Pippali, also known as Long Pepper (Botanical name: Piper longum), is a powerful Ayurvedic herb widely used for treating colds, coughs, and various respiratory problems. It is a long, thin, black-brown spice that looks like a small elongated pepper. Pippali contains the active compound piperine, which gives it strong warming, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Benefits

• Respiratory Health: It helps reduce mucus, clear congestion, and relieve chronic cough, asthma, and bronchitis.
• Digestive Health: Pippali also improves digestion by enhancing digestive fire, reducing gas, and stimulating appetite.
• Immunity Booster: Its strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties help the body fight infections and boost overall immunity.
• Weight Management: It aids in weight loss by improving metabolism and helping to burn fat and eliminate toxins.
• Pain Relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it may help manage joint pain, arthritis, headaches, and muscle pain.
• Liver Health: It has hepatoprotective properties that support liver function and detoxification.

How to Use Pippali

• In Tea: Add 1-2 crushed Pippali sticks to boiling water along with ginger or tulsi. Boil for 3-4 minutes, strain, and drink warm. This is excellent for cold, cough, and congestion.
• In Soup: Add a small pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of Pippali powder or 1 crushed stick to soups while boiling. It enhances warmth, improves digestion, and boosts immunity.
• In Curry: Add crushed or powdered Pippali during tempering or while cooking curries. It gives a mild heat and deep flavor while supporting digestion and metabolism.
• With Honey (for cough): Mix a pinch of Pippali powder with 1 teaspoon honey and take once or twice daily for cough relief.