TCM Basics 101: Chinese Herbs Fresh in Supermarkets – Black Pepper
TCM Nature: Warm/Hot
TCM Taste: Pungent
TCM Meridian Affinity: Stomach, Large Intestine
Benefits:
· Reduces abdominal pain
· Expels colds, ease chills and fevers
· Increase digestive activity, including gut movement and increase in gastric acid production
· Relieves muscle aches, joint pains
· Reduces loss of memory and other cognitive malfunctions
Spirituality:
Pepper has been so important to ancient cultures that it has been used as a currency, called “black gold”, and as a sacred offering to the gods.
In the 1840’s, the word pepper was used to mean “spirit” or “energy”. Black pepper was thought to protect against the ‘evil eye’ and wearing a peppercorn was said to free one of envious thoughts.
Burning black pepper before smudging with sage is powerful combination to help remove negative energies and cleanse a space.
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