Black Pepper, also called the "King of spices," is one of the most popular, common spices used worldwide. It is known for its traditional ayurvedic use to manage pain. This spice originates from the Malabar Coast of India. And it goes by many names, including pepper, kali mirch, hu jiao, Piper nigrum, etc.
Besides its popularity as one of the old spices, this herb has various health benefits. Some of the health benefits of this spice include enhancing gut health, helping control blood sugar, improving brain functioning, etc. So, after knowing this, you may be curious to know the best way to add this spice to your daily life. This is where a black pepper tincture can help you. A black pepper tincture can introduce your body to this spice most effectively.
However, what exactly is a black pepper extract, and how can it help you in the long run? So, let's explore the uses and benefits of black pepper and understand why you should use a black pepper tincture.
What Is Black Pepper Tincture, And How Is It Helpful For You?
A black pepper tincture is a standardized extract with one or multiple components available in guaranteed, specific amounts. This extract uses dried fruits of Piper nigrum and has at least 95% of piperine in it. Furthermore, this herb extract form is quite popular in clinical studies because it enhances the nutrient's bioavailability.
Other than this, having only one ounce of black pepper can give you several health benefits as it is a rich source of iron, magnesium, fiber, and vitamin K. Furthermore, as mentioned because it has piperine, you can use this tincture to experience relief in muscle aches, inflammatory arthritis, and digestive issues.
Now, talking about black pepper extract's properties, they have antibacterial, fever-reducing, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties. While there isn't sufficient data regarding this claim, using black pepper extract may help you quit smoking.
Some common uses and benefits of a black pepper tincture include:
Increase Nutrient Absorption Rate
Having black pepper extract may help boost the absorption of important nutrients such as selenium and calcium. In addition, it can increase the absorption rate of plant compounds like turmeric and those present in green tea.
May Enhance Gut Health
Gut bacteria play a vital role in managing immune functioning, chronic diseases, mood, etc. Some studies suggest that black pepper boosts the production of good bacteria in the gut.
Good For Managing Pain
While there is a lack of data for human studies, some rodent studies suggest that black pepper might work as a natural pain reliever.
Lowers Appetite
A study was done with 16 adults. The adults who drank a beverage with black pepper reported a lower appetite than those who drank a flavored drink.
What Are The Black Pepper Tincture Benefits And Uses?
Now, after looking at some of the common uses and benefits of black pepper tincture, we must learn about the science-backed health benefits of this herb, also called the "king of spices." Its ayurvedic use for over a thousand years implies that this herb has health benefits that can help you in the long run. So, let's look at black pepper tincture's six science-backed health benefits.
Good Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Individuals having arthritis, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease usually suffer from chronic inflammation. There are numerous laboratory studies that suggest that piperine, a primary active compound in black pepper extract, may have effects that can help fight inflammation.
In an animal study, rats with arthritis were given a treatment in which piperine was the main compound. The results were these rats had lower blood markers of inflammation and decreased joint swelling.
Furthermore, in some other mouse studies, piperine helped lower inflammation in the airways which was caused due to seasonal allergies and asthma. All these results are quite limited to animal studies, and whether a black pepper tincture can help people fight inflammation requires more research.
So, in summary, black pepper's active compound, piperine, is known to lower inflammation in animals. However, to confirm its effects on humans, more research is needed.
May Help In Controlling Blood Sugar Levels
A few studies suggest having a black pepper tincture may enhance blood sugar metabolism. In one animal study, rats who ate black pepper extract experienced a slight increase in blood sugar levels after having glucose. Meanwhile, the rats in the control group experienced nothing notable.
Also, in a human study with 86 overweight people, each person was given a piperine supplement and other compounds for eight weeks. After eight weeks, these individuals had a significant increase in insulin sensitivity. However, this study also included other compounds, with black pepper being one of them. So, it's difficult to say whether individuals can experience the same results with black pepper extract alone.
So, in summary, a black pepper tincture may help control blood sugar levels. However, it requires more research to confirm the effects.
Rich In Antioxidants
Your body has free radicals known to damage your body's cells. These unstable molecules sometimes form naturally, like when someone exercises or digests their food. However, you can suffer serious health problems if your body has excessive free radicals. The main cause of excessive free radicals includes pollution, sun rays, and cigarette smoke.
Having extra amounts of these unstable molecules can lead to inflammation, heart disease, certain cancers, and premature aging. However, you can control or eliminate the free radicals in your body by consuming black pepper extract. A few test tube studies suggest that piperine, a compound in black pepper, contains potent antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, other studies suggest that consuming a diet rich in antioxidants may help delay or prevent the damage effects of these harmful free radicals. In addition, some rodent and test-tube studies observed that piperine and ground black pepper supplements might help lower the damage by free radicals. Rats were part of these studies, fed diets containing black pepper extracts. It was noticed that after 10 weeks, the rats that ate these diets had reduced free radical damage.
So, in summary, black pepper has piperine, a potent antioxidant that may help lower the damage by free radicals to your cells.
May Help Manage Cholesterol Levels
High blood cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart disease in individuals. And not managing your cholesterol levels for a long period can even be fatal. Some animal studies suggest that black pepper extract can potentially lower cholesterol levels.
In one 42-day animal study, the rats consumed a high-fat diet with black pepper extract, which resulted in lower blood cholesterol levels, including bad cholesterol. While on the other hand, the rats in the control group had no noticeable effects.
In addition, you can use piperine and black pepper to enhance the absorption of dietary supplements, as these can potentially lower cholesterol levels, such as red yeast rice and turmeric.
Some studies suggest that a black pepper tincture may enhance the turmeric active components' absorption rate, such as curcumin, by around 2,000%. However, additional research is needed to confirm the black pepper cholesterol-lowering effects in people.
So, in summary, black pepper may have effects of lowering cholesterol in rodents. In addition, it may boost the absorption of supplements having cholesterol-lowering effects.
Betters Brain Functioning
Some animal studies suggest that piperine, an active component of black pepper extract, may help enhance brain functioning. Specifically, this herb has potential benefits for treating symptoms of degenerative brain conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
In an animal study, rats with Alzheimer's experienced better memory after consuming piperine. These rats could run the maze more effectively than the control group.
In another animal study, a black pepper tincture helped lower the formation of amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. Most of these studies are animal-based, so there is a need for more research to confirm whether this herb can enhance brain functioning in humans.
So, in summary, black pepper extract may help improve the symptoms of degenerative brain diseases in animals. However, whether humans will experience the same effects requires more studies.
May Help Prevent Cancer
Some researchers suggest that piperine, the primary active compound of black pepper, may contain cancer-fighting properties. Although there are no human trials, a few test-tube studies lowered the replication of colon, breast, and prostate cancer cells.
In another test-tube study with 55 compounds from spices, it was seen that piperine was highly efficient at increasing traditional treatment efficacy for triple-negative breast cancer, known as the most aggressive type of cancer.
In addition, piperine may even help reverse multidrug resistance in cancer cells, as seen in several laboratory studies. Most studies regarding black pepper and cancer look promising. However, further research is required to learn more about the cancer-fighting properties of piperine and black pepper.
So, in summary, black pepper active compounds may slow the replication of cancer cells and help eliminate cancer cells, according to test-tube studies. More studies need to be performed to learn about its effects on humans.
Some Other Possible Black Pepper Tincture Uses
While black pepper extract has many health benefits, you can use it for other things, such as losing weight, improving dental health, detoxifying the body, etc. Because it carries the name "King of Spice," you can use it in many ways to enhance your overall health.
So, let's learn about what are the other possible uses of a black pepper tincture:
May Help Lose Weight
One of the best uses of black pepper is that it aids in weight loss. You can add the tincture to your beverages, such as green tea, to experience the effects effectively. However, how exactly does black pepper help you lose weight? Well, the spice is rich in phytonutrients that help break down excess fat in the body. In addition, it can even help increase the metabolism of the body.
A few studies mention that piperine helps fight fat cell formation. Therefore, making this spice part of your diet is quite beneficial. If you don't like the taste of tincture, you can add it to your foods and beverages.
Good For Oral Health
As mentioned, black pepper has antibacterial properties, which can help improve your oral health. Some massaging mixtures even have black pepper as one of their main ingredients. Using them can help with a toothache and various types of oral infections.
Additionally, pepper contains anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat gum inflammation. Not only that, you can add black pepper in salt to get relief from various dental issues. However, studies that mention pepper's effects on oral health are limited. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider before using the tincture for oral health.
Might Treat Skin Problems
Skin pigmentation is a condition that makes the skin look white and is often referred to as white patches. You can use pepper to prevent skin pigmentation. It works like any other medication on the market that helps restore skin color. However, this herb doesn't cause any side effects. Furthermore, it can protect your skin from various types of skin pigmentation while also maintaining the original color of your skin.
In addition, consuming pepper from a young age can help restrain wrinkles and other skin issues. Furthermore, this spice can help prevent dark spots and premature aging. So, ultimately, having this tincture can work toward rejuvenating your skin. For example, if you have acne, you can try this herb to flush out toxins from your skin and make your skin appear smooth.
May Enhance Hair Health
Black pepper may help prevent or treat dandruff. You can add some tincture drops to curd and massage your hair scalp with it. After that, let your hair stay like this for at least 30 minutes. However, remember not to add too much black paper as it may burn your scalp.
Furthermore, avoid using shampoo for the next 24 hours as it can lead to side effects.
In pepper and curd, you can also add lime to make your hair appear smooth and shiny.
Can Work As A Body Detoxifier
Black pepper leads to excessive sweat and urine, which help you discharge toxins from the body. Also, urinating and sweating constantly indicate that the body is functioning properly. So, while the black pepper tincture helps you lose weight, it also works toward detoxifying your body. Don't let your diet lack pepper by getting a tincture for yourself.
Who Can Use Black Pepper Tincture? Possible Risks And Side Effects
Now, talking about using black pepper tincture, anyone can take it as long as it is taken appropriately. But the question is, how should you take this tincture? Sublingual consumption is highly recommended for a black pepper tincture, as it offers better and faster effects. Simply place the tincture drops under your tongue and let it stay there for at least one minute before swallowing.
However, consuming too much black pepper tincture can lead to side effects, such as burning sensations in the stomach or throat. Furthermore, this extract is known to enhance the absorption of some drugs.
Due to this fact, taking black pepper tincture with other medications might be risky for the users, as it enhances the absorption rates for medications that are not meant to absorb this much.
Therefore, if you are considering using black pepper extract or tincture, ensure it is safe by talking to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can explain the possible drug interactions and will guide you on whether you should take it.
Conclusion
Black pepper is one of the oldest and healthiest spices and can help greatly in enhancing your overall wellness. Its active compound, piperine, is known to carry many health benefits, such as better digestion and absorption of healthy compounds.
Using a black pepper tincture can effectively fulfill your body's pepper needs without you needing to prepare special dishes or beverages. The tincture is generally safe to use and can increase the absorption of certain drugs. Hence, talk to your healthcare provider if you are considering adding it to your meals.
Visit Shea's Apothecary to buy the best tinctures and extracts of black pepper and other herbs that can boost your overall health. We also have herbal teas and services which you might like to have. So, go to our website to explore different sections and buy the product & services at the best prices. To contact us:
Phone: 916 208-9096
Email: shea@sheashealingway.com
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