Long pepper
Piper longum · Piperaceae
Reviewed by The Sarv Health Team · Updated June 29, 2026 · Our editorial process
Long pepper, known in Ayurveda as pippali, is a warming spice and medicine closely related to black pepper, prized for its ability to kindle digestion and rejuvenate the lungs. Classified as pungent and heating, it is one of the three spices in the famous formula trikatu, used to stimulate the digestive fire, relieve sluggish digestion, gas, and bloating, and counter cold, damp conditions in the body. Long pepper is especially treasured as a respiratory rejuvenative, traditionally used for chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, and congestion, helping to warm the lungs and clear phlegm. It is also famous as a yogavahi, a substance that enhances the absorption and effectiveness of other herbs and nutrients. Its active compound piperine underlies its warming, stimulating, and bioavailability-enhancing effects. Warming and invigorating, long pepper is treasured as a remedy for digestion, respiratory health, and the deeper assimilation of nutrients.
Medicinal Uses
Long pepper, known in Ayurveda as pippali, is the fruiting spike of a flowering vine closely related to black pepper, and it has been used as both spice and medicine for thousands of years. It is classified as pungent and heating and is regarded as a key remedy for stimulating digestion and rejuvenating the respiratory system.
A foremost medicinal use of long pepper is kindling the digestive fire (agni). As one of the three pungent spices in the classic formula trikatu, it is used to stimulate appetite and digestion, relieve sluggish digestion, gas, bloating, and the heaviness associated with cold, damp conditions, and to help the body burn through accumulated toxins (ama).
Long pepper is especially treasured as a respiratory rejuvenative. It is traditionally used for chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, colds, and congestion, where its warming, stimulating action helps clear phlegm, open the airways, and strengthen the lungs. It is considered a true rasayana for the respiratory system.
The spice is also famous as a yogavahi, meaning a substance that enhances the absorption, potency, and delivery of other herbs and nutrients. For this reason it is frequently added to formulas to increase their effectiveness, and modern research on its compound piperine confirms its ability to improve the bioavailability of many substances.
With piperine and related alkaloids as its key active constituents, long pepper provides warming, digestive, expectorant, and bioavailability-enhancing effects. Warming and invigorating, it is treasured as a remedy for digestion, respiratory health, and the deeper assimilation of nutrients.
Benefits
Kindles digestion, stimulates appetite, relieves sluggish digestion, gas, and bloating, warms the body, rejuvenates the lungs, eases chronic cough, asthma, and bronchitis, clears phlegm and congestion, enhances absorption of other herbs and nutrients, helps clear toxins
How to Use & Dosage
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (0.5-2 grams) of long pepper powder, taken 1-2 times daily, often with honey or warm water.
250-1000 mg per day, divided into 1-2 doses.
1-3 ml (about 20-60 drops), taken 2-3 times daily.
Simmer 1/2 teaspoon of long pepper in water or milk for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1 cup daily.
More Info
Frequently asked questions
What is Long pepper used for?
Long pepper, known in Ayurveda as pippali, is the fruiting spike of a flowering vine closely related to black pepper, and it has been used as both spice and medicine for thousands of years. It is classified as pungent and heating and is regarded as a key remedy for stimulating digestion and rejuvenating the respiratory system. A foremost medicinal use of long pepper is kindling the digestive fire (agni).
What are the benefits of Long pepper?
Kindles digestion, stimulates appetite, relieves sluggish digestion, gas, and bloating, warms the body, rejuvenates the lungs, eases chronic cough, asthma, and bronchitis, clears phlegm and congestion, enhances absorption of other herbs and nutrients, helps clear toxins
How do you take Long pepper?
Common preparations include powder, capsules, tincture, decoction. See the dosage guidance above, and consult a qualified practitioner for amounts suited to you.
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
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