Natural herbs have been used for centuries for the treatment of various body problems. They have special importance, especially in Ayurvedic treatment. One of these herbs is long pepper which is considered very beneficial for the body. It is a creeper spreading on the ground with an average height of about 1 to 2m. It's dark smooth leaves are 2 to 3 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide having a heart shape. Long pepper plants are filled with flowers during the rainy season and bear fruit during the winter. Its fruits are about 1-inch mulberry size. Its botanical name is Piper longum Linn. and it belongs to the Piperaceae family. Its root, flower, fruit and lump are rich in many medicinal properties in Ayurveda due to which it is used in many Ayurvedic remedies. Its powder is used as medicine. Long pepper is beneficial in many problems like cough, cold, fever, respiratory diseases, toothache, joint pain and headache.

Importance of Long pepper in Ayurveda

Long pepper is bitter and hot in taste. Its various parts like root, fruit, leaf etc. are considered extremely beneficial for health. In Ayurveda, it is used as a medicine for many diseases due to its nutritional and curative properties. Long pepper is one such plant, which has many types of properties. It has been used for centuries to get rid of diseases and to relieve physical pain. It mainly proves beneficial for cold, cold, fever, diarrhoea, toothache, joint pain and respiratory problems. Due to these qualities, Long pepper has been given great importance in Ayurveda.

Benefits of Long pepper

Helpful in getting rid of cold, viral fever-

Consumption of Long pepper is great to get rid of cold and viral fever. Long pepper has anti-oxidation properties which are helpful in improving health. For this, take 2 grams powder of Long pepper, pippali mool, black pepper and dry ginger and take it with honey. By doing this, it reduces the symptoms of viral infection and fever. It strengthens immunity and gives relief in frequent colds and fever.

Beneficial in asthma-

Long pepper has an antiasthmatic effect which has a positive effect on the respiratory system and reduces problems like asthma, bronchitis. For this, boil 2 grams of Long pepper in 4 cups of water and filter it after two cups of water remain. Now taking this decoction in small amounts at an interval of 2-3 hours reduces the problem of breathlessness in a few days.

Relief in Headache-

Long pepper is a natural remedy to get rid of headaches. For this, grind the root of Long pepper in water and make a paste. Now applying this paste to the forehead provides relief in headaches. Apart from this, make a mixture by taking equal quantities of Long pepper and Vacha powder. Now taking 3 grams of this mixture with milk daily provides relief in headaches.

Beneficial for dental disease-

Long pepper is used daily for toothache. The antimicrobial properties present in it kill the bacteria present in the mouth and prevent them from growing. Long pepper is also known to remove plaque in the mouth and reduce inflammation of the gums. For this, apply the mixture prepared by mixing rock salt, turmeric and mustard oil in the powder of Long pepper on the teeth. By doing this, the pain and swelling of the teeth and gums are removed.

In the treatment of joint pain, arthritis-

Long pepper has anti-arthritic properties which are effective in getting relief from arthritis, especially those who suffer from joint pain. It is very beneficial for them to consume decoction made of long pepper.

For swelling-

Long pepper is rich in antioxidants and minerals which is helpful in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Apart from this, the anti-inflammatory effect present in Long pepper is also helpful in reducing and preventing inflammation.

For the treatment of diarrhea-

Long pepper is also used in diarrhoea. According to research done on it, anti-diarrheal properties are found in long pepper which controls the intensity of stool during diarrhea. For this, grind the long pepper and make a paste. Now taking this paste with goat's milk provides relief in diarrhoea. Apart from this, taking a decoction of Long pepper leaves is also beneficial for the treatment of stomach related infections or diarrhea.

Beneficial in stomach disease-

If someone has a complaint of constipation, then powder of Long pepper is beneficial for him. For this, make powder by grinding an equal quantity of Long pepper and small myrobalan. Now take this mixture with lukewarm water. This will also remove constipation. Along with this, the problem of abdominal pain, cramps, foul-smelling diarrhea is cured by doing this.

For Liver-

The use of Long pepper works to keep the liver healthy because it has hepatoprotective properties, which work to maintain liver health. Also, it protects against liver-related risks. According to research done on this, Glutathione is found in Long pepper which acts as an antioxidant. According to a report published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), glutathione is considered effective for patients suffering from the problem of excess fat accumulation in the liver without consuming alcohol.

To lose weight-

Consumption of Long pepper is beneficial in reducing weight. For this, take 2 grams of Long pepper with honey for a few days. By doing this, obesity is reduced. Apart from this, consuming a powder of Long pepper with honey in the morning reduces cholesterol and is also beneficial in heart-related diseases.

Side effects of Long pepper

It is safe to consume Long pepper in limited quantities but overusing it can lead to some side effects which are as follows:

• Burning sensation in hands and feet.
• Irritation in the eyes.
• Headache, restlessness.
• Heart damage.
• Pregnant women must consult a doctor before using it.