Looking at Life through Pink Colored Pepper…

Looking at Life through Pink Colored Pepper…

Though  commonly called the California Pepper Tree (aka Peruvian Pepper Tree,  Pink Peppercorn; Schinus molle), this tree is originally from South  America and is such a successful grower that it is now found in many  areas of the world.

The  Spanish colonies helped to spread this tree, as its wood is strong and  well-known for making good saddles. Today it has been naturalized in  regions of South Africa, Australia and the United States, among others.

Though  not a true pepper, it produces little peppercorns that are pink and  have a unique and pleasant flavor. Pink peppercorns are now found in  gourmet spice-mixes and have also been used to flavor beverages. In  Peru, they are made into a beverage that is consumed during celebrations  called chica de molle.

The  California Pepper also has a history of traditional medicinal use  across several cultures for such ailments as depression, rheumatism,  menstrual disorders, bronchitis, gout, ulcers, urethritis, wound healing  and toothache.

The  California Pepper is also used as a textile dye in the Andes, in  shamanic practices, and was used by the Incas for mummification. In  fact, recent evidence shows that The California Pepper was made into a  fermented brew (like beer) to enhance the orally-consumed activity of a  hallucinogenic plant that would be otherwise degraded by gut enzymes.

The  essential oil contains volatile oils of α-phellandrene, β-phellandrene,  α-terpineol, α-pinene, β-pinene, p-cymene, limonene, β-myrcene and  elemol. Other bioactive components include flavonoids, phenolic acids,  anthocyanins, tannins, catechins, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and  steroids.

The  tree itself has a weeping appearance, and for this reason is popular  among gardeners as it is drought tolerant, yet has a similar appearance  overall to a weeping willow.

The  peppercorns are decorative and are beautiful in cut flower  arrangements, as well as for dried flower bouquets. It’s a favorite of  mine for making garlands with the pink peppercorns, as they are very  beautiful and will dry and last for over a year.

Through  scientific investigation, The California Pepper has been found to  exhibit antioxidant, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial,  analgesic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and antitumor properties. Its  antidepressant effects have been postulated to be due to an increase  the availability of serotonin and noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft.

#ethnobotany#pepper#Peru#California#PinkPepper#MedicinalPlants

*This  content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not  intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice  or treatment from a personal physician.

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