Piper nigrum                              Common name: Black pepper, white pepper
Family: Piperaceae

Parts used: Fruit

Constituents:  Volatile oil (2%-4%) [Black pepper]:  B-bisabolene, camphene, B-caryophyllene, etc. Alkaloids:  piperine (11%), piperanin, piperettine, piperolein A and B, piperidine; Fixed oil.

Medicinal actions: Carminative, stimulant

Medicinal use: The medicinal use of pepper is primarily as a digestive stimulant and carminative.  The volatile oil and alkaloids create a spasmolytic effect in the gastrointestinal system.

Pharmacy: 1/2 – 1 tsp whole pepper seed / cup water; decoct.

Toxicity:  Do not use pepper internally in individuals with active ulceration.