Base Formula Consultant Aromatherapist and FHT Expert Adviser, Christine Fisk MFHT, writes about the use of black pepper essential oil for aches and pains on the Base Formula blog:

Black Pepper is part of the Piperaceae family, and is commonly known as Pepper oil. It’s native to South West India, and is obtained by steam distillation of the still green unripe berries. Black Pepper is composed mainly of monoterpenes (64%) and sesquiterpenes (22%) as well as a small percentage of alcohols, ketones and oxides. Monoterpenes are said to have slightly analgesic properties whilst sesquiterpenes are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. The aroma of Black Pepper is described as crisp and fresh and, I believe, is more suited for working on a physical rather than emotional level. The oil ranges from being clear, colourless to an olive green liquid, yellowing with age.

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