Black pepper has been called the “King of Spices.” It was once so valuable it was traded like gold along ancient spice routes. Beyond the kitchen, it has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional herbalism as a warming herb for digestion and circulation. Black pepper’s bold, warm bite comes from piperine, a natural compound that helps the body absorb other nutrients and herbs more effectively. Most famously, it makes turmeric up to 20 times more available to the body. That’s why the two are such a classic pair. Ways to use it: Golden milk: add a pinch to golden milk or turmeric tea to get the most from your turmeric. Home capsules: mix it into turmeric or other herbal blends before filling your own capsules. Kitchen: season soups, eggs, meats, vegetables and salads. Warming tea: sprinkle it into chai or a warming ginger and cinnamon tea to support digestion. Fire cider: add it to homemade fire cider and other folk tonics. Pair it with: our Turmeric Powder. Black pepper and turmeric are better together! Cautions: normal culinary amounts are safe for most people. If you take prescription medications, talk with your provider before using larger, supplement-level amounts, because piperine can change how the body absorbs some medications. Sold by the ounce.
