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Kalimirch: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

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By NS Desk 16-Dec-2020

Kalimirch

Kalimirch (Black pepper) is one of the ingredients of a well-known Ayurvedic Herb. Its formulation includes Trikatu or Trikuta, the three spices. To treat different disorders, kalimirch is used either alone or with other ingredients. It usually treats paraplegia and arthritic diseases. Kalimirch is chiefly used in flatulence, gas, bloating, and indigestion and comprises of carminative action. It helps in easy removal from the body, and it thins the cough due to thermogenic action. It helps to reduce the symptoms of cold and cough and provides warmth to the body.
 
It increases the body's metabolism by stimulating the appetite, diminishing nauseating feeling, and smoothing digestion. In the case of cholera, Kalimrich helps the body to repair and fights to vomit. Kalimirch is greatly known for treating various ailments such as cough, arthritis, intermittent fevers, gout, hemorrhoids, joint inflammation, piles, malarial fever, and flatulence. Kalimirch has a unique feature as it can fight various insects, including houseflies. Usually, in gardens, several kinds of pests are treated by using Pepper sprays. 
 
While sitting on your dinner table, kalimirch is the ingredient you can find around that is not only arranged for decoration purposes but for the best qualities it has in terms of improving health. Kalimirch or black pepper is known through different names like black peppercorn and is the most commonly used seasoning while preparing most of the dishes. It comprises important nutrients required by your tissues to function and provides various health benefits as it includes nutrients to fight the disease that is phytonutrients.
 
Black pepper is a time immemorial herb and is utilized as a condiment and medicine. You can search for Kalimirch in the market in the form of fine powder or as a whole. Along with table salt table, Black pepper is often found on the dining, which is included in food items like fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, sauces, soups, and gravies to improve the taste. It is the most commonly used spices after salt. 
 
General Knowledge About Kalimirch
Nature: Flowering vine is tropical climbing perennial, also referred to as Black pepper or Piper nigrum. The fruit part is dried drupes of the pepper plant and used as a spice, seasoning, and medicinal powder. So the part of the plant used in making Kalimirch is fruit.
 
Appearance: The stem is thickened at nodes, and the plant is cylindrical along with dichotomously branches. Leaves of Kalimirch are simple, alternate, quite long, ovate-oval, broadly-ovate, or ovate-oblong to nearly orbicular, rounded, or more or less cord teat base.
 
Flowers of Black pepper: Generally, the Flowers are bisexual; sessile in axils of fleshy bracts with 2 lateral bracelets prearranged in leaf-opposed spikes 5 cm long, slender, bracts oblong, upper part liberated concave, very thick; perianth absent; stamens 2, anther 2-celled.  Unilocular with a solitary, erect ovule and ovary is superior. At the initial level, the fruit is dark green about 6 mm long, and later it changes orange-yellow to dull red when Fruit ripe, which is nearly globose.
 
Flowering Months of Kalimirch: September and January.
 
Scientific Classification of Kalimirch
Botanical name: Piper nigrum
Plant family: Piperaceae
 
Piperaceae is one of the largest tropical families having more than 10 genera and about 1500 species. Its unique anatomical features resemble monocotyledon, and this family belongs to the class dicotyledons.
 
Piper and Peperomia are major two larger genera of the Piperaceae family. The genus Piper is the largest in the family that occurs all through the tropical and subtropical regions. The most significant cost-effective species of this genus comprise of Piper nigrum, Piper beetle, i.e., Paan / Beetle leaf, Chavya, i.e., Piper cubeb) and Piper longarm Pippali / long pepper.
 
Taxonomical Classification of The Kalimirch:
In India, there are numerous kinds of Kalimirch grown, which differ in yield, bitterness, shape, and size. Here is the classification of the plant: 
Plant Kingdom: Plants, Subkingdom of Kalimirch: Vascular plants, Superdivision: Seed plants, Division: Flowering plants, Class category: Dicotyledons, Subclass: Magnoliidae, Order:  Piper L. – pepper, Species: black pepper
 
Family: Piperaceae: Pepper family, Genus
 
Plant type of Kalimirch: Vine
 
Distribution of Kalimirch:  Kalimirch is now grown in several countries like Sumatra, Penang, Borneo, West Indies, South America, and Philippine Islands, and Sri Lanka in the most mid and low-country. Whereas in India, it is most commonly distributed in South India, this is cultivated from Konkan Southwards, particularly in North Konkan Kerala and Assam. 
 
Habitat of Kalimirch:  Moist and Hot parts
 
Propagation of Kalimirch: Cuttings
 
A native of Kalimirch: Humid forests of the Malabar Coast of southwestern India
 
Unani Properties of Kalimirch:  Not too hot, not too dry 
 
Different Names of Kalimirch
Scientific name: Piper nigrum, Sanskrit name: Tikshna, Ushana, Vallija, Vara, Varishtha, Vellija, Venuja, Venuka, Vrittaphala, Yavanapriya, Katuka, Kola, Kolaka, Krishna, Maricha, Mrishta, Pavita, Ruksha, Sarvahita, Shakanga,  Hindi name: GolMirch, KaliMirch, Safed Mirch, English name: Black Pepper, Pepper, Sinhalese name: Gammiris, Tamil name: Aguttam, Arisu, Irambivam, Kallinai, Kandanaguli, Kari, Karyam, Kolagam, Malaiyinmunivan, Marisam, Milagu, Milaku, Milaguvalli, Sevviyam, Sur, Tirangal, Uchiram, Valliyam, Vellaimulagu, Siddha name: Milagu, Unani name: Filfil Siyah, Chinese name: Hu Jiao (Hu Chiao), Hei Hu Jia, Bai Hu Jiao, Woo Jiu, French name:  Poivre Commun, Poivre Blanc, Poivre Noir, German name: Pfeffer, Grüner Pfeffer, Schwarzer Pfeffer; Spanish name: Pimient
 
Health Benefits of Kalimi
Black pepper comprises of piperine. Piperine can produce the neurotoxin botulinum and to reduce the growth of Gram-positive, rod-shaped, anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium botulinum that causes ingestion. 
• It boosts the bioavailability.
• It decreases the cholesterol level.
• Growth of peristalsis occurs.
• It has healing effects on the body.
• It helps the activity of the heart and kidneys.
• It boosts the secretion of bile.
• It boosts up the secretion of saliva and gastric mucous.
• It is a cure for shell-fish and mushroom poisoning.
• It improves the liver and metabolic functions.
• It is warming, freshening, and inspiring to the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.
 
Benefits of Kalimirch
 
1. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Tumour?
KaliMirch can treat various diseases like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer as it consists of antioxidants that prevent many diseases and cures a lot of illnesses because of piperine, which is found in black pepper.
 
2. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Cold & Cough?
In Ayurveda, Kali Mirch is generally used to prepare medicines and tonics. Certain medicated tonics are effective and known for the best results due to the main component that is kalimirch. It has strong coverage to fight bacterial of any kind, and in this battle, it provides no room for mucus or phlegm in the throat. It is advisable to consume kalimirch in food items as it can cure your cold and cough issues. 
 
3. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Preventing Peptic ulcers?
Kalimirch includes various anti-inflammatory and rich dietary properties in it due to which it is medically proven that it can cure peptic ulcers and gastric problems. This helps an individual to improve their digestion and living style. 
 
4. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Preventing Cancer?
Kalimirch helps in fighting cancer, so it is advisable to consume kalimirch in his diet or food. To prevent or fight against cancer, piperine is the main ingredient of black pepper that saves lives and is medically proven.
 
5. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Improving Oral Health?
Oral health can be maintained by applying Kalimirch powder gently on teeth, which would help cure and diminish toothache. Your teeth will become healthy. Kalimirch is used for the treatment of gum and oral problems because of its rich antibacterial properties.
 
For better results, all you need to do is take a pinch of pepper powder, add some salt to it, and then start rubbing the affected area. You can mix it with clove oil and apply it on the gums if you have a toothache.
 
6. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Quitting Smoking? 
Black pepper has its important elements that can help you get rid of smoking as if you Inhale black pepper, then it would stop the craving to smoke, and it has proven in medical sciences.
 
7. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Vitamins and Minerals?
Black pepper comprises nutrients like contains Folic acid, choline, Riboflavin, Calcium, Phosphorous, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Thiamin, etc. and these tiny seeds are rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. 
 
8. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Diarrhea?
Kalimirch is also beneficial in treating diarrhea. It has anti-diarrheal and anti-secretory activity and normalizes the increased gut motility in diarrhea, which makes no bloating on to the stomach and no water loss to the body.
 
9. What are the benefits of Kalimirch for Local anesthesia, i.e., the numb tissues in a specific area? 
Kalimirch has anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, which can be used in curing arthritis pain. It also diminishes the inflammation and pain, resulting in a reduction in inflammatory mediators' activity in arthritis. 
 
Precautions When Using Kalimirch
Kalimirch is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat various diseases, but the usage of this herb should be in a given quantity; otherwise, it can lead to a certain side effect, so there are certain precautions and different views for consuming Kalimirch:
• Any person consuming Kalimirch/Black pepper should take pepper carefully to increase Pitta/heat inside the body.
• Any individual suffering from ulcers, inflammatory conditions of digestive organs, urticaria, skin rash, and high Pitta is not advised to consume black pepper as it can worsen the troubles.
• There are several Contraindications, Interactions, Side-effects, and Warnings of consuming it without proper consultation with the doctor as a person may be allergic to it.
• It should not be consumed as a medicine during pregnancy because it comprises Piperine, which has abortifacient action, which means it could lead to abortion. 
• Never consume it with alcohol.
• It should be consumed carefully in digestive inflammations and high safety conditions.
• If you are consuming it for the long term, then use Low dose.
• For long periods of consumption, do not use a high dose, i.e.,>5g per day.
• Hot in potency.
• Excess use aggravates multiple side-effects.
 
a) As per Advice of  Experts

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Inhalation of Kalimirch may lead to respiratory irritation, pulmonary edema, and respiratory arrest; thereby, it is suggested to refer a doctor while using Kalimirch if you have asthma.

Kalimirch, if used in high doses and for prolonged usage, can lead to hyperacidity and gastritis because of its Ushna virya, i.e., hot potency property.

 
b) Based on Quantity

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Kalimirch should be taken in the same quantity as prescribed by the doctor.

Kalimirch should be consumed in small quantities and for the short term.

 
c) Moderate Medicine Interaction

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Kalimirch may hinder liver functioning, so it is suggested to keep an eye on your liver functions frequently if you are taking Kalimirch along with any hepatoprotective medicines.

 

Kalimirch can create itchiness, or your body may not be compatible with this herb, so self examines your body and then refer to treatment.

 
Recommended Dosage of Kalimirch
Kalimirch Churna: Twice a day, consume 3-4 pinch
Kalimirch Capsule: Twice a day, consume 1-2 capsules
Kalimirch Tablet: Twice a day, consume 1-2 tablet
Kalimirch in Cooking
 
1. Use Kalimirch in cooking as a spice to enrich the flavor and improve your food taste. 
 
2. Kalimirch Churna
a. Consume 3-4 pinch of Kalimirch Churna twice a day.
b. Mix it with honey and consume it after meals twice a day.
 
3. Kalimirch Capsule
a. Consume 1-2 Kalimirch Capsule.
b. Along with Water, swallow it.
c. Consume it after meals twice a day.
 
4. Kalimirch, i.e., Marichadi Vati
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Kalimirch.
b. Along with Water, swallow it and consume it after meals twice a day.
 
5. Kalimirch Kwath
a. Consume 2-3 teaspoons of Kalimirch kwath.
b. Mix it with honey and consume it after meals twice a day.
 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Q. Is weight loss possible by consuming Kalimirch?

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Yes, Kalimirch is good for weight loss as it improves the body's metabolism when taken in a moderate amount.

Yes, Kalimirch helps develop metabolism and reduces toxins that remain in the body due to improper digestion.

 

 
Q. Is the consumption of Kalimirch beneficial for men?

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Yes, Kalimirch helps men as it has aphrodisiac property and Piperine present, which has inhibitory effects.

Yes, Kalimirch is an efficient cure to keep up the sexual stamina in men because of its aphrodisiac property.

 
Q. Does the consumption of Kalimirch help in hair growth?

Scientific View

Ayurvedic view

Kalimirch manages hair troubles such as dandruff, and due to the anti-fungal activity, Kalimirch also prevents baldness.

Kalimirch helps to preserve hair growth when its oil is applied on the scalp. Kalimirch oil helps to remove excess dryness from the scalp and dandruff due to an aggravated Vata.

Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.