You’ve probably used black pepper in your kitchen before. This popular spice is used around the world to flavor food. But, did you know that black pepper also comes in essential oil form? In this post, I’ll be exploring black pepper essential oil recipes as well as uses and benefits for this spicy oil.
Black pepper essential oil is known for its warming effect that can help with aches and pains. I’ll be going over everything you need to know about black pepper essential oil. This way you can use this essential oil safely and effectively!
What is Black Pepper Essential Oil?
Black pepper is more than just a kitchen spice. In fact, black pepper is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healing properties that can help improve your health. This makes it perfect as an essential oil.
Still, what is black pepper essential oil, and how is it made?
Black pepper essential oil comes from the black pepper plant Piper nigrum. This plant is harvested and then pressed into an essential oil. Many retailers sell this product, and you can use black pepper essential in DIY bath and beauty products.
Black Pepper Essential Oil Spotlight
This warming and spicy smelling essential oil has many uses and can help improve overall health and wellness. Here are more essential oil facts about black pepper.
| Botanical Name | Piper nigrum |
| Botanical Family | Piperaceae |
| Aka | Peppercorn |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | Spicy, Earthy, Sharp |
| Extraction Method | Steam distilled |
| Plant Part Used | Fruit/Peppercorn |
| Shelf Life | 3-4 years |
| Kid Safe? | Yes |
| Safety Concerns | Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, may cause irritation to sensitive skin. |
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The main chemical components of black pepper essential oil are caryophyllene, pinene, limonene, carene.
Black Pepper Essential Oil Blends Well With
Black Pepper is a versatile essential oil that blends well with a wide range of other oils. When used in combination with other oils, Black Pepper can help to create a variety of unique and intriguing scents.
Some of the oils that Black Pepper blends well with citrus oils like Bergamot, Lemon, and Orange. Black Pepper can also be used to add a spicy note to floral or woody scents. When used judiciously, Black Pepper essential oil can help to create a truly memorable fragrance experience.
Here are oils that black pepper blends well with:
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon
- Clary Sage
- Clove
- Copaiba
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Juniper Berry
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Orange
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Vetiver
Therapeutic Uses:
General aches and pains, stomach cramps, digestive problems, rheumatism, circulatory conditions, cold limbs, chills, exhaustion, convalescence, general nerve tonic
Therapeutic Properties:
Analgesic, anticatarrhal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, circulatory, diuretic, febrifuge, general tonic, immunostimulant, nervine, restorative, tonic
How to Use Black Pepper Essential Oil?
As I mentioned before, there are many ways to use black pepper essential oil. I’ll go over a few of the topical and aromatic uses of this oil here. This way you have an idea of how to use black pepper essential oil in your life!
Topical Use of Black Pepper Oil
Dilute Your Oil For Topical Use
It is best to always dilute black pepper essential oil. It offers warming sensations that can be quite intense if you use black pepper essential oil neat (undiluted).
I would recommend using a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil. Coconut oil is also a good choice, you can use either fractionated coconut oil or virgin coconut oil.
Once you have diluted your oil, you can apply it to your skin. You can even put the oil on a compress to help relieve specific areas of pain or tension.
Aromatic Use of Black Pepper Oil
Inhaling black pepper essential oil can stimulate you mind and wake you up in the mornings or any time you need to be revitalized.
Diffusing Black Pepper
Like many other popular essential oils, black pepper essential oil can be placed into an aromatic diffuser. While I don't usually diffuser black pepper by itself, it can add spice and warmth to any essential oil diffuser blend.
Diffusers help get the essential oil into a light mist. This way the healing and relaxation properties of black pepper will be taken in through the nose.
There are many benefits to diffusing black pepper essential oil. But I’ll get into these benefits in a later section of the post. Here is a diffuser blend with black pepper to try.
Spiced Citrus Diffuser Blend |
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Enjoy the fresh scent of citrus and a hint of spice.
Directions: Add water and drops of oil to your essential oil diffuser, turn on and enjoy the aromatherapy mist! |
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Black Pepper Essential Oil Uses and Benefits
It can be hard to really relax sometimes, but with the effects of black pepper oil, you will feel at ease quickly.
That is just one lovely benefit you will be able to enjoy when you use black pepper essential oil, here are many more:
1. Increases Energy Levels
Black pepper can help perk you up after a long day. Or get you ready to start your morning! This is because black pepper essential oil has a powerful scent that wakes you up.
So, if you notice that your energy levels are low, or you want to cut back on caffeine, try using this essential oil. If you are exhausted it can definitely get you feeling more energetic and alert.
2. Improves Circulation
Black pepper oil is great for circulation when applied topically. It is best to dilute the oil before applying with a carrier oil or unscented lotion. To make a homemade body oil, just add a few drops of the essential oil to jojoba oil.
Apply a bit of the blend to your skin to get your blood flowing. It's a great essential oil to add to a massage oil blend.
3. Promotes Relaxation
We’re all looking for ways to relax, especially during this pandemic! Luckily, black pepper essential oil can help with this.
The smell of black pepper brings your body back to center and helps bring clarity to the mind. This can help with relaxation. In addition, body massages with this oil are especially relaxing.
4. Reduces Anxiety
Black pepper essential oil not only relaxes the body, it can also help reduce feelings of anxiety. This spicy-smelling essential oil is not a cure for mental illness. However, it can effectively help you calm down when you are feeling highly anxious.
Dispel past anxieties and fortify your sense of confidence with black pepper. Use a few drops of black pepper essential oil with lavender in an aromatherapy diffuser to enjoy the calming benefits!
5. Warms The Body
If your hands are feeling cold and dry, I highly recommend putting a few drops of diluted black pepper essential oil onto your skin. The warming effects of this essential oil are no joke. You can even put it on the heels of your feet before you go out into the cold winter air.
6. Gets Rid of Body Pain
The warming effects of black pepper essential oil help to get rid of pain in the body. In particular, this essential oil has analgesic properties that are useful for getting rid of sore muscles and joint pain. When you rub this oil into your body, you will feel almost instant relief.
The anti-inflammation properties of black pepper essential oil also help to reduce pain and body aches. You can even reduce the symptoms of arthritis pain with this oil.
7. Improves Digestive Issues
Black Pepper can be used for digestive ailments such as queasiness, gas, bloating, upset stomach and discomfort. Check out our simple DIY Roller Recipe for Belly Discomfort below in the recipe section.
8. Purifying Properties
In addition to rubbing this oil on your skin for a massage, you can also use black pepper essential oil to purify your skin. This oil has powerful antibacterial properties that make it great at riding your skin of bacteria, dirt, toxins, and other types of impurities. Especially if you want to open up your pores this can be a great essential oil.
Black Pepper Essential Oil Recipes
Looking for some ways to include this beautiful oil into your DIY blends? Here are 7 simple yet effective Black Pepper essential oil blend recipes.
1. Black Pepper Diffuser Blend - Don't Give Up |
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Enjoy the spicy aroma of black pepper essential oil in your diffuser. This essential oil blend is a perfect motivating recipe to help you move forward and NOT give up!
Directions: Follow the instructions of your diffuser and put in the right amount of water, then add the drops of oil into the water. Again, make sure that your essential oils are high-grade, this way you get the best mist. |
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 2. Black Pepper Massage Oil - Body Soother |
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Black pepper essential oil is perfect for relaxing body massages. So, if you are looking for good massage oil, try out this DIY recipe with black pepper. This oil creates a powerful warming sensation over the skin and soothes aches and pains easily.
Directions: Add essential oils to glass bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil. Shake to mix together. Apply to the sore areas as desired. |
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3. Black Pepper Inhaler - Good Memories |
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Take a deep whiff of this essential oil inhaler blend to boost your day and make some good memories.
Directions: Add wick to a small bowl, drop essential oils onto the wick, using tweezers to pick up the wick, then get any oil residual left in the bowl onto the wick. Place the wick in blank inhaler and put on end cap (base). To use, place under nose and inhaler the aroma. |
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4. Black Pepper Room Spray - Calming Spice |
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If you want to, you can also use black pepper essential oil to make a spray. You should put other essential oils in your spray to enhance the scent. Here is an essential oil air freshener the spritz in the air as needed to freshen your space.
Directions: Add ingredients into the spray bottle, spray well to blend and before each use. Spray the mixture around your room. You will feel more relaxed and content after using this essential oil mix! |
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5. Grapefruit and Black Pepper Foot Soak |
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Black pepper oil is a great ingredient for a foot soak. Add a few drops of this oil to warm water with Epsom salt. Or better yet... try this DIY foot soak with grapefruit essential oil for a stimulating boost. A great way to warm and rejuvenate your feet, especially after a long day at work or a day in heels.
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, add to a warm foot bath and swirl water to mix in. Soak your feet for a good ten minutes to give them the rest they deserve! |
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6. Black Pepper Roller Blend for Belly Discomfort |
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Apply this easy to use roller recipe as needed for digestive issues like gas, bloating, and post meal discomfort. Gently rub in by massage belly in a circular motion (clockwise) to promote digestion.
Directions: Add all recipe ingredients to the roll-on bottle. Shake to blend together, roll onto belly where the discomfort is and rub in. 4% dilution. |
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7. Warm Winter Diffuser Blend with Black Pepper |
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Enjoy this warm and earthy essential oil diffuser recipe on a cold winter day to refresh and restore your energy.
Directions: Add essential oil drops to your aromatherapy diffuser with recommended water for the tank. Turn diffuser machine on and enjoy. |
Essential Oil Safety Precautions
Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucous membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified practitioner. Keep out of reach from children.
Use essential oils with extreme caution on children, be sure you have researched the oil and that it is safe for use on kids. Plant Therapy clearly labels their oils "KidSafe" on the bottle if the oil can be used for children ages 2–10).
If applying an essential oil topically (on your skin), you may perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body, use 1-2 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil like jojoba oil.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, epileptic, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. For more information on oil safety issues here.
Newbie to Oils? Read More: Essential Oils for Beginners
Always Dilute Black Pepper Essential Oil Before Use
Black pepper essential oil is a potent and versatile oil that can be used in a variety of ways, including topically and in a diffuser. However, it is important to remember that this oil is highly concentrated and should always be diluted before using on skin. Failure to do so can result in skin irritation or sensitization.
A safe dilution ratio for black pepper essential oil is 1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil. Carrier oils such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil are commonly used to dilute essential oils and help to prevent skin irritation.
It's also important to note that some people may be more sensitive to black pepper essential oil than others. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it may still cause redness or a burning sensation.
Avoid Ingesting Black Pepper Essential Oil
While black pepper essential oil has many benefits when used topically or in a diffuser, it should not be ingested. Ingesting this oil can be toxic in large amounts and may cause serious health problems.
If you accidentally ingest black pepper essential oil, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even coma.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider if Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before using black pepper essential oil.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine whether it's safe for you to use black pepper essential oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They may also recommend alternative oils that are safer for you and your baby.
Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets
Like all essential oils, black pepper essential oil should be kept out of reach of children and pets. This oil can be harmful if ingested or applied directly to the skin without proper dilution.
If you have children or pets in your home, it's important to store your essential oils in a safe and secure location. You may also want to consider using a diffuser that is placed out of reach, and use oils that are safe for use around children and pets.
Where to Buy Black Pepper Essential Oil?
Before you use black pepper essential oil, you want to make sure that you have a high-quality oil. Any essential oil you get should be 100% natural and made entirely from black peppercorn. In other words, your essential oil should be pure and made with the best quality ingredients. This way it works the way it is supposed to.
Here are some quality brands you can try:
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Blending Black Pepper Essential Oil with Other Oils for Maximum Benefits
Choosing the right essential oils to blend with black pepper oil can create a more complex and effective essential oil blend. The combination of different oils can enhance the properties of each individual oil, creating a unique scent and therapeutic benefits.
In this section, we will discuss some of the best essential oils to blend with black pepper oil for maximum benefits.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy due to its calming and relaxing properties. When blended with black pepper oil, it enhances the calming effects of black pepper oil, making it an excellent choice for reducing stress and anxiety.
A simple recipe for a lavender and black pepper blend could include 3 drops of black pepper oil, 3 drops of lavender oil, and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can help clear the mind and improve focus. When blended with black pepper oil, it adds a refreshing element to the mix.
This combination is perfect for those who need an energy boost or want to improve their concentration while working from home.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the body that can help relieve headaches and muscle pain. When blended with black pepper oil, it creates a powerful analgesic blend that can be used topically or inhaled through a diffuser.
A simple recipe for a peppermint and black pepper blend consists of 3 drops of black pepper oil, 3 drops of peppermint oil, and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is known for its grounding properties that promote feelings of peace and relaxation. When blended with black pepper oil, it creates an earthy aroma that promotes mental clarity and emotional balance. This combination is perfect for meditation or yoga practices.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree essential oils have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. When blended with black pepper oil, it creates a powerful combination that can help soothe irritated skin while providing a warm and spicy aroma.
How to Customize Black Pepper Blends
When creating a blend, it is important to use a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil. This not only dilutes the essential oils but also helps to disperse the essential oil evenly. Carrier oils are also an excellent way to moisturize and nourish the skin when used topically.
In addition, experimenting with different ingredients and ratios can help you find the perfect blend for your needs.
For example, if you want a more invigorating blend, try increasing the amount of eucalyptus or peppermint oil in your recipe. If you prefer a more relaxing blend, increase the amount of lavender or frankincense oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Pepper
How to use Black Pepper essential oil?
If you're looking to reap the benefits of Black Pepper essential oil, you can try a few different methods. Try adding it to your essential oil diffuser. Alternatively, dilute 12 drops with 1 ounce of carrier oil, and use it for a relaxing massage. You can also use on diffuser jewelry. If you're on the go, add 10 drops to an Essential Oil Inhaler for on-the-go therapeutic use.
Can you ingest Black Pepper essential oil?
Since essential oils are powerful and concentrated, it's not recommended to ingest them. Ingesting Black Pepper essential oil can lead to adverse reactions, like medication contraindications, mucous membrane irritation, and even nausea.
Does Black Pepper oil contain piperine?
Black Pepper essential oil does not contain piperine, although piperine is a major component of the plant itself. However, the essential oil still holds a variety of therapeutic benefits, such as improving circulation, relieving constipation, soothing muscle aches, and reducing arthritis pain.
Can I use Black Pepper essential oil to quit smoking?
If you're trying to quit smoking, Black Pepper essential oil can be a helpful option. When combined and used in an essential oil inhaler, the aromatics and chemical properties in the oils can stimulate the respiratory system in a similar way as cigarettes, giving you a healthier alternative.
What are the benefits of Black Pepper essential oil?
Black Pepper essential oil, also known as Piper nigrum, offers many advantages for your body, mind, and spirit. It can be used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to ease pain, as well as to improve digestion, stimulate appetite, and reduce fatigue.
It also has antibacterial properties, can fight some germs and bacteria, and can reduce a fever. Additionally, it can help to open blocked energy, reduce anxiety and depression, and reduce fear.
In addition to its energizing properties, black pepper essential oil also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that can help support overall health and wellness.
More Essential Oil Blends and Oil Spotlights
It is important to note that essential oils should always be used with caution and diluted properly before use. Some essential oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Always conduct a patch test before using any new essential oils on your skin.
