Kali Mirch | Filfil Siah | Black Pepper | کالی مرچ | فلفل سیاہ

Its medicinal properties have been known for 4000 years. It is much employed as an anthelmintic, antioxidant, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, aromatic stimulant in cholera, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue, weakness following fevers, vertigo, coma, etc., as a stomachic in dyspepsia, flatulence, bloating, indigestion, nausea, lack of appetite, diarrhoea and various gastrointestinal ailments. It also has antiinflammatory, bacteriostatic, fungistatic, hepatic, rubefacient and stimulant properties. It stimulates the activity of the heart and kidneys and the nervous system. It warms the body, improves circulation and prevents the proliferation of pathogens. In 2000, UK researchers found that the fruit had antibacterial properties since it was shown to effectively combat the bacteria responsible for food poisoning.

It is also used in constipation, piles, colic, gastric troubles, ascites, anaemia, worms, asthma, cough, cold, etc. Also useful in malarial fever. The essential oil eases rheumatic pain and toothache.