Botanical Overview
Piper longum, commonly known as Long Pepper or Indian long pepper, belongs to the family Piperaceae. Native to South and Southeast Asia, the plant’s fruit and root are traditionally used medicinally. It is well recognized in Ayurvedic medicine as “Pippali” and valued for its pungent fruit.
Energetics
Piper longum is characterized by a warming temperature and drying moisture quality. The taste is predominantly pungent and bitter. It is considered tonifying with effects primarily on the qi (vital energy).
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Digestive tonic
- Expectorant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stimulant
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Respiratory congestion
- Cough
- Cold
- Poor appetite
Syndromes
- Chronic bronchitis
- Dyspepsia
- Malabsorption
TCM
- Cold in the stomach
- Abdominal pain
- Cough with copious sputum
Syndromes
- Qi deficiency with cold
- Phlegm accumulation
Ayurveda
- Digestive sluggishness
- Respiratory infections
- Loss of appetite
- Cough
Syndromes
- Kapha and Vata imbalance
- Ama accumulation
- Digestive fire deficiency
Unani
- Dyspepsia
- Cold-related cough
- Weak digestion
Syndromes
- Cold diseases
- Phlegmatic disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemical constituents include alkaloids such as piperine, essential oils, amides, and resins, which contribute to its digestive stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered fruit 1–3 g, 1–2 times daily
- Decoction 2–4 g of fruit, 1–2 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol, 2–5 mL, 1–3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used in traditional doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Avoid use in individuals with peptic ulcers or gastric hyperacidity. May interact with anticoagulant drugs and medications metabolized by liver enzymes.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sourced information found to confidently assign planetary or elemental rulers.
Selected References
- Piper longum Linn.-A Phytopharmacological Review
- Piper longum L., PFAF Database
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Piper longum Linn.