Pippali
Pippali
Pippali is an essential herb used in various Ayurvedic medicines. The roots and fruits of Pippali are used for its medicinal purposes. Fruits of this plant are slight yellow to orange in color and pungent in taste.
Pippali is an effective home remedy in managing cough and cold. Swallowing Pippali powder along with honey after lunch and dinner helps release mucus from the air passages due to its expectorant property, thus allowing the patient to breathe easily. It’s consumption might also help promote weight loss by improving the body’s metabolism. Consuming Pippali powder might be useful in managing constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
Pippali might also be beneficial in managing toothache. Rubbing a paste of Pippali powder along with honey on the gums and teeth reduces pain and inflammation in the teeth due to its Kapha balancing nature.
In some cases, Pippali consumption might cause heartburn and acidity due to its hot potency. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have stomach ulcers[1-3][5].
Pippali is an effective home remedy in managing cough and cold. Swallowing Pippali powder along with honey after lunch and dinner helps release mucus from the air passages due to its expectorant property, thus allowing the patient to breathe easily. It’s consumption might also help promote weight loss by improving the body’s metabolism. Consuming Pippali powder might be useful in managing constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
Pippali might also be beneficial in managing toothache. Rubbing a paste of Pippali powder along with honey on the gums and teeth reduces pain and inflammation in the teeth due to its Kapha balancing nature.
In some cases, Pippali consumption might cause heartburn and acidity due to its hot potency. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have stomach ulcers[1-3][5].
What are the synonyms of Pippali?
Piper longum, Long Pepper, Pipal, Pipli, Lendi Peepar, Dantakapha, Gonamika, Granthika, Granthikam, Kagophale, Kanamula, Pipoli, Pimpli, Piplee, Videhee, Modi, Argadi[1].
What is the source of Pippali?
Plant Based
Benefits of Pippali
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali has been used to manage cholera[4][7][9][10].
Modern Science View
Pippali contains a component that acts as a sedative and helps to manage seizures in epilepsy[4][8][15][16].
Modern Science View
Pippali contains certain compounds that have anti-asthmatic property. It may be beneficial in managing bronchial asthma in children[4][10-12].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (asthma). Pippali is very useful asthma because it has decongestant, bronchodilator, and expectorant activities. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali has been used to manage chronic bronchitis[4][10][11][13].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali is good if you have a cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Pippali has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It reduces Ama and expel excessive mucus from the lungs thus gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali Powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali Powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing diarrhea due to it antidiarrhoeal property[4][7][13].
Ayurvedic View
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Pippali powder helps to control diarrhea because it has Vata balancing property. It also improves the digestive fire because of its Deepan (appetizer) property which helps to control unusual motion frequency.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control diarrhea.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, in traditional medicine, Pippali is used to manage cough[4][8][10][14].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Pippali controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is because Pippali has decongestant, bronchodilator and expectorant effects due to its Kapha balancing properties. Pippali shows good result in cough and cold when it is taken with honey. Pippali also gives rejuvenating effect on the lungs due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control cough.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to control cough.
Modern Science View
Pippali contains a component that has antipyretic property. Due to this, it may be useful in managing fever[4][17-19].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali might help reduce fever and its symptoms. According to Ayurveda, there are different types of fever, depending on the dosha involved. Usually, a fever indicates an excess accumulation of Ama due to low digestive fire. Taking Pippali with honey helps to reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Pippali also helps to boost immunity. This helps to fight against infection and reduce fever because of its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage fever.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage fever.
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage stomach ache due to gas or flatulence. Gas or flatulence is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation and causes stomach ache. Taking Pippali powder helps to correct digestive fire because of its Anuushna (mild hot) potency. This prevents gas formation and thus stomach ache.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm after taking light food to get relief from stomach ache.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm after taking light food to get relief from stomach ache.
Modern Science View
Pippali may be useful in managing indigestion due to its stomachic and digestive property[4][14][21].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Pippali powder helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and digests the food easily. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties respectively.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder .
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage indigestion.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder .
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner to manage indigestion.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing menstrual pain[4][22].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kashtaartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Pippali has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water after lunch and dinner to control menstrual pain.
Tips:
1. Take 2-3 pinch of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with lukewarm water after lunch and dinner to control menstrual pain.
How effective is Pippali?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Cholera, Cough, Diarrhea, Epilepsy, Fever, Flatulence (gas formation), Indigestion, Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Menstrual pain, Stroke
Precautions when using Pippali
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have hyperacidity and gastritis since it has Anuushna (Mild hot) potency.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali during breastfeeding[4].
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Pippali during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Stomach pain
2. Acidity
3. Heartburn[5]
2. Acidity
3. Heartburn[5]
Recommended Dosage of Pippali
- Pippali Churna - 4-8 pinch twice a day
- Pippali Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day
- Pippali Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day
How to use Pippali
1. Pippali Churna
a. Take 4-8 pinch of Pippali churna.
b. Swallow it with honey or milk after lunch and dinner.
2. Pippali Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Capsule of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Pippali Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablet of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
a. Take 4-8 pinch of Pippali churna.
b. Swallow it with honey or milk after lunch and dinner.
2. Pippali Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Capsule of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Pippali Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablet of Pippali.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Pippali
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing headache[4][9].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali might give relief from a headache associated with common cold. This kind of headache is mainly due to excess Kapha. A paste of Pippali powder helps to reduce a headache due to Kapha balancing nature when applied on the forehead.
Tips:
1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Pippali powder or as per requirement.
2. Make a paste with water and apply on the forehead.
3. Leave it for at least 1-2 hour or till headache subsides.
Tips:
1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Pippali powder or as per requirement.
2. Make a paste with water and apply on the forehead.
3. Leave it for at least 1-2 hour or till headache subsides.
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to reduce a toothache when Pippali powder is rubbed on the gums and teeth. According to Ayurveda, mouth acts as the seat of Kapha dosha and an imbalance in Kapha dosha might lead to several dental problems like a toothache. Pippali helps to manage a toothache due to its Kapha balancing nature.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Pippali powder.
2. Mix with ½-1 teaspoon of honey and make a paste.
3. Rub the teeth once or twice a day to manage a toothache.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Pippali powder.
2. Mix with ½-1 teaspoon of honey and make a paste.
3. Rub the teeth once or twice a day to manage a toothache.
How effective is Pippali?
Insufficient evidence
Headache, Toothache
Precautions when using Pippali
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Pippali paste with water or honey if you have hypersensitive skin since it has Anuushna (mild hot) potency.
Recommended Dosage of Pippali
- Pippali Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Pippali
1. Pippali Powder
a. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Pippali Powder.
b. Add honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
a. Take ¼ -½ teaspoon of Pippali Powder.
b. Add honey and make a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Proper germination of seeds require adequate temperature. Pippali needs the temperature as high as 85 degree F, this is the reason they need an approximate time of 7-8 days to germinate.
Modern Science View
Pippali is available in the market in various forms such as
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Tablet
1. Churna
2. Capsule
3. Tablet
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali may be useful in managing digestive problems. It has carminative (reduces flatulence/gas), stomachic (promotes digestion) and laxative properties. Due to these properties, Pippali may be useful in managing indigestion, flatulence/gas and constipation[3][6].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing constipation due to its laxative property[6][7].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Pippali may be useful in managing piles[3][8].
Modern Science View
Since Pippali is hot in potency, it might cause heartburn and acidity. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor before taking Pippali if you have stomach ulcers[5].
Modern Science View
Pippali helps in weight loss due to the presence of active compound piperine that has thermogenic (heat producing) effect and antioxidant property. This helps to improve body’s metabolism and thus promotes weight loss by eliminating toxins from the body. Also Pippali helps to reduce the amount of fat in the body. One can take powder consisting of Pippali, black pepper and ginger, known as Trikatu for weight loss[23][24].
Ayurvedic View
Pippali helps to manage weight by reducing Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) which is the prime cause of weight gain. Pippali has Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties which helps to improve the digestive fire and thus control weight gain.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner.
3. Repeat daily to manage weight gain.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey after lunch and dinner.
3. Repeat daily to manage weight gain.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali churna can be used to manage insomnia. It is due to the sedative property of extracts from Pippali fruits and roots that causes drowsiness and therefore induces sleep. Pippali churna along with jaggery and milk can be taken in the evening after meals for the management of insomnia[8][25].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pippali can be used to manage insomnia. This is because according to Ayurveda, insomnia is caused by an aggravated Vata and Pippali has Vata balancing property.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Mix it with milk and have it before sleeping to manage insomnia.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Mix it with milk and have it before sleeping to manage insomnia.
Modern Science View
Yes, Pippali powder can be used to suppress hiccups. The fruits of this plant has stimulant property that causes the diaphragm to relax, thus suppressing its involuntary movements or hiccups[26].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Pippali powder can be used to suppress or control hiccups. Hiccups occur due to an aggravated Vata and Kapha. It obstructs the channels in the digestive tract and results in hiccups. Pippali powder helps to balance Vata and reduces Kapha and helps clear obstruction. This helps control hiccups.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey once or twice a day to control hiccups.
Tip:
1. Take 2-3 pinches of Pippali powder.
2. Swallow it with honey once or twice a day to control hiccups.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.