Hu Jiao "Barbarian pepper" Fr. Piperi Nigri Black Pepper
Properties: acrid, hot
Channels: Stomach, Large Intestine
Functions: Warms the Middle Jiao, stops pain
Stimulates appetite (1/2 -1 g)
Dosage: 2-4 g in decoction or 0.5 g in powder
Caution: Yin Deficeincy with heat signs
HarvestOct-April
Preparation Can harvest the pepper when black in Oct-April, soak in water and remove skin to get white pepper
Nutrition: To improve week digestion (Spleen Qi Deficiency) make a soup and add black pepper and fresh ginger to it.
References:
1. Lecture and notes from Pharmacopoeia II 1998. Dr. Li Jin LAc,
OMD of the Su & Jin Family Acupuncture and Herb Clinic. p. 69.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Index