It was one of the first spices to reach Europe. Long pepper, from the Piper longum plant, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine to treat many diseases. Indeed, in Ayurveda, it is a major plant that increases “Agni”, the digestive fire, to improve digestion and stimulate metabolism. It is also called “Pippali”, a Sanskrit name from which our name “pepper” comes.
After having been picked in the wild on the smallest ranges of the Himalayas, it has also been exchanged so much over the centuries in the hands of traders and travelers from all over the world that it is also found under the name Java pepper, Guinea pepper or “grain of paradise”.
“Seed of Paradise”
A nickname that he wears well, since long pepper is very rich in essential compounds helping to improve the functions of the body: beta-sitosterol, analgesic, alkaloids, eugenol, piperine, glycosides, sugar, resins, essential oils, saturated fats, myrcene, quercetin, terpenoids, slyvatin, triacontane, piplartin… The list goes on. Piperine, in particular, is known to fight bacteria. But it would also allow better absorption of drugs in the body, according to studies from the Indian laboratory CSIR.
In fact, Ayurvedic texts name long pepper as one of the most powerful ‘Rasayana’ herbs. It would thus be a “longevity enhancer”. “Pippali” seems to heal everything:
- In India, it is used to support the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system such as bronchitis, asthma or pneumonia, since it promotes vasodilation and therefore increases circulation in the lungs.
- It reinforces the the nervous system thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It improves the brain functions and has power antidepressant.
- It helps to fight against bacterial infections thanks to its properties which boost the immune system.
- In Ayurveda it is used to stimulate the digestive system and cure stomach ailments, such as constipation or diarrhea. Thanks to some of its components, it also protects the liver toxins.
- Paradoxically, it favors the restorative sleep, as it can act as a sedative.
- It stimulates the reproductive system and is used as an aphrodisiac.
Multiple properties
But the list does not stop there, since it would improve the skin, fight against aging, help in the care of gonorrhea, paralysis of the tongue, cholera, malaria, viral hepatitis, anorexia , diseases of the spleen…
This multi-function Indian spice would also have anti-cancer properties, through one of these components: piperlongumine. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center demonstrate in a Journal of Biological Chemistry article its effectiveness against various cancers, such as those of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, brain, stomach, as well as lymphoma and leukemia. It turns out that a long pepper extract induces the death of cancerous cells, without affecting non-cancerous ones.
Although the West knew it before black pepper, long pepper has almost disappeared from our kitchens. Used not only to increase the vitality of the body, it could bring flavor to our dishes. When eaten whole, it has a smooth, sweet flavor. Less strong than black pepper, it would also have some taste similarities with cinnamon. But once crushed or ground, it develops a little pungent taste that awakens the taste buds. Why not adopt it in dishes that are good with casseroles, soups or even grated sparingly on desserts?
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