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Pippali

Pippali
Pippali is an essential herb used in various Ayurvedic medicines. The roots and fruits of Pippali are used for its medicinal purposes. Fruits of this plant are slight yellow to orange in color and pungent in taste.
Pippali is an effective home remedy in managing cough and cold. Swallowing Pippali powder along with honey after lunch and dinner helps release mucus from the air passages due to its expectorant property, thus allowing the patient to breathe easily. It’s consumption might also help promote weight loss by improving the body’s metabolism. Consuming Pippali powder might be useful in managing constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
Pippali might also be beneficial in managing toothache. Rubbing a paste of Pippali powder along with honey on the gums and teeth reduces pain and inflammation in the teeth due to its Kapha balancing nature.
In some cases, Pippali consumption might cause heartburn and acidity due to its hot potency. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have stomach ulcers[1-3][5].

What are the synonyms of Pippali?

Piper longum, Long Pepper, Pipal, Pipli, Lendi Peepar, Dantakapha, Gonamika, Granthika, Granthikam, Kagophale, Kanamula, Pipoli, Pimpli, Piplee, Videhee, Modi, Argadi[1].

What is the source of Pippali?

Plant Based

Benefits of Pippali

What are the benefits of Pippali for Cholera?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali has been used to manage cholera[4][7][9][10].

What are the benefits of Pippali for Epilepsy?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali contains a component that acts as a sedative and helps to manage seizures in epilepsy[4][8][15][16].

What are the benefits of Pippali for Asthma?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali contains certain compounds that have anti-asthmatic property. It may be beneficial in managing bronchial asthma in children[4][10-12].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Pippali is very useful asthma because it has decongestant, bronchodilator, and expectorant activities. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis)?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali has been used to manage chronic bronchitis[4][10][11][13].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali is good if you have a cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Pippali has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It reduces Ama and expel excessive mucus from the lungs thus gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali Powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Diarrhea?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing diarrhea due to it antidiarrhoeal property[4][7][13].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Pippali powder helps to control diarrhea because it has Vata balancing property. It also improves the digestive fire because of its Deepan (appetizer) property which helps to control unusual motion frequency.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control diarrhea.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Cough?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali is used to manage cough[4][8][10][14].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Pippali controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is because Pippali has decongestant, bronchodilator and expectorant effects due to its Kapha balancing properties. Pippali shows good result in cough and cold when it is taken with honey. Pippali also gives rejuvenating effect on the lungs due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control cough.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Fever?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali contains a component that has antipyretic property. Due to this, it may be useful in managing fever[4][17-19].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually, a fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Pippali with honey helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Pippali also helps to boost immunity. This helps to fight against infection and reduce fever because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage fever.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Flatulence (gas formation)?

ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage stomach ache due to gas or flatulence. Gas or flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation and causes stomach ache. Taking Pippali powder helps to correct digestive fire because of its Anuushna (mild hot) potency. This prevents gas formation and thus stomach ache.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm after taking light food to get relief from stomach ache.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Indigestion?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali may be useful in managing indigestion due to its stomachic and digestive property[4][14][21].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Pippali powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder .
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage indigestion.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Menstrual pain?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing menstrual pain[4][22].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kashtaartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Pippali has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water after lunch and dinner to control menstrual pain.

How effective is Pippali?

Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Cholera, Cough, Diarrhea, Epilepsy, Fever, Flatulence (gas formation), Indigestion, Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Menstrual pain, Stroke

Precautions when using Pippali

Advice from Experts
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have hyperacidity and gastritis since it has Anuushna (Mild hot) potency.
Breastfeeding
scientific
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali during breastfeeding[4].
Pregnancy
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Important
scientific
Modern Science View
1. Stomach pain
2. Acidity
3. Heartburn[5]

Recommended Dosage of Pippali

  • Pippali Churna - 4-8 pinch twice a day
  • Pippali Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day
  • Pippali Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day

How to use Pippali

1. Pippali Churna
a. Take 4-8 pinch of Pippali churna.
b. Swallow it with honey or milk after lunch and dinner.

2. Pippali Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Capsule of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.

3. Pippali Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablet of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.

Benefits of Pippali

What are the benefits of Pippali for Headache?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing headache[4][9].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali might give relief from a headache associated with common cold. This kind of headache is mainly due to excess Kapha. A paste of Pippali powder helps to reduce a headache due to Kapha balancing nature when applied on the forehead.
Tips:
1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Pippali powder or as per requirement.
2. Make a paste with water and apply on the forehead.
3. Leave it for at least 1-2 hour or till headache subsides.

What are the benefits of Pippali for Toothache?

ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to reduce a toothache when Pippali powder is rubbed on the gums and teeth. According to Ayurveda, mouth acts as the seat of Kapha dosha and an imbalance in Kapha dosha might lead to several dental problems like a toothache. Pippali helps to manage a toothache due to its Kapha balancing nature.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Pippali powder.
2. Mix with ½-1 teaspoon of honey and make a paste.
3. Rub the teeth once or twice a day to manage a toothache.

How effective is Pippali?

Insufficient evidence
Headache, Toothache

Precautions when using Pippali

Allergy
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Use Pippali paste with water or honey if you have hypersensitive skin since it has Anuushna (mild hot) potency.

Recommended Dosage of Pippali

  • Pippali Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

How to use Pippali

1. Pippali Powder
a. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Pippali Powder.
b. Add honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How long does it take for Pippali seeds to germinate?

scientific
Modern Science View
Proper germination of seeds require adequate temperature. Pippali needs the temperature as high as 85 degree F, this is the reason they need an approximate time of 7-8 days to germinate.

Q. What forms of Pippali is available in the market?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali is available in the market in various forms such as
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Tablet

Q. Is Pippali good for digestive problems?

scientific
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali may be useful in managing digestive problems. It has carminative (reduces flatulence/gas), stomachic (promotes digestion) and laxative properties. Due to these properties, Pippali may be useful in managing indigestion, flatulence/gas and constipation[3][6].

Q. Is Pippali good for constipation?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing constipation due to its laxative property[6][7].

Q. Is Pippali good for piles?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing piles[3][8].

Q. Does consuming Pippali leads to acidity?

scientific
Modern Science View
Since Pippali is hot in potency, it might cause heartburn and acidity. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have stomach ulcers[5].

Q. How to use Pippali for weight loss?

scientific
Modern Science View
Pippali helps in weight loss due to the presence of active compound piperine that has thermogenic (heat producing) effect and antioxidant property. This helps to improve body’s metabolism and thus promotes weight loss by eliminating toxins from the body. Also Pippali helps to reduce the amount of fat in the body. One can take powder consisting of Pippali, black pepper and ginger, known as Trikatu for weight loss[23][24].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage weight by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which is the prime cause of weight gain. Pippali has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which helps to improve the digestive fire and thus control weight gain.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner.
3. Repeat daily to manage weight gain.

Q. Can Pippali churna be used to manage insomnia?

scientific
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali churna can be used to manage insomnia. It is due to the sedative property of extracts from Pippali fruits and roots that causes drowsiness and therefore induces sleep. Pippali churna along with jaggery and milk can be taken in the evening after meals for the management of insomnia[8][25].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pippali can be used to manage insomnia. This is because according to Ayurveda, insomnia is caused by an aggravated Vata and Pippali has Vata balancing property.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Mix it with milk and have it before sleeping to manage insomnia.

Q. Can Pippali powder be used to suppress hiccups?

scientific
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali powder can be used to suppress hiccups. The fruits of this plant has stimulant property that causes the diaphragm to relax, thus suppressing its involuntary movements or hiccups[26].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pippali powder can be used to suppress or control hiccups. Hiccups occur due to an aggravated Vata and Kapha. It obstructs the channels in the digestive tract and results in hiccups. Pippali powder helps to balance Vata and reduces Kapha and helps clear obstruction. This helps control hiccups.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey once or twice a day to control hiccups.

References

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  2. Chunekar KC.The Bhavprakash Nighantu. Pandey GS. ed.Verse 211-214.1998:411-412.
  3. Chauhan K, Solank R, Patel A, et.al.Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of Piper longum linn- A review.Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm.2011;2(1):157-161.
  4. WebMD.Indian long pepper: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
  5. Mclantyre A. Piper Longum:Pippali.Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives.Elsevier.2005.
  6. Naika R, Prasanna KP, Ganapathy PSS.Antibacterial activity of Piperlongumine an alkaloid isolated from methanolic root extract of Piper longum L.Pharmacophore.2010;1(2):141-148.
  7. Kumar S, Kamboj J, Suman et al.Overview for various aspects of the health benefits of Piper longum Linn. fruit.JAMS J Acupunct Meridian Stud.2011;4(2):134-140.
  8. Manoj P, Soniya EV, Banerjee NS et al.Recent studies on well-known spice, Piper longum Linn.Nat Prod Radiance.2004;3(4):222-227.
  9. Chaveerach A, Mokkamul P, Sudmoon R et al.Ethnobotany of the genus Piper (Piperaceae) in Thailand.Ethnobotany Research & Applications.2006;4:223-231.
  10. Aldaly ZTK.Antimicrobial activity of Piperine purified from piper nigrum.Journal of Basrah Researches ((Sciences)).2010;36(5).
  11. Kumar A, Panghal S, Mallapur SS et al.Antiinflammatory activity of Piper longum fruit Oil.Indian J Pharm Sci.2009;71(4):454-6.
  12. Kaushik D, Rani R, Kaushik P et al.In vivo and in vitro antiasthmatic studies of plant Piper longum Linn.Int J Pharmacol.2012;8(3):192-197.
  13. Srinivasa Reddy P, Jamil K, Madhusudhan P et al.Antibacterial activity of isolates from Piper longum and Taxus baccata.Pharm Biol.2001;39(3):236-238.
  14. Ali MB, Alam NM, Yeasmin MS et al.Antimicrobial screening of different extracts of Piper longum Linn.Research Journal of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.2007;3(6):852-857.
  15. Verma VC, Lobkovsky E, Gange AC et al.Piperine production by endophytic fungus Periconia sp. Isolated from Piper longum L.J Antibiot (Tokyo).2011;64:427–431.
  16. Vedhanayaki G, Shastri GV, Kuruvilla A.Analgesic activity of Piper longum Linn. root.Indian J Exp Biol.2003;41:649-651.
  17. Lee SA, Hong SS, Han XH et al.Piperine from the fruits of Piper longum with inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase and antidepressant-like activity.Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo).2005;53(7):832-835.
  18. Kumar V, Shriram V, Mulla J.Antibiotic resistance reversal of multiple drug resistant bacteria using Piper longum fruit extract.J Appl Pharm Sci.2013;3(3):112-116.
  19. Shiddamallayya N, Yasmeen A, Gopakumar K.Hundred common forest medicinal plants of Karnataka in primary healthcare.Indian J Tradit Knowl.2010;9(1):90-95.
  20. Agrawal AK, Rao CV, Sairam K et al.Effect of Piper longum Linn, Zingiber officianalis Linn and Ferula species on gastric ulceration and secretion in rats.Indian J Exp Biol.2000;38:994-998.
  21. Lokhande PD, Gawai KR, Kodam KM.Antibacterial activity of extracts of Piper longum.Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology.2007;2(6):574-579.
  22. Bhavan PS, Saranya C, Manickam N et al.Effects of Piper longum, Piper nigram and Zingiber officinale on survival, growth, activities of digestive enzymes and contents of total protein, vitamins and minerals in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii.Elixir Bio Tech. 58.2013:14824-14828.
  23. Rai PD, Dambal AA, Khatri S, et al. Development of an anti-obesity polyherbal formulation containing Terminalia arjuna, Lagenaria siceraria and Piper nigrum.The Pharma Innovation Journal.2015;3(11):33-37.External Link
  24. Chougale A, Manjunath A.Anti-obesity drugs of Bhavapraksha Nighantu: A literary survey. IJRAP.2-12;3(5):650-54.External Link
  25. . Kavitha S, Shukla A, Perumall TSR, et al. A comparative study of diet and Guda Pippalimula yoga in the management of Nidranasha (primary insomnia).Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.2017; 8(2):155-161.External Link
  26. Dhanalakshmi D, Umamaheswari S, Balaji D, et al.Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Piper Longum – A systematic review.World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017;6(1):381-398.External Link
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

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