Our signature Lime Vetiver fragrance blends 10 incredible essential oils to create notes that are rich with the heritage of India. Here we look in-depth at one of these - Black Pepper - and discuss what it can do for you, especially in these colder months!
- Botanical Name Piper nigrum
- Aroma Spicy, warm, pungent, hints of green floral
- Aromatic Note Middle
- Uses Boosts circulation, supports digestion, eases muscle tension
Did you know? Black Peppercorn has been used as a spice for over 4000 years in the Far East and was once considered as valuable as gold. The plant is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves, the fruit from which once dried, become peppercorns. These are then steam-distilled into the oil, which is high in monoterpenes, a powerful chemical constituent which has been proven to prevent inflammation and inhibit the build-up of toxins.
What it is used for? Therapeutically it can be used to aid the digestive and nervous systems, to ease muscle tension and improve circulation
Will I like it? Aromatically, this is not an oil you use on its own, but rather to add warmth and heat to blends with its spicy tones. Emotionally it is warming soothing and stimulating, so don’t use before bedtime! It can help clear the mind and is said to unblock emotions, habit or patterns.
How can I use it? A warming, nourishing Body oil recipe: Black pepper is a superb oil to get the circulation moving, particularly in the colder winter months, Add in some jojoba oil and this recipe from Andrea Butje gives you a warming, moisturising blend that is perfect to combat the cold, dry air and get the energy moving through your body.Cardamom add further heat and the jojoba and lavender will calm and nourish. This is a lovely oil to apply after a warm bath, particularly if you have a cold. You can make this directly into the bottle – you need a 1oz (30ml) glass bottle with a lid
- 1oz (30ml) jojoba oil
- 3 drops Black Pepper essential oil
- 2 drops cardamom essential oil
- 5 drops orange essential oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Pour the jojoba oil into the bottle. It should come up to the shoulder so you will have room to add the drops of essential oil. Close the lid and shake gently to combine.
Treat yourself! If you like this oil then head over to Malavara and check out our Lime Vetiver range!
How can I make sure I am using Essential Oils safely?: An understanding of the use of Essential Oils is key. Most people will never experience a negative reaction to essential oils but it can happen and there is nothing we can do to guarantee 100% safety. We have highlighted some guidelines to follow to help minimize the risk in a separate blog, but if you are regularly making your own blends for yourself, your family and others it is worth investing a copy of the “Essential Oil Safety” by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young for a greater understanding across 400 oils and over 200 constituents
And another thing..Black Pepper Essential Oil Safety Information: Tisserand and Young don’t highlight any special precautions when using Black Pepper Oil although they advise to avoid use if it has oxidised.
Want to know more? Have a look at these...
- “The Heart of Aromatherapy” by my teacher and founder of the Aromahead Institute, Andrea Butje
- “Essential Oil Safety” Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, 2nd edition 2014
- “The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy” Valerie Ann Worwood
Disclaimer: before you make any recipe, check the shelf lives of your ingredients and any safety concerns for the essential oils. These blend suggestions are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition and should be used on the understanding that Malavara accepts no responsibility for any adverse reactions caused as a result of following these recipes
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