It is from a plant called “tailed pepper” that an essential oil known as Cubeb Oil is extracted. This oil is derived from a plant known as “Cubeb” which belongs to a species known as “Piper Cubeba” within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, this oil basically is pale green-bluish in colour. In addition, with regards to aroma it possesses a “pepper like smell”. Apparently, this essential oil was officially included in the French pharmacopeia right until the year 1937.
A. Chemical constituents of Cubeb Oil:
This oil is extracted from the Cubeb plant which belongs to the “Piper Cubeba” species in the plant kingdom. In addition, this oil consists of organic compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and 1,4 and 1,8 cineole and alcohol cubebol. In addition, it also consists of an organic compound called Cubebene.
B. The uses and benefits of Cubeb Oil:
There are a number of benefits to using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Diuretic:
This oil when used is capable of stimulating the removal of waste materials such as kidney stone from the body, and thereby serves as a diuretic.
2. Carminative:
This oil consists of a curative property which enables the clearing of gas within the gastrointestinal system, and thereby serves as a carminative.
3. Anti-parasitic:
This oil comprises of a medicinal property that inhibits the growth of parasites in the body, and thereby serves an anti-parasitic agent.
4. Flavouring agent:
This oil due to its aroma is also used as a flavouring agent in food.
5. Anti-cancerous:
This oil also consists of medicinal properties that helps in inhibiting the growth of a malignant tumor, and thereby serves as an anti-cancerous agent.
C. The adverse effects of the Cubeb Oil:
The use of this oil also entails a few adverse effects. These effects are as follows:
- The use of this oil could cause skin rashes especially in those individuals who possess sensitive skin.
- The inappropriate use of this oil could lead to nausea as well as headaches.
