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Information about the herb Allspice
Pimenta officinalis, also known as Allspice is part of the Myrtaceae plant family. Allspice is the dried
berry (fruit) from the tree Pimento officinalis or Eugenia
Pimenta indigenous to the West Indies and South America. It is also cultivated
in Central America and Mexico.
Botanical Name: Pimenta officinalis/Pimenta dioica
Common Name: Clove Pepper, Jamaican Pepper, Pimento
Plant Family: Myrtaceae
History: Allspice was discovered by Columbus in 1494 while he was searching for new sources of black pepper. It gets its name from the berry’s taste, which has been described as a combination of cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and Juniper berries.The botanical name is derived from 'pimenta' (Portuguese) and 'pimienta' (Spanish) which means 'pepper'.
FolkLore:
- used to encourage healing
- used in mixtures to ask for money and good fortune
Plant Constituents of Allspice
Contains:
- coloring matter
- fatty substance
- gallic acid
- green fixed oil
- gum
- inflammable particles (leaves and bark)
- lignin
- malic acid
- phenol Eugenol (60-75% of the volatile oil) - [promotes digestion by enhancing the activity of the digestive enzyme trypsin]
- resin
- saline matter
- sesquiterpene
- tannin
- uncrystalizable sugar
- volatile oil (3-4.5%)
Action:
- aromatic stimulant [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- carminative [an agent for easing griping pains, colic and expelling gas from the intestines] to the gastrointestinal tract
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
Medicinal Part used: Fruit (dried, full grown but immature) particularly the rind and shell. Other parts of the pimento can be used medicinally as well.
Allspice berries are used in Caribbean healing:
Jamaicans drink hot Allspice tea for:
- colds
- menstrual cramps
- upset stomach
Costa Ricans use it to treat:
- diabetes
- flatulence
- indigestion
Cubans use it for a:
- refreshing tonic
Guatemalans use the crushed berries on:
- bruises
- joint and muscle pains
Allspice is commonly used for:
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
The Essential Oil is used for:
- hysterical conditions
Gastrointestinal Conditions
The dried herb is used for:
- diarrhea
- dyspepsia
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- gripe (the oil reduces symptoms when taken with a laxative)
and
- as a mouthwash to freshen the breath
The Essential Oil is used for:
- flatulent indigestion (1 or 2 drops on sugar)
- gripe
Inflammatory Conditions
Externally Allspice has a local anesthetic effect and is used as a plaster for:
- neuralgia
- rheumatism
Muscular Conditions
- alleviates muscle pain
Other Conditions
- as a paste to soothe and relieve toothache (dentists use eugenol as a local anesthetic for teeth and gums)
Other Uses:
- added to curry powder
- added to mulled wine
- added to soaps for the perfume (Oil)
- an essential ingredient in pickling spices
- potpourri
- spice
- used as a substitute for tobacco (Jamaica)
The whole dried berry is often used in preparing meats and fish. When ground, Allspice adds a warm flavor to baked goods, sauces and vegetables. The flavor intensifies on standing when used for cooking.
It is often added to:
- purgatives [an agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels, more drastic than a laxative or aperient]
- tonics [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- oil, a standard dose is 2-3 drops or as directed
- powdered form, used as a medicinal tea,1 to 2 teaspoons of Allspice powder per half liter, steep for 10 to 20 minutes and strain. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
- extract - as directed
Caution:
Follow directions carefully when using oil as it can cause:
- convulsions
- nausea
- vomiting
Do not use the oil on your skin if you have:
- eczema
- other inflammatory skin conditions
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Allspice without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Allspice available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
