Ayurvedic treatments include pippali Long pepper (Piper longum) as a key herb. Both the fruits and roots of Pippali are used medicinally. The fragrant, slightly yellow to orange-colored fruits are produced by this plant.
A good over-the-counter remedy for colds and coughs is pippali. Because pippali powder has expectorant properties, consuming it with honey after lunch and dinner facilitates easier breathing for the patient by cleaning the airways of mucus.
Its consumption may also help to promote weight loss by speeding up the body’s metabolism. Eating pippali powder can help ease constipation because of its laxative properties, which promote bowel movements.
Description
pippali is well-known in traditional medicine for its many health advantages. Often referred to as long pepper, it has anti-inflammatory, digestive, and respiratory health benefits. With a dash of heat, pippali is a beloved herb in holistic medicine since it enhances taste in food and wellness in our life.
Botanical Name:
Piper longum
Family:
Piperaceae
Leaves:
The leaves measure 5 to 9 centimeters in length and width. The upper leaves are virtually sessile, with a short petiole, while the lower leaves are broadly oval, deeply cordate, subacute, whole, and hairless.
Stems:
stems in cut pieces typically 0.5-2.0 cm wide, cylindrical and slightly twisted, greyish-brown, smooth surface with a few longitudinal wrinkles, distinct nodes and internodes, short fractures, peppery and acrid flavor; compound with 2-7 components, round to oval.
Flowers:
Flowers are grouped in tall spikes and are unisex.
Varieties:
Pippali little and large are two types that are botanically recognized as P. longum and P. chaba.
Habitat:
Pippali longum grows in the hotter regions of India, including the middle Himalayas, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Khasi and Mikir hills, and Assam.
Part Used:
Moola (Root) and Fruits are generally used
Chemical constituents:
Fruits have roughly 20% dry matter, volatile oil, resin, and 4-5% piperine-containing alkaloids as well as a terpenoid compound. In addition to piperine, the main alkaloid in root is piperlon gumine.
Dosage:
Powder, usually used after food, in one or more doses per day, 0.5–1 gram
Sanskrit Synonyms
Granthikam, Mula, Kanamula, Chavikashira, Katugranthi, Sarvagranthika Ushanam-hot in nature
Botanical Description
The unripe spike of Piper longum Linn is known as long pepper. This plant produces spikes that are rich in piperine and piplartine alkaloids. Palsy, gout, and lumbago are treated using the roots and fruits. The taste of the fruit and root is harsh, spicy, and bitter.
Other Language Names of Long pepper (Piper longum)
Hindi name – Pipal, Pipli, Lendi Peeepar, Pippali
Sanskrit name – Kapala, Katikasira, Chanchala, Chupula, Dantakapha, Gonamika, Granthika, Kanamula, Kagophale, Kolamula, Kolya
English name – Indian Long Pepper
Asamiya name– Pipoli
Telugu name – Modi, Pipili, Pippali, Peppelu, Pippallu
Kannada name – Hipli, Hippali, Kuna, Hippaliballi, Tippali, Yippali
Tamil name – Argadi, Atti, Kalini, Kaman, Kanna, Kindigam, Kolagam, Pippi
Malayalam name – Tippali,Pippali,Amgadhi
Gujarati name – Pipli
Bengali name – Piplamor, Pipal, Ralli, Pipul, Peepul
Marathi name – Pimpli, Piplee, Pimpalee, Pipli
Oriya name – Videhee
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnolipsida |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Genus | Piper |
| Species | Longum |
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi/Sanskrit
- Rasa – Katu
- Guna – Laghu,Tikshna
- Virya – Ushna
- Vipaka – Madhura
English
- Taste – Pungent
- Physical Property – Light,Piercing
- Potency – Hot
- Metabolic Property (After Digestion) – Sweet
Long pepper (Piper longum) Uses
Indian cuisine:
Long pepper is a staple in curries, lentil recipes, and stir-fried vegetables. It’s also a major component of spice blends like garam masala.
Southeast Asian cuisine:
Long pepper is used in meat dishes, stews, and soups in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Other medicinal uses:
Traditional medicine has employed long pepper to treat a variety of conditions, including parasite infections, arthritic pain, asthma, and cough.
Precautions to Take With Pippali:
Indian long pepper has the potential to impact blood sugar levels. Theoretically, individuals with diabetes may have different blood sugar management if they consume more Indian long pepper than they do from meals.
Higher dosages of Indian long pepper than what is present in food may potentially cause bleeding problems or affect blood sugar levels when undergoing surgery. You should cease using Indian long pepper in amounts larger than those used in meals at least two weeks before to surgery.
Long pepper (Piper longum) Benefits
Manages Diabetes:
The remarkable hypoglycemic characteristic of pippali is a major factor in lowering the body’s blood sugar levels. When you take pippali churna, the β-pancreatic cells start producing insulin. Low blood glucose levels are caused by reducing the conversion of starch to glucose.
Pippali for pain relief :
If you experience cramps, back pain, headaches, or arthritis, Pippali can work as a natural pain reliever without any unfavorable side effects! Its medicinal properties relieve aches and calm tense muscles.
Pippali for boosting immunity :
Pippali doubles as an immune-supporting supplement, so it’s up to the cold and flu season. Packed with antioxidants to shield cells, it also activates the body’s own “sick fighter squad” to more effectively destroy bacteria and viruses.
Digestive Aid:
By promoting the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid, long pepper may help with digestion.
Shields against Infections:
Pippali is used to cure and heal wounds in addition to eliminating bacteria and germs from the body because of its potent anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal qualities
Pippali for nerve cells and pathways:
Pippali’s constituents protect vulnerable nerves from harm or illness. Nerves can get misdirected and cause issues as we age, but Pippali removes waste to keep routes healthy.
Relieves Menstrual Problems:
Hormones go crazy in the days proceeding the menstrual cycle, which frequently results in PMS symptoms like mood swings and stomach cramps. pippali has been used to control high menstrual flow and prevent cramping.
Also Read: Karpura, Camphor (Cinnamomum Camphora): Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects
Long pepper (Piper longum) Side Effects
Digestive Issues:
Excessive use of long pepper may irritate the stomach and result in heartburn, diarrhea, or indigestion.
Bleeding Concerns:
Long pepper may inhibit the coagulation of blood. This may make bleeding more likely in patients who have bleeding problems or are having surgery.
Blood Sugar Interaction:
Piperine, a substance found in long pepper, is known to reduce blood sugar levels. Those who have diabetes or take blood sugar medications may have issues as a result, maybe experiencing abnormally low blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
In Ayurveda, Pippali, the Long Pepper, is considered a powerhouse for well-being. Its many uses improve digestive processes and support respiratory health, among other aspects of overall health and wellness. By offering us age-old knowledge, Pippali encourages vigor and balance for a happier, healthier life.
FAQS
What are a few of the conventional Ayurvedic applications of pippali?
A powerful combination of nutrients found in pippali includes piperine, vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants, minerals, carotenoids, and dietary fiber. These chemicals work with the body to heal in a variety of ways, from reducing inflammation and infection to soothing the stomach and even providing cellular protection.
Does Pippali Aid With Constipation Prevention?
Yes, the laxative properties of pippali seeds can help relieve constipation and relieve pressure in the anal area.
What is Piper longum used for?
Chronic bronchitis, asthma, constipation, gonorrhea, paralysis of the tongue, diarrhea, cholera, viral hepatitis, respiratory infections, stomachache, bronchitis, splenic disorders, cough, and tumors are the most prevalent conditions for which it is used.