Pepper

 

People have been utilizing pepper for both culinary and spiritual purposes since 2000 BCE. Pepper, which is native to South and Southeast Asia, is currently the most widely used spice in the world. Most people are unaware that peppercorn is the plant's fruit. The fruit can produce black, green, or white peppercorns depending on when it is collected, processed, and dried.

The ancient Greeks mostly utilized pepper in conjunction with other spices in their wine, and it was seldom if ever, used on food. It was often only used on meals if judged medically essential. Despite its limited use, pepper is the spice that has had the greatest influence on moulding our planet.

Pepper was so valuable to Europeans during the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance that it was used as money. It was presented as a gift, used to pay rent, used as a dowry or bribe, and even used to pay back taxes! When Columbus started out on his voyage, he was seeking pepper plants as well as a swift path to bring pepper back to Europe. While pepper isn't as prized as it once was, it still has a permanent place on practically every table on the globe!

Pepper was the most significant spice in Roman times. Pepper is responsible for the economic success of Alexandria, Genoa, and Venice. It was one of the first products to be sold in Asia and Europe.

Europeans used pepper to pay rent, dowries, and taxes throughout the Middle Ages, and Shakespeare mentions it in his plays. In the 15th century, the desire for pepper prompted the exploration and trading of Spanish spices.

Health benefits of Pepper

1. Antioxidant

Your body naturally creates free radicals when you exercise or digest meals. These free radicals are unstable chemicals that cause cell damage, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues such as cancer and heart disease. ‘Piperine’, found in black pepper, has significant antioxidant qualities that protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

2. Anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is considered to have a role in a variety of chronic health issues, including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. ‘Piperine’ reduces joint and airway swelling, which aids in the battle against inflammation.

3. Advantages of the Brain

‘Piperine’ has been shown to improve brain function in animal experiments. These findings imply that degenerative brain diseases can be minimized and delayed. ‘Piperine’ improves memory and reduces the creation of plaques that harm the brain.

4. To prevent Cancer

The ‘piperine’ in black pepper has been linked to cancer prevention, and when mixed with turmeric, it becomes twice as effective. The spice also contains vitamins C and A, as well as flavonoids, carotenes, and other antioxidants that help eliminate damaging free radicals and protect the body from cancer and illness. To reap the most advantages from pepper, consume it freshly ground rather than cooking it with food.

5. Skin is improved

Did you know that crushed pepper is one of the most effective exfoliators nature has to offer? But don't eat it alone; instead, mix it with honey, curd, or fresh cream. It also improves blood circulation and oxygen levels in the skin. Including it in your diet also helps to prevent unwelcome skin wrinkles. Black pepper has been shown to aid in the treatment of Vitiligo, a disorder in which the skin loses colour and develops white areas.

6. Depression is addressed

It is thought that the ‘piperine’ in black pepper aids in the treatment of depression. It stimulates the brain and makes it more active, allowing it to work effectively.

Warnings and Special Precautions

1. Pregnancy: When eaten by mouth in proportions usually found in meals, black pepper is LIKELY SAFE. When taken by mouth in significant doses during pregnancy, it is LIKELY UNSAFE because it may induce an abortion.
2. There isn't enough credible information to tell if applying black pepper to the skin while pregnant is safe.
3. Breastfeeding: When consumed by mouth in proportions usually found in meals, black pepper is LIKELY SAFE. There isn't enough credible information to tell if using black pepper as medication while breastfeeding is safe.
4. Black Pepper is likely safe for children when taken by mouth in the amount commonly found in food. It is POSSIBLY DANGEROUS when used in high quantities by mouth since deaths have been documented. There is insufficient trustworthy evidence to determine if applying black pepper oil to the skin is safe for children.
5. ‘Piperine’, a black pepper substance, may help reduce blood clotting. In principle, ingesting more black pepper than what is found in food may raise the risk of bleeding in those with bleeding problems.
6. ‘Piperine’, a substance found in black pepper, may impede blood coagulation and influence blood sugar levels during surgery. In principle, taking black pepper in amounts larger than those present in meals may cause bleeding problems or impact blood sugar levels following surgery. At least two weeks before surgery, you should cease ingesting black pepper at levels larger than those found in meals.

Magical Properties of Pepper

1. Get Rid of Negativity and Boost Your Defenses

With its fiery, pungent odour and flavour, pepper aids practitioners in banishing negativity. When you're cleaning out bad negative energy from your home or property, combine a little pepper with paprika and chili powder and sprinkle it around the perimeter. If you have an unwelcome visitor that you don't want to see again, sprinkle them with salt and pepper after they depart.

2. Keep Jealousy at Bay

Keep peppercorns on hand to fight off petty envy. Alternatively, place the peppercorns in a protective sachet, container, or amulet to banish any envious thoughts or sentiments you may be experiencing.

3. Encourage bravery

Pepper, like the spice of life, may assist energize your own personal and spiritual efforts. Do you require a boost of inner strength? Carry a personal amulet or purse of peppercorns to provide you with the confidence you require when you need it.