Guide To Pink Pepper Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

Although black pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum) is the most commonly used pepper oil in aromatherapy, another option is the botanically unrelated pink pepper essential oil (Schinus molle). This oil also goes by the names Peruvian pepper, Peruvian mastic, and California pepper.

Basic Pink Pepper Facts

Plant family: Anacardiaceae

Production: Steam distilled from berries of the Peruvian pepper tree.

Aroma: Spicy, warm, penetrating scent, reminiscent of black pepper but less dry, with soft citrus and woody notes, according to Aromatherapeutic Blending.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle

Is pink pepper safe to use during pregnancy? Consult a professional.

Is pink pepper essential oil safe for children? Yes, for ages 2+, according to Revive Essential Oils.

Main components:

• beta-myrcene  5.0–20.4%
• alpha-phellandrene 5.3–17.3%
• p-cymene       2.9–11.5%
• delta-cadinene 4.7–9.1%
• limonene        7.2–9.0%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Note: Other pepper oils, which may have different properties, include Brazilian pink pepper oil (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) of the Anacardiaceae family, Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum) of the Rutaceae family, and white pepper and green pepper essential oils that are extracted from the same plant as black pepper.

Pink Pepper Aromatherapy Benefits

The Aromatherapy Companion: Pink pepper has an affinity for the musculoskeletal and digestive systems. Use the oil for muscle aches, pains, and stiffness, arthritis, and rheumatism. The oil also helps relieve indigestion, sluggish digestion, excess gas, and lack of appetite. Other uses include helping improve poor circulation and reduce sensitivity to cold. Emotionally and mentally, the oil may help relieve emotional coldness, emotional exhaustion, apathy, low endurance, loss of motivation, mental fatigue, nervousness, and indecisiveness.

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition): Use pink pepper oil for arthritis and rheumatic pain, circulation, sprains, and muscle aches, pains, and stiffness. The oil also supports the digestive system, potentially helping relieve constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, heartburn, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice: Pink pepper stimulates the second and third charkras, supporting inner trust, inner warmth, expressiveness, and love of being in your body. This oil helps heal shame, body image issues, frigidity and feelings of vulnerability.

Aromaweb: Pink pepper is an emotional stimulant and is a good choice to include in blends to help enhance alertness and stamina.

Pink Pepper Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Breathe Easy Oil

Use this blend to relieve the congestion of chills and colds.

• 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil
• 6 tablespoons sunflower oil
• 10 drops pink pepper
• 15 drops cardamom essential oil
• 15 drops frankincense essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil

1. Combine the two carrier oils in a glass beaker.
2. In a separate glass beaker, combine the essential oils.
3. Add the essential oil blend to the carrier oil blend. Stir.
4. Pour into a suitable glass bottle for storage. Label the bottle.

To use: Pour a dime-size amount of the blend onto your hand and rub gently over your chest before going to bed. You can also use this blend up to three times throughout the day as needed.

Cautions: Do not use on or near babies and young children due to cardamom's high 1,8 cineole content. Recommended for adult use only away from young children. Photosensitive; avoid use prior to going into sunlight.

Source: Sharon Falsetto. "Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): A Warming Spice for Autumn Days." NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Autumn 2018.3, p 40.

Calming Sleep Blend

Use this blend before going to bed by rubbing a few drops on your temples, wrists, or pulse points.

• 2 drops roman chamomile essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops pink pepper essential oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil

Combine the essential oils in a glass bottle. Add carrier oil. Place cap on bottle. Gently shake.

Note: You can leave out the carrier oil and diffuse the essential oils.

Focusing Blend

Use this blend to enhance focus and concentration by applying a few drops to your chest, temples, or pulse points.

• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
  
• 4 drops pink pepper essential oil
• 1 tablespoon carrier oil
  

Combine the essential oils in a glass bottle. Add carrier oil. Place cap on bottle. Gently shake.

Note: You can leave out the carrier oil and diffuse the essential oils.

Source: Gya Labs

Focus Diffuser Blend

• 1 drop pink pepper
• 2 drops white fir essential oil
• 3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Source: Revive Essential Oils

Motivating Morning Diffuser Blend

• 1 drop pink pepper
• 1 drop tangerine essential oil
• 2 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 2 drops white fir essential oil

Source: Loving Essential Oils

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Photo Credit: Charles Gadbois, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons