Botanical Overview
Piper cubeba, commonly known as Cubeb, Cubeb pepper, or Tailed pepper, belongs to the family Piperaceae. The medicinally used part is the fruit, widely harvested from regions in South Asia, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia.
Energetics
Cubeb fruit has warming temperature and drying moisture energetics. It possesses bitter and pungent tastes, with an ascending and outward directionality. It is considered tonifying and primarily influences the qi aspect.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Expectorant
- Digestive tonic
Indications
Western
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Dyspepsia
- Flatulence
- Urinary tract infections
Syndromes
- Respiratory congestion
- Digestive disturbances
- Urinary retention
TCM
- Cough with phlegm
- Abdominal pain
- Dysuria
Syndromes
- Lung cold with phlegm
- Spleen qi deficiency
- Damp-heat in the bladder
Ayurveda
- Kapha imbalance
- Cough
- Digestive sluggishness
Syndromes
- Ama (toxicity)
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders in urinary system
Unani
- Chronic cough
- Dyspepsia
- Urinary difficulties
Syndromes
- Phlegmatic cough
- Gastritis
- Bladder weakness
Constituents & Mechanisms
Piper cubeba contains phytochemicals including cubebin, cubebic acid, essential oils, alkaloids, and lignans which contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder: 1-3 g, one to two times daily
- Tincture (1:5 in 40% ethanol): 2-4 mL, one to three times daily
- Infusion: 2-5 g in hot water, one to two times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Cubeb is generally safe in recommended doses but may cause mucous membrane irritation. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Avoid use with hypersensitivity to Piper species and high doses to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers are established for Piper cubeba in available credible herbal/esoteric texts.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy: Herbal Medicine, 4th Edition
- Medicinal Plants Database – Plants For A Future
- Handbook of Indian Medicinal Plants
- European Medicines Agency – HMPC Assessment Report