Kabab Chini is a perennial flowering vine that belongs to the Piperaceae family and goes with the scientific name Piper Cubeba.It is commonly known as tailed pepper, java pepper, and kababcheeni that comes with a host of health-benefiting properties. This herb is an indigenous plant to the Java and Sumatra islands of Indonesia, hence it is often called Java pepper. It is also widely cultivated in India and Malaysia, where it used as one of the important herbs in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Kabab Chini is mainly cultivated for its fruit and essential oil. The ripe cubeb berries closely resemble black pepper and the dried unripe fruit is used for medicinal purposes. It is called Sheetalchini in Hindi, as it feels cool when placed on the tongue.

Kabab Chini is extensively used in Asian cooking, which delivers the aroma of a mix of spices like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and nutmeg. It is used for enhancing the flavor of both sweet and spicy dishes. The potent therapeutic characteristics of Kabab Chini have been valued as an effective herb in traditional medicine for healing several maladies. This incredible herb is known to fortify bones, stimulate digestion, boost immunity and keep infections at bay.

 In the Indian subcontinent it is known as Val milagu in Tamil, Toka Miriyalu in Telugu, Kankol in Marathi, Chinikabab in Gujarati, Valmulaku in Malayalam and Kabab Chini/Sheetalchini in Hindi.

Bioactive Compounds In Kabab Chini

The host of bioactive compounds in Kabab Chini exhibits potent pharmacological properties including anaesthetic, anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, cardiotonic, carminative, diuretic, rejuvenating and thermogenic activities. These characteristics help to treat disorders like gonorrhoea, urogenital diseases, dysentery, syphilis, abdominal pain, enteritis, diarrhoea, and asthma.

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Incredible Medicinal Benefits Of Kabab Chini

Promotes digestion

Kabab Chini has incredible potential to enhance the digestion process. The strong digestive traits of Kabab Chini kindle the digestive fire and support in better absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the food. Furthermore, this formulation also provides respite from indigestion, bloating, gas formation, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal woes.

Remedies For Respiratory Problems

This herb helps in dilating the bronchi and bronchioles, which helps in improving the airflow to the lungs. It also helps in clearing the mucus due to its potent antitussive and bronchodilator properties. Daily intake of Kabab Chini supplement aids in clearing congestion, irritation in the nasal passage and throat, and is beneficial in treating other respiratory problems.

Potent Inflammatory Effects

Kabab Chini is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that works well to ease inflammation, swelling, and pain. The paste made from the dried fruits of this plant also offers respite from mouth ulcers and inflammation of the gums.

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Boosts Sexual Health

Kabab Chini is greatly valued as a good aphrodisiac herb in Ayurveda that delivers a one-shot remedy for improving libido and fertility in men. It stimulates the production of testosterone, which increases virility and stamina in men. Besides these, consuming this powder alongside milk has been known to increase blood flow in the reproductive organs and is also effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Relieves Urinary Problems

Kabab Chini is a potent remedy for treating urinary problems like incontinence, painful urination, and burning sensation while urinating. It is an excellent diuretic and treats dysuria. Kabab Chini powder is taken by infusing it with cow’s milk that helps to treat bladder and prostate inflammation, urinary retention, ureter infections, and stimulates proper urination.

Side Effects

Kabab Chini is generally safe for most people when taken in specified amounts by mouth. Sometimes it may cause a headache in a few people.

Dosage

Kabab Chini or Sheetal Chini is bestowed with strong therapeutic and nourishing traits that make it a powerful medicine for enhancing overall health and well-being.

The recommended dosage is ½- -1 teaspoon of Kabab Chini powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Culinary Uses Of Kabab Chini?

Kabab Chini has many culinary uses apart from therapeutic ones. The spice can be used for flavoring curries and as a natural food preservative. Moreover, it can be used in cosmetics and perfumes.

What Kind Of Body Infections Can Kabab Chini Cure?

For stomach and kidney-related problems, the spice can be of great help. It helps to reduce the complications associated with chronic kidney disease and can cure earthworm and tapeworm infections. It also helps to increase blood supply and may prevent any further infection. 

Can Kabab Chini Be Used Topically?

Kabab Chini essential oil is derived from the spice, which can be applied directly to the skin. Alternatively, it can be mixed with carrier oil to cure mild to severe fungal infections. The powder of this spice can also be used as an ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Kabab Chini Used For?

Kabab chini is used in traditional medicine for treating coughs, digestive issues, and urinary infections. It’s also used in spices and some biryani recipes.

What Is Kabab Chini Called In English?

Kabab chini is commonly known as tailed pepper or Java pepper in English. It is not the same as regular black pepper.

What Is The Difference Between Black Pepper And Kabab Chini?

Black pepper is Piper nigrum, while kabab chini is Piper cubeba. Kabab chini has a slightly bitter, pungent taste with a hint of camphor.

Is Kabab Chini The Same As Allspice?

No, kabab chini and allspice are different spices. Allspice comes from the Pimenta dioica plant, while kabab chini comes from Piper cubeba.

Is Kabab Chini Used In Biryani?

Yes, kabab chini can be used in biryani for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. It’s typically added in small quantities as part of a garam masala mix.

What Is Allspice In India?

Allspice is known as Jamaican pepper or kabab chini in some Indian markets, though they’re technically different. True allspice is rare but sometimes used in Indian cooking.

What Can I Replace Allspice With?

A blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg can replace allspice in recipes. This mix mimics its warm and sweet flavour profile.

What Is Allspice Common Name?

Allspice is commonly known as Jamaican pepper or Pimenta. It gets its name because it tastes like a combination of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

References:

Cubeb (Piper cubeba L.f.): A comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties

Badreddine Drissi, 1 Ismail Mahdi, 1 Mouna Yassir, 1 Widad Ben Bakrim, 1, 2 Latifa Bouissane, 3 and Mansour

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9725028/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310260/