Be it indigestion, acidity, constipation, loss of appetite or heartburn, if there is something that most people have complained about throughout the lockdown due to stress and anxiety, it’s nothing but gastrointestinal troubles. And if you prefer to treat it the natural way, then Pippali is there for your aid!
Call it ‘Pipli’ in Hindi, ‘Tippili’ in Tamil, ‘Pippalu’ in Telugu, ‘Tippali’ in Malayalam, or ‘Pipul’ in Bengali, this traditional aromatic herb has been with us for centuries owing to its extensive therapeutic qualities. Going by the botanical name Piper longum, it comes from the Piperaceae family. The herb is indigenous to several parts of India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Srilanka.
Time and again, this classical herb has been mentioned in various ayurvedic scriptures owing to its potent digestive, carminative, rejuvenative, anti-ageing and apphrodisiac effects and hence has been extensively used for the treatment and management of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, diabetes, infections, weight loss, and menstrual problems etc.
According to Acharya Charaka, an ancient ayurvedic sage, Pippali showcases strong Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (improves digestion), Sheeto Prashamana (treats cough and cold), Shoola Prashamana (treats colic and abdominal pain), Asthapanopaga (treats enema), Kasahara (treats cough and congestion), Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups), Kantya (relieves sore throat), Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation), and Vamanopaga (treats emesis) properties.
Nutritional Content
Pippali showcases an incredible quarry of bioactive components including glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, eugenols, resins, sugar, saturated fat, essential oil, volatile oil, and active constituents like piperine, piperlatine, piperlongumine, myrcene, triacontane, quercetin, and sylvatine.
Pippali For Digestive Troubles
Enhances Digestion
Imbued with powerful carminative and digestive qualities, formulations containing pippali helps in breaking down the food particles in the stomach and intestine, triggers the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby enhances the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. It helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn reduces abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps.
Remedies IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome or Grahani is mostly caused due to numerous physical and mental stressors and can trigger both diarrhoea and constipation. Pippali is an effective choice for treating this painful disease as it not only prevents constipation but also reduces mental stress.
Averts Acidity And Gastritis
Excessive secretion of acid in the stomach may be extremely agitating and cause uneasiness throughout the day. Imbued with strong antacid properties, pippali is the ultimate remedy for acidity and gastritis. It effectively regulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid and other stomach acids in the stomach and also reduces burning in the throat, chest, stomach, and abdomen.
Prevents Bloating And Flatulence
Pippali is a classical remedial herb for treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, indigestion, constipation, flatulence and stomach pain. Thanks to the abundance of antioxidants, pippali holds high significance in reducing flatulence, intestinal gas, bloating and abdominal heaviness.
Enhances Appetite
Pippali is a wonder herb for patients suffering from a loss of appetite and eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia, pre-existing chronic debilitating disorders, and during convalescence from an acute or chronic infective disorder. Regular intake of Pippali improves appetite and also helps in enhancing digestion.