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.
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*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.