Black Pepper Essential Oil
Latin name Piper nigrum – Family species Piperaceae
Black pepper essential oil is also referred to just as piper or pepper.
“This oil [black pepper] is anticatarrhal and stimulant to the circulatory and digestive systems as well as to the sexual appetite. Being analgesic it is indicated for toothache. Its anticatarrahal and expectorant properties make it useful for respiratory disorders.” -Shirley Price Aromatherapy Workbook
“The essential oil [black pepper] eases rheumatic pain and toothache. It is antiseptic and antibacterial, and reduces fever.” -Andrew Chevallier The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
Oil Selection Guide
Color – Pale whitish yellow to greenish-yellow
Viscosity – Watery
Scent – Warm, fresh, spicy, woody, strong, peppery
Perfume Aroma – Top / middle note
Oil Source Information
Plant Type – Vine
Part Used – Berries
Countries of Origin – India, Southeast Asia / Malaysia, Madagascar, China, Indonesia, Brazil
Extraction Method – Steam distillation
Known Chemical Constituents
A-pinene, b-pinene, thujene, myrcene, phellandrene, sabinene, limonene, beta caryophyllene, camphene
Applications and Uses
Black pepper essential oil is found in perfumes, commercial foods, alcoholic drinks, and pharmaceutical products.
Black Pepper blends well with
Precautions / Contraindications
Possible irritant.
See also Essential Oils Safety and Usage.
References and Resources
See Aromatherapy References and Resources page.
Print article to PDF