November Oil Of The Month - Cubeb

The Oil of the Month is Cubeb!

Also called Java pepper, this essential oil is warming and has an enticing, wonderful scent. The herb and oil have long been used as an aphrodisiac and to create an intimate mood. It’s been mentioned in books as early as the 4th century. Now it is often used for blends to help in various situations, from soreness to massage. This essential oil is popular in use around Asia for its beneficial properties.

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Cubeb’s botanical name is Piper cubeba, and comes from Indonesia. It is in good company. You may have also heard of the botanical name Litsea cubeba. This refers to May Chang, which is from a different pepper plant and has a lemony scent. Of course, we also have Black Pepper, which has the botanical name Piper nigrum, and comes from India. These are all lovely, useful oils — Black Pepper being the only KidSafe pepper essential oil that Plant Therapy carries.

This peppery pleasure is extracted from dried berries of the plant using the steam distillation method. This oil is mainly comprised of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. This means that it has properties that can be helpful for issues associated with swelling and body discomfort, due to overexertion or aging joints. It can also help with digestive issues and diluted with a carrier oil and massaged clockwise into abdomen may bring relief from several “irregular” symptoms and from bloating. Cubeb can be stimulating and supportive for proper digestion. It also helps with symptoms associated with menstrual issues, can help to alleviate congestion, and help to promote clear, unlabored breathing.

Cubeb would blend well with Lavender, Geranium, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Allspice, Clove, Ylang Ylang and Rosemary.