Pippali or Long pepper is a unique aromatic herb that has been with us for centuries owing to its extensive curative properties. The traditional herb goes by the botanical name Piper longum and comes from the Piperaceae family. The holistic science of ayurveda classifies this herb as a potent rejuvenative herb that has strong anti-ageing and aphrodisiac effects on the body and is widely used for treating diabetes, asthma, indigestion, cough and cold.
Clad by the vernacular names ‘Pipli’ in Hindi, ‘Tippili’ in Tamil, ‘Pippalu’ in Telugu, ‘Tippali’ in Malaylam, and ‘Pipul’ in Bengali, the long pepper is indigenous to several parts of India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Srilanka. In India, it is mostly found at an altitude of 1800 metres, in the hotter parts of Khasi and Mikir hills, the central Himalayas to Assam, lower hilly regions of Bengal and the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats from Konkan to Kerala.
Pippali is an exotic climbing perennial plant that usually bears long thin conical ridged fruits. Unlike any other herb, it is the dry fruits of the pippali plant that offers us therapeutic benefits.
Even ancient Sanskrit scriptures have mentioned long pepper in various vernacular names such as Kana, Magadhi, Vaidehi, Chapala, Krushna, Trishna, Shoundi, Kola, etc and extensively used it in various herbal formulations. The ancient Ayurveda scholar Bhava Prakash classifies Pippali in Haritakyadi, Trikatu and Panchakola category. According to Acharya Charaka, Pippali portrays strong Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (improves digestion), Sheeto Prashamana (treats cough and cold), Shoola Prashamana (treats colic and abdominal pain), Asthapanopaga (treats enema), Kasahara (treats cough and congestion), Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups), Kantya (relieves sore throat), Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation), and Vamanopaga (treats emesis) properties.
Types Of PippaliAccording to scriptures of Susruta and Vagbhata, there are two types:
Pippali or Long Pepper (i.e. Piper longum) and Gaja Pippali (i.e. Piper chaba)
According to ayurvedic scholar Raja Nighantu, there are 4 types:
Pippali (i.e. Piper longum), Gaja Pippali (i.e. Piper chaba), Vana Pippali (i.e. Piper sylvaticum) and Saimhali (i.e. Piper retrofractum)
Nutritional ContentThe host of natural compounds in pippali includes glycosides, eugenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, resins, sugar, saturated fat, essential oil, volatile oil, and active constituents like piperine, piperlatine, piperlongumine, myrcene, triacontane, quercetin, and sylvatine. Sanctified with these uber essential nutrients and compounds, pippali offers extensive health benefits and is used to treat almost all health anomalies.
Want An Ultimate Remedy For All Your Health Anomalies? Try Some Of Our Potent Ayurvedic Supplements!Health Benefits Of Pippali
The exceptional hypoglycaemic property of pippali plays a significant role in assuaging the blood sugar levels of the body. The production of insulin from the β-pancreatic cells becomes active on taking pippali churna. It helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn leads to low blood glucose levels.
Shields Against InfectionsThe biochemical compounds present in this aromatic herb has been used since ancient times to shield the body against various infections. Thanks to its strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, pippali is not only used for removing bacteria or germs from the body but also used for treating and healing wounds.
Aids In Weight LossTouted for its natural fat-burning properties, this aromatic spice effectively detoxifies the body by removing AMA toxins and reduces sudden hunger pangs and a craving for unhealthy foods. It improves digestion, reduces the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body, thereby improving metabolism and helping the body to shed weight faster.
Relieves Menstrual ProblemsIn the days leading up to the menstrual cycle, the hormones get haywire and can often lead to PMS symptoms like mood swings, stomach cramps etc. Pippali has been used since time immemorial for managing the heavy menstrual flow and combating menstrual cramps. Ancient healers used to give, pippali powder to induce contractions during delivery and even afterward to improve healing.
Also Read: Ashokarishta: This Ayurvedic Tonic Helps With Hormonal Balance
Pippali is an ultimate remedy for all sorts of Kapha aggravating disorders like asthma, bronchitis, COPD, cough and cold symptoms. It provides relief from cough and congestion and also helps in removing phlegm deposits from the respiratory tract.
Mix 1 tsp of pippali powder, turmeric powder, dried ginger powder and 1 tsp of honey into a cup of lukewarm water. Take this herbal kadha to strengthen the lung tissues and improve lung health.
Promotes Digestion
Imbued with excellent carminative and digestive properties, Pippali even helps in treating a host of digestive woes. The potent anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, bloating, constipation, and abdominal distension. Thanks to its powerful antacid property, the herb prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body.
Remedies Diarrhea
Imbued with potent anti-bacterial and anti-diarrhoeal properties, pippali is extensively used for removing bacteria from the intestines that causes diarrhea and other intestinal infections. It holds a high significance in treating a type of diarrhea known as AMA ATISARA i.e., acute diarrhea where the bowel is slimy, sticky, full of mucus and has a foul odour. The dried fruit powder not only removes the toxins from the body but also effectively reduces the frequency of stools.
Enhances Libido
Boasted for being a natural aphrodisiac, Pippali helps in reducing mental stress and anxiety and stimulates the hormones for increasing libido in both men and women. It also increases virility and stamina in men. Proper consumption on doctor’s recommendation promotes longevity and can also be used as an incredible remedy for erectile dysfunction.
Effect On DoshasPippali showcases Katu (i.e. pungent) Rasa. It is blessed with Laghu (light) and Tikshna (i.e. piercing) gunas. It has Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Madhura Vipaka (sweet metabolic property). The bioactive ingredients in this aromatic herb aggravate the Pitta (fire and air) doshas and balance the Vata (air) doshas and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
0.5-1 gram of powdered churna infused in water or milk twice a day after meals or as recommended by the doctor.
Side Effects:Without performing the Panchakarma or Rasayana procedure, it is not advisable to consume Pippali for a long time period. If taken in excess, it can aggravate the Kapha and Pitta doshas and cause indigestion, stomach pain, allergic conditions like itching, redness, and swelling.
It is also advisable to consult an ayurvedic doctor before taking this herb during pregnancy or lactation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
In What Forms Is Pippali Available In The Market?
Pippali is widely available in the market in various forms such as
- Churna
- Capsule
- Tablet
How Long Do Pippali Seeds Take To Germinate?
Pippali seeds require the adequate temperature to thrive well. It thrives well in temperatures as high as 85 degrees F, and an approximate period of 7-8 days to germinate.
Does Pippali Help To Prevent Constipation?
Yes, the laxative nature of pippali seeds may be useful in managing constipation and preventing pressure on the anal region. This also prevents the formation of haemorrhoids.
Can Pippali Churna Help To Manage Insomnia?
Yes, seeds and other parts of Pippali can be used to manage insomnia. Since insomnia usually occurs due to vitiated Vata doshas, the Vata normalising trait of Pippali helps to manage insomnia. Glass milk infused with pippali seed churna helps provide a peaceful night of sleep.
Does Pippali Powder Help Suppress Hiccups?
Yes, Pippali powder does help suppress or control hiccups. A hiccup is an involuntary action that primarily occurs due to exacerbated Vata and Kapha doshas in the body. It firmly impedes the channels in the digestive tract and results in hiccups. Pippali powder when taken along with honey helps to equalize Vata and lessens Kapha. This helps clear any obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract, which in turn assists in controlling hiccups.
ConclusionPippali is one such humble spice that is laden with umpteen health benefits. Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients it is widely used for managing diabetes, treating respiratory diseases, promoting weight loss, preventing infections, and many more.
