Long Pepper-A Nutritive Herb
Long pepper is a slender aromatic climber. It is also known as "Pippali" in India. The word Pepper itself is derived from the Sanskrit word Pippali. It grows in sub-tropical, tropical climate. It is found in South Asia.It can be used in four different ways: as a spice, as a home remedy, as a medicinal herb and as a catalyst to increase the effect of other herbs.
Long pepper contains Piperine. Piperine stimulates poor blood circulation. It enhances the absorption of other active ingredients in a medicine or product. The fruit of the plant is used to make medicine. Indian long pepper is sometimes used in combination with other herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. The taste of Long Pepper is Sweet, Bitter, Acrid, Pungent.
Merits:
• Long Pepper is a powerful stimulant for Digestive System and Respiratory System.
• It improves the functioning of the Liver.
• It detoxifies and rejuvenates the Lungs.
• It expels out mucus accumulated in the Respiratory Tract.
• It effectively treats Cold and Congestion.
• It is good for Diabetic patients as it helps control the sugar levels in the body.
• Long Pepper boosts Sexual strength.
Demerits:
• Long Pepper is hot in Potency.
• It may cause Intestinal Inflammation and excess heat in the body.
• Excess of long pepper increases Tri-doshas.
• Avoid use if you are taking Anticoagulants.
• Avoid using Long pepper during pregnancy.
Traditional Uses:
• Long pepper is used as a spice in many vegetable pickles ( achar ), as well as in preserves.
• The fruit of Long Pepper is more useful and active when unripe.
• It is used in Indian and Asian cooking as it provides a great flavor to the food.
• It is also used to add flavor to drinks.
Cures:
• The powdered form of Long Pepper is taken with honey to cure a number of aliments, specially Cold, Cough and Sore Throat.
• Diabetes
• Indigestion
• Hiccups
• Impotence
• Obesity
Action of Long Pepper:
• Adaptogenic
• Abortifacient
• Analeptic
• Analgesic
Nutrients in Long Pepper:
• Alkaloids
• Beta Sitosterol
• Carophylene
• Eugenol
Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Long Pepper:
• Cough: Fry Long Pepper powder in Clarified Butter, take 1 g once a day.
• Swelling: Prepare a paste of Long Pepper and applied directly to the swelled area.
• Cold: Fry Long Pepper powder in Clarified Butter (Ghee) , consume half teaspoon of this mixture, two times a day.
• Dizziness: Take Long Pepper roots and crush them . Consume one tea spoon of it and also smell it while consuming it.
• Blocked Nose: Take half teaspoon of Long Pepper powder and Rock salt in one glass of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink it lukewarm.
Thus ,to sum up, this plant is safe , nutritious and effective for use in various diseases. The plant is easily available, inexpensive and free from adverse effects.
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