6 Proven Health Benefits of Pippali

A piquant herbal remedy that promises to ease a variety of health problems from a cold to a flagging libido – that’s pippali or Piper longum for you! Whether you are having it brewed into a healing decoction, as a strengthening or restorative powder or churna, or even in a simple soup, this spicy ayurvedic remedy is both easy to use and effective. Here are some of the problems it can help you fight.

# Treats Respiratory Problems

Pippali is most renowned for its effectiveness against conditions affecting your respiratory tract, like colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. It serves as a counter-irritant and eases inflammation. It is even used in treating bronchial asthma in children. Pippali not only helps fight infections by virtue of its antibacterial properties but also works locally to help thin phlegm and ease congestion.

# Boosts Digestion

If you have digestive problems like flatulence and heartburn or are experiencing a dulled appetite, pippali can help. It stimulates your digestive system and boosts your appetite due to its carminative properties. It can also fight and protect against ulcers thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

# Detoxifies Your Liver

The active component of long pepper, piperine, can counter hepatotoxicity or chemical-driven liver damage. Piperine has the potential to protect your liver, restricting fibrosis and improving regeneration. However, do note, if your problems involve cirrhosis or acute damage, it may not offer adequate protection.

# Helps Manage Diabetes

Animal studies have shown that the plant extract from pippali can help manage hyperglycemia or high blood glucose levels typical of diabetes. In one study, pippali extracts showed significant antidiabetic activity in diabetic rats – their fasting blood glucose levels had dropped significantly when tested after 30 days of treatment. Pippali helps boost insulin in the body while decreasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, a marker of diabetes.

# Fights Insomnia

Powdered pippali is given along with honey as a remedy for sleeping problems like insomnia, also known as “anidra” in ayurveda. You could also take it with milk at bedtime to help you sleep better. In one study, people with stress-induced insomnia were given a herbal formulation called pippalimulyadi vati at night. This combined pippali with other herbs like ashwagandha and jatamansi. At the end of the trial, the subjects reported better sleep and showed considerable improvement in overall well-being, alertness, and fitness, scoring on both subjective and clinical markers of sleep. Pippali’s sedative or tranquilizing effects are put to use not just in insomnia but also in epilepsy treatments.