Gathering Pepper In India, 1579
Woodcut of two men are using long poles to break pepper clusters from tree branches; the clusters are being gathered by women and children, 1579. Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning called peppercorn. Pepper has been used as a spice in India since it was introduced by South East Asia people in prehistory. Black peppercorns were found stuffed in the nostrils of Ramesses II, placed there as part of the mummification rituals. Black pepper was a well-known, widespread, expensive, seasoning in the Roman Empire. Pepper was so valuable that it was often used as collateral or even currency. Black Pepper was believed to cure illness such as constipation, diarrhea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches. In Persian astrological magic, pepper is an ingredient in invoking the planetary influence of Venus for granting one's wishes. In Hoodoo, pepper carries out its traditional Mars role by be called on in both protection and in attack magic. Used in works for building protection, strength, confidence, and inventiveness and is often incorporated into blends aimed at martial deities, like war gods. Uses in witchcraft and magic include: protection spells, building strength and a Mars herb
Pick your License
Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom
1579 Alchemic Alchemy Herb Herbaceous Medicinal Nigrum Pepper Peppercorn Perennial Plantae Seasoning Spells Spice Witchcraft Woodblock
Features In These Collections
> Contributors > PHR
