Long Pepper {Piper Longum}
Long Pepper called Pippali in Ayurveda is good for Kapha and Vata
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Kapha and Vata
- Taste – Pungent
- Energetics – Heating (mildly)
- Main Action: Rejuvenitive for the lungs, expectorant, carminative, analgesic
- Other Uses: Agni deepana and carminative (vata anulomana). Used in respiratory conditions including bronchitis, laryngitis, hiccups, cough, and asthma (it is an expectorant). Strengthens Rakta-agni; a powder of pippali and amla is used in anemia. Pippali is used as a Rasayana: Vardhaman Pippali Rasayana strengthens all dhatus.
Modern Research
It has been studies for its effects on abnormal development and growth of cells of the cervix (cervical dysplasia).It containsindole-3-carbinol, which is a substance found in vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, turnips, and rutabagas. Indole-3-carbinol is used for prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer, and other types of cancer. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reviewed indole-3-carbinol as a possible cancer preventive agent and is now sponsoring clinical research for breast cancer prevention. Indole-3-carbinol is also used for fibromyalgia, tumors inside the voice box (laryngeal papillomatosis) caused by a virus, tumors inside the respiratory tract (respiratory papillomatosis) caused by a virus, abnormal cell growth in the cervix (cervical dysplasia), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Indole-3-carbinol has also been used to balance hormone levels, “detoxify” the intestines and liver, and to support the immune system.