Pippali Fruit Powder (Piper Longum)

*Pippali has the unique position of being an ayurvedic herb as well as a spice. It is used extensively to address restrictions to the flow of Prana and respiratory issues and rejuvenates lung function. Given its ability to stimulate the digestive fire in a very gentle manner, it can be taken by many that struggle with digestion. Pippali has the unique ability to assist and enhance the absorption of other herbs, so it is found in many ayurvedic formulations. Pippali activates the healthy immune response and improves blood flow to all the organs of the body. It is one among the three pungent called Trikatu, that is used to increase the Agni (digestive fire)

*Benefits include enhancing anti-aging qualities, enhancing sexual energy, boost the immune system, and promotes more natural bowel movements, promotes the health of the liver, kidney, spleen, and heart.

Suggested Use: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon in powder form, once or twice daily, or use as directed by your health practitioner.

Botanical name: Piper longum
Family: Piperaceae
English name: Long pepper

Morphology:
Pippali is a slender aromatic climber with woody roots. Branches prostrate or creeping with broad leaves. Lower leaves grow to a length of up to 7.5 cm, ovate and accumulate. Upper leaves are much narrower with unequal basal lobes. Spikes are up to 7.5 cm in height, cylindrical, pedunculate. Fruits are ovoid. The pericarp of the fruit contains zones of epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp.

Physico-chemical properties:
Taste: Pungent
Qualities: light, unctuous, strong, piercing
Vipaka – after digestion taste transformation – Sweet
Veerya – Anushna – moderately hot
Effect on Dosha: Balances Vata and Kapha Doshas.

Bhavaprakasha Haritakyadi Varga
पिप्पली दीपनी वृष्या स्वादुपाका रसायनी |
अनुष्णा कटुका स्निग्धा वातश्लेष्महरी लघुः ||५०||
पिप्पली रेचनी हन्ति श्वासकासोदरज्वरान् |
कुष्ठप्रमेहगुल्मार्शः प्लीहशूलाममारुतान् ||५१||
आर्द्रा कफप्रदा स्निग्धा शीतला मधुरा गुरुः |
पित्तप्रशमनी सा तु शुष्का पित्तप्रकोपिणी ||५२||