27/02/2025
Here is Piper longum, commonly known as Long Pepper or Pippali in Ayurvedic medicine!
It’s not a spice very commonly found in the supermarkets of the UK, but readily available in the spice markets of Delhi, such as Khari Baoli!
It is warming, and both sweet and spicy; used to stimulate digestion and metabolism, whilst having decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Long Pepper was thrown more into the spotlight in the last few decades, when trials were carried out on combinations of Long Pepper with Turmeric.
Turmeric alone is poorly absorbed, but its bioavailability and absorption is greatly enhanced when taken alongside Long Pepper.
Black Pepper is frequently seen in supplements with Turmeric now, as it became more widely studied, being more readily available. Both Long Pepper & Black Pepper contain a compound called piperine; shown to enhance bioavailability of curcumin (from Turmeric/Curcuma longa). The power of plants! 🌿🌸
