By: Hettie Basil Lighttower
Hopefully no one in this crowd has had to use pepper spray in self-defense. But even more so, hopefully no one has been pepper-sprayed for bad behavior! We use pepper on our foods and most of us love it. Some love it a lot. Culinary arts and self-defense are the two main uses of pepper that I have been familiar with, how ‘bout you?
Until my brother, an amazing chef, introduced me to using a peppercorn grinder and also to peppercorns that are white, green and pink; I never enjoyed pepper as much as I do today. I nearly insist on having fresh ground pepper on my foods. I prefer the combination of all the colors of peppercorns in my grinder as well. Fresh pepper is so much different and vibrant than the big box ground black pepper that has always been available.
As a matter of fact, fresh pepper, which is a blend of the white, black, green and rose, has a unique flavor and smell and you really don’t think of it as pepper. Black pepper is harsh and hot. White is almost nutty. The green and rose( or pink) is not as harsh or hot and almost flowery and planty(haha….. if planty wasn’t a word before, it is now).
There is not much that can top off good fresh ground pepper to bring your meal to life. But here’s the kicker….. did you know you can buy the essential oil of black pepper and of pink pepper? The last time I ordered essential oils, I saw these were offered on the list. And, ok. I had to try them. I was not prepared for how wonderful they are! If you have not tried the essential oil of black or pink pepper, you are not living life to its fullest!
I was curious as to what possible uses these two oils have. Well besides stepping up your game in the kitchen, they are amazing to put into salves, lotions, or even sprays. So far I have used them for E: all of the above.
Now of course you have to be very careful not to use too many drops in an aerial spray, but the pink pepper is so fragrant and cleansing for the air. Instead of using chemical ridden air fresheners essential oil combinations in a little spritzing bottle are amazing for freshening things up. Pepper oil along with lemon or lavender or eucalyptus kill microbials and germs that cause odors. I don’t mean to sound like a commercial, but there’s no way else to say it. (or that I want to say it) They simply make a huge difference and clean up your space by disinfecting.
But when using either pepper oil in with a lotion or a salve….. wow is that refreshing. Depending on how many drops of oil you add your concentration of the oil can be a little or a lot. I have tried it both ways with both peppers. You see pepper contains capsaicin which really helps arthritic pain. If you want to super charge your lotion, all you have to do is unscrew the lid, tilt the straw or hose like thing and drip a few drops (usually do about 10), use that straw/hose/pump thing as a stirrer and stir in the pepper oil you just added. Then you can put the lid back on tight and give it a few honest shakes and voila!
You would think that the pepper would burn your skin, but it doesn’t so much when in a lotion. And I have made a body spray with just water and pepper oil to spray myself after a shower. And when your pores are open and all your new skin is popping through…. Wow, yes it does give a tingle. But that is a good thing. That means my capillaries are being stimulated, which means my lymph system is being engaged, which means health promotion for me!
If you decide to experiment with the use of pepper oil, keep in mind to wash your hands after handling or mixing. That way you will not accidentally rub any into your eye. And also, start out small. See how you do with less drops first. Some skin may be extra sensitive. I will say that the pink pepper is my favorite. It is milder and has a beautiful flowery scent. I use it most for skin, air care and just good aromatherapy.
If you are curious about other benefits of PINK pepper essential oil, here is what I have learned: It is anti-microbial, an anti-oxidant, helps relieve arthritis, anti-viral, anti-septic, helps with circulation and relieve muscle aches and stiffness! BLACK pepper actually has an impressive list of its own which is: lowers cholesterol, anti-cancer properties, detoxifies, appetite stimulant, improves circulation, eases feeling of anxiety, it can help with cigarette craving (probably because of the detoxification properties) and lastly, it can even be used as a food preservative (because it kills bacteria). Enjoy the oils and use them wisely and with caution…….
As always, feel free to send in your notions and comments to [email protected]. I will include them in the next available column as per their arrival relative to the publication deadline of Tuesday by 12 p.m. of the same week. If you wish to be anonymous, let me know. Kindness is contagious~*