Long pepper root is called Ganthoda or Piparmool. It is hot, useful in asthma, indigestion, bloating, anorexia, cold, cough, low metabolism etc.
Note: We have already dealt with benefits of long pepper fruit.
Botanical Name- Piper Longum
Family- PIPERACEAE
Vernacular names
Names in different languages:
Hindi Name- Pipala, Pippalki mool
English Name- Root of long pepp[er
Kannada Name – Hippali beru
Telugu Name- Pippallu
Tamil Name- Tippali Mula
Bengali Name- Pipal
Malayalam Name -Tippali Mula
Punjabi Name- Maghaun
Gujrati Name- Ghanthod
Marathi Name- Pimparamula
Sanskrit synonyms
Granthikam, Mula, Kanamula, Chavikashira, Katugranthi, Sarvagranthika
Ushanam – hot in nature
Katugranthi, Katumoola, Katushana – having pungent taste
Classical categorisation
Charaka-
Deepaniya – Digestive group of herbs
Shoola Prashamana – group of herbs that relieve abdomen pain.
Sushruta- Pippalyadi
Pippalimoola is one among the Vesavara group of herbs, used to spice up dishes. Other herbs in the group are – Ginger, pepper, long pepper fruit, coriander, cumin and pomegranate. (Dhanvantari Nighantu)
Panchakola – group of 5 spices – Long pepper fruit, Long pepper root, Chavya, Leadwort, Ginger.
Major chemical constituents
Essential oil, Piperine, B,-sitosterol, cepharadiones etc.
Medicinal properties
Root of long pepper – medicinal Properties
Rasa (taste)- Katu (pungent)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (lightness), Rooksha (dryness)
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion.
Veerya- Ushna – Hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha.
Part Used- Root
Dosage- Powder 0.5-1 g in divided dose per day.
Long pepper root uses
– Charaka sutrasthana 25
Pippalimoola (long pepper root) is best in promoting digestion, carminative and relieving bloating and constipation.
Sanskrit verse
Pippali moola benefits
Shleshma sanghata nashana – breaks down Kapha, useful in thick sputum, sinusitis and asthma.
Krumihara – useful in worm infestation, infected wounds
Deepana – improves digestion strength
Pachana – Digestive, relieves Ama Dosha
Pittakara – Increases Pitta Dosha
Bhedi – causes purgation
Udarahara – useful in ascites, enlargement of abdomen
Anahahara – relieves gas, fullness of abdomen, bloating
Pleehanut – useful in spleen disorders, splenomegaly
Gulmahara – useful in abdominal tumours
Shwasahara – useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders.
Kshayahara – useful in chronic respiratory disorders, tuberculosis
Vatahara – useful in treating disorders of Vata Dosha imbalance such as neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, bloating, etc
Rochana – improves taste, relieves anorexia
Research, Side effects
People with Pitta imbalance will find it hard to tolerate this spicy root.
It may cause or worsen gastritis, burning sensation in stomach, throat, palm and feet.
It is best to avoid long term usage of this herb.
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation with consultation of doctor.
Ayurvedic medicines
Ayurvedic medicines with Root of Piper longum
Gulgulwasavam – used in the treatment of diseases pertaining to liver and spleen.
Kiratarishta – used in the treatment of fever and haematological conditions
Saptavinshati Guggulu – used in quick healing of wounds, sinuses, skin diseases, etc.
Dadimavaleha – used in treating fever with diarrhoea, bleeding disorders, such as ulcerative colitis etc
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