Yoga Tea Recipe (Black Pepper)

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Black Pepper: (Piper nigrum)

Black Pepper is known only as a humble condiment in most of the Western world,

but in Asia, it is considered to be the foremost detoxifier

and anti-aging herb.

Black pepper is a warming digestive remedy, which has a carminative action.

 

This herb increases circulation, and lowers blood pressure and contains

compounds that prevent osteoporosis.

 

While black pepper has been esteemed as a detoxifier, particularly in Ayurveda,

recent research has begun to bear this out. At least in

rats, pepper seems to increase release of carcinogens through the liver,

reducing cancer. Piperine, a main active ingredient, protects

against liver damage almost as well as milk thistle.

 

Piperine is also getting a reputation for increasing bioavailability and

absorption of nutrients. For example, in one recent study,

scientists measured the absorption of turmeric active ingredients.

Administering the turmeric along with piperine increased

bioavailability by 154%, and reduced the time for absorption by half.

 

Black pepper reduces free radicals. It is antioxidant, and prevents the

depletion of glutathione. It also prevents the destruction of

other antioxidants, such as vitamin A.

 

Pepper is used in Ayurveda as an anti-kapha herb, particularly to release sinus

congestion. Its warming nature balances cold herbs in

formulas. It is ideal for kapha conditions such as glaucoma.

 

Use black pepper as a culinary spice. An excellent Ayurvedic preparation for

sinus congestion is to boil 10 peppercorns in milk, strain,

and drink.

 

(pungent, hot)

 

 

References:

 

James A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy, Rodale, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, 1997.

Singh A Rao AR Evaluation of the modulatory influence of black pepper (Piper

nigrum, L.) on the hepatic detoxication system.

Cancer-Lett. 1993 Aug 16; 72(1-2): 5-9

Kaoul I and A Kapil. Evaluation of the liver protective potential of piperine,

an active principal of black and long peppers.

Planta Medica 1993. 59: 413-417.

Shanmugasundaram KR et al, Amritabindu for depletion of antioxidants.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1994. 42(2): 83-93.

Yogi Bhajan, The Ancient Art of Self-Healing, Silver Streak Publishers,

Eugene, Oregon,1982.