Uses
What is white pepper used for?
White pepper grows in tropical Asian countries. Black pepper and white pepper both come from the same plant. But they are prepared differently. Black pepper is made by cooking the dried unripe fruit. White pepper is made by cooking and drying the ripe seeds.
People take white pepper by mouth for upset stomach, malaria, a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea (cholera), and cancer.
People apply white pepper to the skin to reduce pain.
White pepper is added to foods and drinks to add flavor.
White pepper essential oil is used in aromatherapy.
How does it work?
There are not enough studies about how white pepper works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, it is known that white pepper contains a chemical called piperine. This chemical seems to have many effects in the body. It seems to reduce pain, improve breathing, and reduce inflammation. Piperine also seems to improve brain function, but it is not clear how.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using white pepper?
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
- You have allergy with any substances of white pepper or other medications or other herbs.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
- You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
The regulations for an herb are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herb must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.
How safe is white pepper?
White pepper is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods.
White pepper is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately as medicine. White pepper might have a burning aftertaste.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy: White pepper is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if taking white pepper as medicine or applying white pepper oil to the skin is safe while pregnant.
Breast-feeding: White pepper is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if taking white pepper as medicine is safe while breast-feeding.
Children: White pepper is likely safe when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. It is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts.
Bleeding conditions: Piperine, a chemical in white pepper, might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking white pepper in amounts greater than those in food might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Diabetes: White pepper might affect blood sugar levels. In theory, taking white pepper in amounts greater than those in food might affect blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Dosing adjustments for diabetes medications might be needed.
Surgery: Piperine, a chemical in white pepper, might slow blood clotting and affect blood sugar levels. In theory, white pepper might cause bleeding complications or affect blood sugar levels during surgery. You should stop taking white pepper in amounts greater than those in food at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Side effects
What kind of side effects may I have from white pepper?
Taking large amounts of white pepper by mouth, which can accidentally get into the lungs, has been reported to cause death. This is especially true in children.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.
Interactions
What interactions may I have with white pepper?
White pepper may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbalist or doctor before using.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.
What is the usual dose for white pepper?
The dose for white pepper may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbs are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.
What form does white pepper come in?
White pepper may be available in the following forms:
- Raw white pepper
- Dry white pepper
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