God's Herb: Black Pepper

In the beginning, God has made everything in the world for our needs, but not all things are specifically mentioned by name. The word "herb" covers the whole spectrum of herbs and spices.

Black pepper is not mentioned in the bible, but the verb "herb" is mentioned many times, and black pepper comes under the category of herbs.

1. In the book of Genesis 1:11,12 it is written:
the herb yielding seed.

2. Genesis 1:29
I have given you every herb ...

3. Psalms 104:14
he causeth herb to grow for.the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.

New Testament

4. Luke 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint rue and all manner of herbs pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and and not to leave the other undone.

5. Romans 14:2
For one believeth that he may eat all things: another who is weak, eateth herbs.

Origin of Black Pepper

Black pepper is one of many God's herbs and is native to south India and elsewhere in tropical regions throughout the world. The largest volume of exports is in Kerala which is in the south. Black pepper was known as black gold and used in trading. However, Vietnam is currently the world's largest producer.

From India black pepper spread to other countries.

China

Black Pepper is possibly known in China in the 2nd century. During the 3rd century, black pepper made its appearance in Chinese text books. By the 12 century, it had become a popular cuisine for the wealthy and powerful.

Europe

Black pepper was well-known to the Romans in the 3rd century and Greece in the 4th century.

Black pepper was much prized as trade. Until the Middle
Ages, black pepper found in Europe were from India.

Wikipedia

Before the 16th century, pepper was being grown in Java, Sunda, Sumatra, Madagascar, Malaysia, and everywhere in Southeast Asia. These areas traded mainly with China, or used the pepper locally.^[18] Ports in the Malabar area also served as a stop-off point for much of the trade in other spices from farther east in the Indian Ocean. Following the British hegemony in India, virtually all of the black pepper found in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa was traded from Malabar region. Black pepper, along with other spices from Southern and Southeast Asia and lands farther east, changed the course of world history. It was in some part the preciousness of these spices that led to the Portuguese efforts to find a sea route to China during the age of discovery and consequently to the Portuguese colonial occupation of that country, as well as the European discovery and colonization of the Americas.Black pepper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Black Pepper Nutrition chart USDA:

Principle

Nutrient Value

Percentage of RDA

Energy255 Kcal13%Carbohydrates64.81 g49%Protein10.95 g19.5%Total Fat3.26 g11%Cholesterol0 mg0%Dietary Fiber26.5 g69%

Vitamins

Choline11.3 mg2%Folic acid10 mcg2.5%Niacin1.142 mg7%Pyridoxine0.340 mg26%Riboflavin0.240 mg18%Thiamin0.109 mg9%Vitamin A299 IU10%Vitamin C21 mg35%Vitamin E-γ4.56 mg30%Vitamin K163.7 mcg136%

Electrolytes

Sodium44 mg3%Potassium1259 mg27%

Minerals

Calcium437 mg44%Copper1.127 mg122%Iron28.86 mg360%Magnesium194 mg48.5%Manganese5.625 mg244.5%Phosphorus173 mg25%Zinc1.42 mg13%

Phyto-nutrients

Carotene-β156 mcg–Carotene-α0 mcg–Crypto-xanthin-β48 mcg–Lutein-zeaxanthin205 mcg–Lycopene6 mcg–

1. Anti-biotic properties

Black pepper has natural antibiotic characteristics for they curb harmful free radical reactions.

2. Bacterial infections

Black pepper helps in treating diseases caused due to bacteria. The influence has been observed while treating conditions like constipation, diarrhea and colic.

3. Cough and cold

The spice also acts as a remedy for cough and cold. The antibacterial properties of black pepper are used for treating respiratory disorders.

4. Gastro diseases

Black pepper eases the digestion process by secreting hydrochloric acid and helps in prevention of diseases related to the intestine and stomach.

5. Flu and congestion

Black pepper eases congestion. The free-radical scavenging activity of black pepper helps in treatment of cancer. It slows down the activity of some types of cancer like skin cancer.

6. Skin treatment

It helps to improve skin condition and promotes weight loss.

7. Dental health:

Black pepper is helpful in improving dental health. It helps fight tooth decay and provides quick relief from tooth ache.

8. Metabolism

Black pepper helps in boosting metabolism in the body. It burns unwanted calories and helps in reducing belly fat. Black pepper is very effective against obesity. Daily consumption of black pepper helps in reducing stomach related problems.

Wikipedia

Black Pepper as Medicine


Like many eastern spices, pepper was historically both a seasoning and a medicine. Long pepper, being stronger, was often the preferred medication, but both were used. Black Pepper (or perhaps long pepper) was believed to cure illness such as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches.^[32] Various sources from the 5th century onward also recommend pepper to treat eye problems, often by applying salves or poultices made with pepper directly to the eye. There is no current medical evidence that any of these treatments has any benefit; pepper applied directly to the eye would be quite uncomfortable and possibly damaging.^[33] Nevertheless, Black pepper, either powdered or its decoction, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and as a home remedy for relief from sore throat, throat congestion, cough etc. Pepper is known to cause sneezing. Some sources say that piperine, a substance present in black pepper, irritates the nostrils, causing the sneezing;^[34] Few, if any, controlled studies have been carried out to answer the question. It has been shown that piperine can dramatically increase absorption of selenium, vitamin B, beta-carotene and curcumin as well as other nutrients.^[35] As a medicine, pepper appears in the Buddhist Samaññaphala Sutta, chapter five, as one of the few medicines allowed to be carried by a monk.^[36] Pepper contains small amounts of safrole, a mildly carcinogenic compound.^[37] Also, it is eliminated from the diet of patients having abdominal surgery and ulcers because of its irritating effect upon the intestines,^[38] being replaced by what is referred to as a bland diet. However, extracts from black pepper have been found to have antioxidant properties^[39] and anti-carcinogenic effects, especially when compared to chili.^[40]Piperine present in black pepper acts as a thermogenic compound. Piperine enhances the thermogenesis of lipid and accelerates^[41] energy metabolism in the body and also increases the serotonin and beta-endorphin production in the brain. Piperine and other components from black pepper may also be helpful in treating vitiligo,^[42] although when combined with UV radiation should be staggered due to the effect of light on the compound.^{Black pepper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

www.organicfacts.net

Black Pepper

Other Benefits?

According to Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper also helps to prevent ear-aches and gangrene. It is also good for conditions of hernia, hoarseness and insect bites. It is also commonly used to treat conditions of tooth decay and toothache. In ancient times, pepper was also administered to treat vision problems.

Preparing grounded pepper powder at home is better than buying ready-made pepper powder. However, even home-made powder retains its freshness for only 3 months, while whole peppercorns can keep their freshness indefinitely. Thus, adding a pinch of black pepper to every meal helps to improve both taste and digestion. It also improves your overall health and well being.

Ayurveda in Indian means the science of life, and is the science of healing through herbs and natural means. It is the most ancient natural healing systems of India, and in use for 4,000 years.

It helps to alleviate extreme thirst.

Concoction

1 teaspoon of black pepper powder
4 cups of boiling water
Mix well Allow the mixture to cool Take a few sips every time you feel thirsty.

Personal Experience

I have found this mixture to work for I have excessive thirst when I wake up from my sleep. I drink a cup of water before going back to sleep and I had to go to the toilet many times.

My doctor told me to put on the humidifier and drink more liquid. When I drink more water, I wake up more often and visit the bathroom more frequent. After sipping the mixture of water and pepper, my visits were shortened and the extreme thirstiness disappears. I am satisfied with the concoction. The Indians have been using this recipe for 4000 years. The cost is minimal.

Excessive thirst if not checked can lead to diabetes, a serious illness which leads to a number of serious diseases such as amputation, blindness, cancer, kidney failure hypertension, depression and kidney failure.

Thank God I found this on the internet.

There are lots of appetizing recipes to be found and you make any of your recipes more palatable by adding just a pinch of pepper to add flavour to the dish.

Black pepper with steak

Black pepper with stir fry chicken and vegetables

Black pepper with fried fish