronchitis, asthma, and cough. Pippali is high in alkaloids, beta sitosterol, and analgesic. Eugenol, glycosides, piperine, resins, sugar, saturated fat, essential oil, volatile oil, piplartine, myrcene, terpenoids, quercetin, triacontane, and sylvatine are all present in large amounts. Long pepper contains all of these critical nutrients and chemicals, which help your entire system perform better.
9 Health Benefits of Long Pepper
Long pepper is a spice that has been used in cooking for a long time. It contains lipids, proteins, sugars, carbs, calcium, vitamins C and A, dietary fiber, and sodium ions, among other nutrients. Long pepper has a powerful spicy flavor that enhances the flavor of foods. All of its parts are employed for a variety of human consumption and health-related purposes. The following are some of the most well-known health advantages of long pepper.
Treats Respiratory Issues
Long Pepper is well-known for its ability to treat respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and acts as counter-irritant. It’s even used to treat children’s bronchial asthma. It not only has antibacterial characteristics that help fight infections, but it also works locally to thin phlegm and relieves congestion. Due to its antipyretic qualities, long pepper is also effective in treating chronic fevers. Pippali can also aid those with asthma, reducing the severity of attacks as well as the frequency with which they occur.
Improves Sexual and Reproductive Health
Long pepper can also be used as a tonic for the reproductive system. It is supposed to aid in the treatment of infertility, impotence, and premature ejaculation. It’s also effective for treating gonorrhea. What’s more? It’s also used to relieve the pain associated with menstruation cramps in women. That’s not all, as it’s also utilized in postnatal care to aid the recovery of the mother. It can aid in the removal of any residual blood or tissue from the uterus following birth. The powdered root and fruit are combined with warm jaggery water and served. The procedure is usually followed 2 to 3 days after the birth of the baby.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most dangerous diseases that may strike anyone because it affects practically every system in the body. India has one of the highest rates of diabetes diagnoses in the world. Long pepper is good for diabetics because it slows down the flow of glucose into the bloodstream. It also increases insulin production. As a result, all diabetics benefit from frequent ingestion of long pepper. But keep in mind that Pippali or its extracts should not be used in addition to your diabetes medication. If you want to take this natural remedy, talk to your doctor first.
Fights against Bacterial Infections
The antibacterial properties of long pepper are incredibly strong. Bacteria are always present around you, so there isn’t much you can do to keep your body from being exposed to them. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, can almost always be avoided. Long pepper guards against bacterial illnesses. It also possesses anti-amoebic qualities, which aid in this process. This protection can be obtained by eating the pepper’s root or stem.
Helps with Menstrual Issues
For a long time now, long pepper has been effective in treating menstruation issues. It can aid in the reduction of heavy menstrual flow as well as the relief of period cramps. It even helps with exhaustion and some PMS symptoms. Long pepper has also been utilized by pregnant women in labor to help speed up delivery by encouraging uterine contractions. Many mothers use this spice after their baby is delivered to help the uterus heal quickly. In these situations, it is said to be particularly useful.
Toothache Remedy
Long pepper is an effective toothache treatment. Make a paste of long pepper, salt, and water instead of saltwater gargling and ice packs. Apply this to the inflamed gum area and leave it on for an hour.
Detoxifies the Liver
A healthy liver guarantees that the rest of the body is in good shape. It is important for the proper functioning of your digestive system, as well as the secretion of specific enzymes and hormones in your body. These days, liver diseases are frequent because we all eat a lot of processed foods, which causes a lot of liver problems. Long pepper contains substances that have been shown to protect the liver. It can ensure that liver toxicity is always treated and that jaundice is avoided.
Aids Weight Loss
Not only because of beauty standards and self-image, but also for health reasons, the world is obsessed with the idea of weight loss. Weight loss is aided by long pepper. It works by reducing body fat and eliminating fatty poisons, allowing you to lose weight. Long pepper, unlike diets or weight-loss medicines, has no negative side effects when taken for weight loss.
Improves Skeletal Health
Strong bones mean a strong body structure. The Indian long pepper help to strengthen your entire skeletal system and improve your overall bone health. This can help you feel more powerful and at ease.
Side Effects and Precautions for Indian Long Pepper
- The potency of long pepper is high, and it can cause intestinal inflammation and excessive heat in the body.
- If you’re taking anticoagulants, don’t consume Indian long pepper.
- The use of this herb should be avoided by pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Long pepper can cause skin inflammation with symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling in rare situations.
- It’s not recommended for babies.
- People who have a tendency for inflammation or who experience swelling on their bodies throughout the day should avoid using it.
- It’s also a good idea to avoid using this Pippali if you have sensitive skin because its chemical may irritate your skin.
- People with a history of allergies may become irritated, develop rashes, and experience itching.
- This pepper can cause a burning sensation in the stomach if used too much.
- People who have a weak digestive system should not consume Indian long pepper on a regular basis.
Key Facts About Indian Long Pepper
- Long pepper has a strong stimulating effect on the digestive and respiratory systems.
- It is effective in the treatment of colds and congestion.
- Bronchitis, stomachaches, spleen diseases, and tumors can all benefit from it.
- It aids in the prevention of weight loss caused by tuberculosis and its treatment.
- Long pepper improves sexual arousal. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can both benefit from it.
- Long Pepper is beneficial to diabetic people when used on a regular basis. It controls how quickly glucose is released into the bloodstream. Insulin production is increased.
- Bacterial infections, diarrhea, and toothaches are all treated with it.
- Long pepper can be utilized to improve the appearance of your skin as well as combat the symptoms of aging.
- It can be used to reduce the risk of strokes.