Sichuan Pepper is a commonly used spice in Chinese, Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian cuisine. It is derived from at least two species of the global genus Zanthoxylum, including Z. simulans and Z. bungeanum.
Contents
Uses
- The husk or hull (pericarp) around the seeds may be used whole, especially in Sichuan cuisine, and the finely ground powder is one of the ingredients for five-spice powder. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The pericarp is most often used, but the leaves of various species are also used in some regions of China
Benefits
- Stimulate Circulation: If you have ever felt lethargic, lightheaded or weak without any real explanation, you may have been suffering from anemia. Otherwise known as iron deficiency, anemia is one of the most common health problems. Fortunately, the high levels of iron found in sichuan pepper will help to ensure that there is enough hemoglobin in your body to oxygenate your red blood cells and stimulate the circulatory system.
- Reduce Pain: Although people associate peppers with spice and heat, most pepper varietals actually function as analgesic substances. Chemicals found in sichuan peppers can occupy pain receptors, thus eliminating the nervous system from generating discomfort or pain. This isn’t a cure for pain, but it is a wonderful treatment. This applies to topical applications as well.
- Improve Immunity: High levels of zinc found in sichuan peppers mean that this potent spice is important for the strength of the immune system. Many people overlook zinc and ignore its impressive effects in boosting our immune system. There are also few signs of zinc deficiency, so it can easily go unnoticed. The volatile oil os sichuan pepper is also packed with antioxidants and other chemicals that have anti-fungal and antiviral qualities, making this pepper variety particularly effective!
- Aid Appetite: If you are recovering from an injury or illness, it can often be difficult to get your appetite back on track. However, when your body is healing and repairing, that is when you need nutrients the most! Various compounds within sichuan pepper will stimulate the appetite and improve the speed of the metabolism, meaning that you will derive energy and nutrients from the food you eat even faster!
- Strengthen the Bones: There are quite a few important minerals found in trace amounts within sichuan pepper, including phosphorous, manganese, copper and iron, all of which are necessary to build strong bones and prevent age-related conditions like osteoporosis. Our body’s bone mineral density decreases as we age, so it is important to supplement our mineral intake whenever possible; sichuan peppers are very helpful in that department!
- Eliminate Inflammation: The various antioxidants and organic acids in sichuan pepper, including phytosterols and terpenes, have certain anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Inflammation results from oxidative stress, which in turn is caused by free radical activity in the body. The compounds found within sichuan pepper can neutralize these free radicals and stop inflammation at the root. It is also an effective remedy for existing inflammation issues, such as arthritis and gout.
- Prevent Chronic Disease: Cancer and other chronic diseases can be caused by an excessive amount of free radicals causing healthy cells to mutate. Antioxidants, like those found in sichuan peppers, are the best natural way to lower your risk of taking on too much oxidative stress and putting your body at risk of developing one of these potentially lethal conditions.
- Protect the Stomach: When it comes to digestive health, sichuan peppers can stimulate the process and speed it up, while reducing inflammation in the gut and stimulating the metabolism. The various compounds in sichuan pepper can prevent cramping, bloating, and constipation, which can prevent more serious conditions, such as gastric ulcers or colorectal cancer.
- Lower Blood Pressure: The significant levels of potassium found in sichuan pepper make this spice an excellent booster for cardiovascular health. Potassium functions as a vasodilator, causing blood vessels and arteries to relax, preventing high blood pressure and lowering the potential effect of blood clots of cholesterol. By lowering blood pressure, sichuan pepper is able to protect against atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
- Vision Health: There are a number of antioxidants and vitamins found in sichuan pepper that can improve human health, and when it comes to our vision, few things are as powerful as beta-carotene. This powerful antioxidant can reduce oxidative stress in the ocular system and keep the retina healthy, while also reducing your risk of macular degeneration and vision loss.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy and during excess heat.
Interactions
Unknown, please consult with your doctor.
Other names
Sichuan peppercorn, or Chinese coriander
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sichuan_pepper
OrganicFacts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/10-key-benefits-of-sichuan-pepper.html
Image source: http://www.seriouseats.com