Das neue, uralte Heilmittel:  Schwarzer Pfeffer - Pure Pepper

The new, ancient remedy: Black pepper

I always find it absolutely impressive what people discovered thousands of years ago about the ingredients of pepper - simply by patiently trying things out and experimenting and using the simplest of technical means! The most astonishing thing about it is that people back then even knew a lot more than what today's scientists can only prove through lengthy tests in high-tech laboratories.

And so it is with the knowledge about black pepper

It's almost unbelievable what the ancient Indians in particular knew about its healing properties. These ingenious plant inventors were very well informed about its most important pharmacological properties - which have now been scientifically proven. Namely, the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and immune-boosting properties of the ingredient piperine.

It is now even used in some medicines. They also knew that black pepper is also effective against respiratory problems. If only our scientists had looked in the ancient writings! Perhaps they would have even found evidence that the ingredient capsaicin also helps against hay fever - as was only recently discovered.

Ancient remedy from Indian pepper cuisine

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper was used to relieve coughs and sore throats. It also helps regulate digestion. It was also known as an effective remedy for heart problems, intestinal catarrh, hemorrhoids, parasitic worms - and even diabetes.
What else can be learned about the various pills and pastes from the old Indian pharmacy is not necessarily suitable for self-testing (unless, for example, you want to test your affinity for cow urine). However, some of the applications and recipes are so original and interesting to read that I would like to list some of them here:

  • As a remedy for indigestion and to regulate stomach acid levels, a remedy called “Jawa Rishai Thurush” was prepared in traditional Unani medicine: a mixture of black pepper, ginger, salt, lemon juice, mint and the plant Vidanga (Embelia ribes).
  • A mixture of sesame oil and finely ground black pepper was used as a remedy for paralysis.
  • Black pepper in honey was given to treat night blindness.
  • The oil from the pepper was used to relieve itching.
  • Black pepper was also used to treat toothache: as an anti-inflammatory additive to toothpaste.
  • The finely ground grains were also applied as a paste to ulcers and various skin diseases.
  • Black pepper was administered via the respiratory tract to unconscious and comatose patients.