Long Pepper
- Chinese
- 荜茇
- Pinyin
- Bi Ba
- Latin
- Fructus Piperis Longi
Known in TCM as Bi Ba (荜茇), this acrid, hot herb enters the Stomach and Large Intestine. Traditionally, it warms the Middle Burner and dispels Cold; treats epigastric and abdominal pain from Cold accumulation, most often applied for abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion. Modern research has identified Piperine among its active constituents.
Part used: Fruit
Also Known As
Latin: Fructus Piperis Longi | Pinyin: Bi Ba | Chinese: 荜茇
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid
- Temperature
- hot
- Channels
- Stomach, Large Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner and dispels Cold; treats epigastric and abdominal pain from Cold accumulation
- Directs rebellious Qi downward; relieves vomiting, hiccup, and acid regurgitation caused by Stomach Cold
Secondary Actions
- Applied topically as a folk remedy for toothache associated with Wind-Cold
Classical References
- First recorded in the Kai Bao Ben Cao (973 CE) as an introduced Stomach-warming material
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) describes Bi Ba as warming the Middle and dispelling Cold for abdominal pain and diarrhea
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Piperine
- Piperlongumine
- Chavicine
- Sesamin
- Guineensine
Studied Effects
- Anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of COX-2 expression
- Antitumor activity across multiple cancer cell lines through induction of apoptosis
- Piperine enhances the bioavailability of co-administered compounds
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Heat patterns from Excess or Deficiency
Cautions
- Strongly warming and drying; avoid prolonged use in Yin-deficient or Heat-prone individuals
Conditions
- Abdominal Pain Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Nausea Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Indigestion Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Toothache Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Long Pepper used for?
Long Pepper is traditionally used to Warms the Middle Burner and dispels Cold; treats epigastric and abdominal pain from Cold accumulation, Directs rebellious Qi downward; relieves vomiting, hiccup, and acid regurgitation caused by Stomach Cold. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-inflammatory activity via suppression of COX-2 expression; Antitumor activity across multiple cancer cell lines through induction of apoptosis.
What are other names for Long Pepper?
Long Pepper is also known as Piper longum, Indian Long Pepper, Piperis. In TCM: 荜茇 (Bi Ba); Fructus Piperis Longi.
Is Long Pepper safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Long Pepper during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Long Pepper?
Long Pepper should not be used in: Heat patterns from Excess or Deficiency. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.