Pippalimoola (Root of Piper longum Linn.) - Pippalimool means roots of Pippali (long pepper) plant. The roots are perennial, woody, and aromatic and are used in powder form with warm water, milk or preferably with ghrita (clarified butter). Many references regarding the therapeutic use of Pippalimoola are available in ancient classical Ayurvedic texts for its carminative, antispasmodic and sedative actions.
Composition - Pippalimoola powder consists of roots of Pippali
English name - Long Pepper
Latin name - Piper longum Linn.
Family - Piperaceae
Part used - Fruit.
Main chemical constituents - Alkaloids (Piperine, Piperlongumine, Piperlonguminine, etc.), essential oils.
Dosage form - Reddish-brown to creamy-grey bitter powder.
Therapeutic properties - The roots of Pippali have thermogenic, tonic, diuretic, purgative expectorant, anthelmintic, stomachic, digestive, emmenagogue, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system stimulant, antispasmodic, and analeptic properties.
Indication and uses - Headache, insomnia, cough, cold, and chronic bronchitis.
Precautions and safety aspects -
(1) No toxic effect or adverse reaction is reported with recommended dose of Pippali root powder.
(2) Pippali root should be used with caution in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it is safe for the baby if a nursing mother is taking this medication.
(3) Pippalimool is hot in nature, so should be used with caution in summer and by hot temperament individuals and menstruating women.
(4) During medication with Pippalimool, diet should be simple, easily digestible and free from spicy and pungent-bitter-astringent food items.