Black Pepper Essential Oil

Black Pepper
Piper nigrum

Source: Berries
Origin: India
Energetics: Yang
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Scent: Will remind you of freshly ground peppercorns but in an extremely mellow way. That's right - no irritation as pepper does.
Blends Well With: Clove, Bergamot, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Clary Sage, Fennel, Geranium, Grapefruit, and Sandalwood.

About

This sharp and spicy oil is known for its physical and emotional benefits, and may provide you with several assistances through its therapeutic properties. Black Pepper essential oil is considered to relieve pain and support the immune system, this uplifting oil may also help you with stress reduction.

Historical Snippets

What we may now know as just another dinner table necessity along with salt, Black Pepper was once an extremely highly regarded spice. During the expansion of the Roman Empire, it quickly became a symbol of power and the demand for pepper grew. National economies fought wars in an attempt to control its supply. It was even used as money for hundreds of years. In Chinese medicine, it was used to treat a number of conditions including stomach aches, diarrhoea, malaria, cholera and digestive problems.

How To Use

Diffuse: Add a few drops to a diffuser to disperse around the room

Topically: Dilute essential oil with any carrier oil at a 2.5% ratio. This equates to 2.5ml essential oil/oils in total mixed with 100ml of chosen carrier oil. 1ml of essential oil is approximately 20-22 drops of oil.  Decant into a roller or glass bottle with eye dropper to apply easily or a larger bottle if using for massage. Please note this dilution rate is for adults and children over the age of 6. More information on children and essential oils is on our blog page. Essential Oils should not be used directly on the skin without mixing first with a carrier oil

Inhalation: Add 1-2 drops essential oil to a tissue and inhale at a distance while ensuring that the oil does not come into direct contact with the skin. Alternatively, you can smell the oil directly from the bottle.

Shelf Life 

Our freshly decanted Black Pepper essential oil will last for 2-3 years minimum from when you open your amber glass bottle if stored correctly:

Primary Storage Considerations: Keep away from direct light (U.V. radiation). Keep in the amber glass bottle with lid tightly closed. Only open when you need to and decant into a smaller "working" amber glass bottle if possible (and label so you know what is in it). This is to reduce oxidation.
Secondary Storage Considerations: Keep in a refrigerator at around 4 degrees celsius.

Safety

General
Some essential oils may cause photosensitivity to the skin - Use diluted in Jojoba or other complete carrier oil.
Do not ingest essential oils.
Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
The information on this website is not intended to be used in the diagnosis, treatment or mitigation of any physical or mental illness. Ahimsa Oils offer no advice or recommendations only general information. No therapeutic claims are made within.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner.

The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the TGA. David Bosley however worked for a long period in consultation with the TGA to ensure correct labelling with reference to the Ahimsa Oil product range.

Specific
Hazards: Skin sensitization if oxidized.
Cautions: Old or oxidized oils should be avoided.
Because of its combined a-pinene, δ-3-carene and (+)-limonene content, it's recommended that oxidation of black pepper oil should be avoided by storage in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. The addition of antioxidants is recommended. 

References

Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: Second edition.