Magical and Medicinal Uses of Black Pepper

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars
Element: Air
Powers: Clarity, Courage, Exorcism, Protection, Strength, Wealth

Magical Uses and History: Often referred to as the "king of spices," black pepper has a long and rich, yet mythical history. Much like misinformation is spread today to sway public opinion, it was used to convince the public that black pepper was more than it seemed. 

While black pepper was historically a rare commodity,  available only to the nobility, it remained in demand through the use of myth. According to legends, black pepper could only be harvested by setting the pepper trees on fire to drive away venomous snakes that guarded the delicate spice. During the burning process, the otherwise white peppercorns turned dry, shriveled, and black. Because so many trees were lost during the burning, the cost and time to replant them had to be factored into the price. This legend spread quickly through mainstream culture, and while we cannot be sure where it originated or if it was entirely believed, it was enough to keep the price high. The cost of black pepper was so high that it was often used as currency to pay rent, taxes, doweries, and even ransoms, as seen during the 5th century AD when Visigoths demanded it after sacking the Western Roman Empire. Because of its value, it became known as "black gold," symbolizing wealth and power. As such, black pepper can be added to spells and rituals for wealth, money, and prosperity. Add whole peppercorns to your wallet, purse, or cash register to attract wealth. Add to spell bags and bottles for wealth and prosperity, keep in your kitchen to ensure abundance flows freely, or steep in oil to create a success-attacting oil.

Apart from being a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and abundance, black pepper was also used for protection. Due to its sharp, fiery qualities, black pepper is thought to drive away evil and unwanted spirits and has even been used to break curses. In hoodoo, black pepper is often added to Hot Foot powders to bring an uncomfortable "heat" to the target's life or to salt to prevent evil or unwanted guests from entering or returning to your home. Keep a jar of black pepper corns near your hearth or entrance to guard the home, sprinkle along thresholds to prevent unwanted guests from entering, burn to banish unwanted energy, or add to other spells and rituals for banishment, hex breaking, or removal. Black pepper combines well with other banishing herbs to create a potent incense or banishment oil.

Finally, black pepper was also a symbol of health and medicine, used to treat a wide range of ailments from digestive issues to respiratory problems and even pain. In ancient Greece and Rome, black pepper was used to stimulate the digestive system, helping aid in digestion, reduce excess gas, and alleviate stomach pain. In Ayurvedic medicine, it was believed to help balance the three doshas known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. As such, it was revered for its general digestive and respiratory aid, helping to clear congestion, support the immune system, and bring overall wellness to the user. Across cultures, black pepper was also widely used to treat fevers due to its warming nature that was thought to promote sweating and therefore "break" a fever. Today, black pepper is used much the same way, and therefore can be used in spells and rituals for healing, health, and general wellness. Due to its warming nature, black pepper can also be used to bring heat to a spell. Add black pepper to teas, tinctures, baths, spell bags or jars, or burn with other spices such as sage or rosemary for similar purposes.

Black pepper can be used in a number of spells, including:

      Money Spells

      Protection Spells

      Exorcism

      Strengthen Spells & Rituals

Medicinal Uses: Black pepper contains piperine, the alkaloid responsible for black pepper's well-known flavor. Piperine is an antioxidant and a bioavailability enhancer, meaning it helps with the absorption of other compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, and other minerals and vitamins. It is also an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and has been found to increase digestion through the stimulation of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. As such, it is often used to treat indigestion, bloating, and gas. As an anti-inflammatory, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Piperine may also help with the regulation of blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing blood sugar spikes. As an expectorant and decongestant, black pepper can be used to treat colds, cough, asthma, and mild flu symptoms. As an antimicrobial and antibacterial, black pepper is effective at improving overall oral health and reducing gingivitis and gum disease. 

It should be noted that despite black pepper's ability to help with the absorption of certain nutrients, it can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Please consult your doctor or a credible herbalist before including it in your herbal remedy practice.

Preparation and Dosage: To create an infusion, combine one cup of boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed black pepper. Allow the infusion to steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. As a tincture, take 0.5 to 1 mL in water or tea up to three times a day. Black pepper combines well with honey, cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger. Externally, black pepper essential oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and used as a massage oil to reduce pain and inflammation.

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