Mountain Pepper
Tasmannia Lanceolata
Mountain Pepper Oil is native to Australia and has been used for many years as it is high in antioxidant properties. Lipophilic extracts of Tasmanian Native Pepper are very high in the unique pungent compound polygodial which research has shown is responsible for many interesting properties with potential applications in food, flavour, oral care, cosmetics, fragrance, therapeutic goods and cleaning products.
History of Mountain Pepper Oil
Mountain Pepper Oil (Tasmannia lanceolata) is native to Tasmania, Australia, and was originally used by Aborigines as a medicine. They would crush the peppercorns and grind into a paste to soothe aches, pains and dental pain. Mountain Pepper Oil worked as a flavoring agent due to its sweet but spicy, peppery taste. When crushed it has the colour of a blueberry and has been used to infuse sauces, oils and also sweet dishes. Its culinary use is probably the most popular for the raw berry, however the oil itself is best used for skincare, aromatherapy and perfumery. The berry has four times the amount of antioxidant qualities than a blueberry, and due to this has been used to treat a number of internal and external issues such as stomach ache, excess acid, skin disorders and diseases. Unlike other native oils to Australia, it is a fairly easy shrub to cultivate as it can withstand cold and wet conditions with no problems at all.
It has grown in Tasmania and the cooler parts of southern Australia as the shrub thrives in cool, wet temperatures. It is an oil that doesn’t have an extensive historical background, as it was only discovered in the early 1920's. Regardless, it has risen in popularity due to its versatility; perfumes, skincare, flavoring, aromatherapy and medicine are just some of the ways that you can use Mountain Pepper Oil.
So, what does the future look like for Mountain Pepper Oil?
We might sound biased as an Australian company, but we absolutely love Mountain Pepper Oil! There is so much yet to be discovered about the oil, and scientists and botanists are still uncovering the wonders of the oil. It will continue to rise in popularity due to its interesting aroma and versatility of use. Within perfumery it has already been used by well known brands as a base or middle note for complex scents!
Extracting Mountain Pepper Oil
Like most essential oils, mountain pepper is no different, as the oil is made using a process called steam distillation. It’s a common process used to extract essential oils as it's a non-invasive and incredibly effective method to make the oil. The berries from the mountain pepper shrub are put into a steam distiller, where steam will gently lift the oil from the berries. The oil will later sit on the top of the condensed water at the end of the process, where it will be skimmed off and put into bottles - voila! That’s how the oil is made.
Can I make Mountain Pepper Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are a few factors that you need to consider, as if you’re in a climate where you can grow the shrub then you need to think carefully about pollination. As the shrub and berries are grown from flowers, you’ll need to ensure that you buy male and female plants so pollination can happen. If not, you won’t be able to grow the shrub effectively. Providing that you do all of this correctly and have access to a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. However, if all of that sounds like too much stress for you (we totally understand) then you can just buy the oil instead, which is inexpensive.
What do you think of Mountain Pepper Oil? Have you made it before and what was the outcome? Our team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today!
Can I make Mountain Pepper Oil at home?
Yes, you can! There are a few factors that you need to consider - if you’re in a climate where you can grow the shrub then you need to think carefully about pollination. As the shrub and berries are grown from flowers, you’ll need to ensure that you buy male and female plants so pollination can happen. Providing that you do all of this correctly and have access to a steam distiller, you can make the oil in the comfort of your own home. However, if all of that sounds like too much stress for you (we totally understand) then you can just buy the oil instead, and it is relatively inexpensive.
What do you think of Mountain Pepper Oil? Have you made it before and what was the outcome? Our team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils. So, feel free to reach out and share your stories with the team today!
Mountain Pepper Oil Varieties
Mountain Pepper Oil Varieties
There are multiple species of mountain pepper however these are distant variations of the original shrub. The botanical Tasmannia lanceolata is also known as ‘native pepper’ and is the main shrub which is used to make the essential oil. There is no research or evidence to suggest that other varieties of mountain pepper is better than another, and we can assume this is due to the fact that the shrub itself is considered ‘new’ due to it only being discovered around 100 years ago, in the early 1920's.
So, which variety of Mountain Pepper Oil should I use?
Although there are no specific varieties that are better than another, we highly recommend that you either look for the name “Mountain Pepper” or “Native Pepper” when looking for the Mountain Pepper Oil. Always check that you are buying an essential oil which is labeled as ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’ so you know it’s pure and of high quality. If not, you may end up purchasing an oil which is either pre mixed with a carrier oil (therefore diluting the quality of it) or it may be mixed with alcohols or chemicals which automatically damage the oils health benefits. So far the main distributor of Mountain Pepper Oil is Australia and Tasmania, so if you’re buying the oil and you want to be extra safe - check that your oil is coming from the country that it originated from and was first cultivated!
What do you think of Mountain Pepper Oil? Is there a variety that works for you? Our team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
So, which variety of Mountain Pepper Oil should I use?
Although there are no specific varieties that are better than another, we highly recommend that you either look for the name “Mountain Pepper” or “Native Pepper” when looking for the Mountain Pepper Oil. Always check that you are buying an essential oil which is labeled as ‘essential’ or ‘absolute’ so you know it’s pure and of high quality. If not, you may end up purchasing an oil which is either pre mixed with a carrier oil (therefore diluting the quality of it) or it may be mixed with alcohols or chemicals which automatically damage the oils health benefits. So far the main growing region of Mountain Pepper Oil is Australia, particularly Tasmania, so if you’re buying the oil and you want to be extra safe - check that your oil is coming from the country that it originated from and was first cultivated!
What do you think of Mountain Pepper Oil? Is there a variety that works for you? Our team loves to hear how you’re getting on with your essential oils, so, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Benefits of Mountain Pepper Oil
The berry is known as a ‘superfood’ in Australia, and the oil is incredibly popular for topical skin conditions as well as bodily aches and pains in joints and muscles. Overall it’s an oil which is popular due to its versatility as well as ease of access because of its growing conditions.
So, what are the benefits of Mountain Pepper Oil?
Antioxidant
The berry itself is known as an Australian Superfood, and the oil is also packed with a tonne of antioxidant properties. The oil can be used topically in small quantities to detoxify the body and mind, as well as detoxifying your complexion.
Alleviates pain
Mountain Pepper Oil is an excellent pain reliever, and when applied topically can help with muscular or joint pain. It can also be soaked in a cotton ball and applied on toothache or tender gums to help with the healing process (as it also boasts antibacterial properties, too).
Anti-asthmatic
Whether you use the oil as a rub, or inhale it in a bowl of hot water, Mountain Pepper Oil is great at clearing your airways and making you feel less congested.
Perfume enhancer
The scent of Mountain Pepper Oil is complex, spicy and aromatic, and can be used in your own homemade perfumes to add another layer of scent; or it can be used to enhance perfumes you already have in your collection.
Relaxes and de-stresses
When used in aromatherapy, Mountain Pepper Oil works to destress your mind and body quickly, leaving you feeling calm and collected.
Please note that the benefits of essential oils vary from person to person, and what may work for one person may not work for you - particularly if the research to support the claim is anecdotal. If you are on medication for skin conditions or healthcare reasons, always consult with a doctor/dermatologist/healthcare professional before applying essential oils in any capacity.
Uses of Mountain Pepper Oil
Mountain Pepper Oil was first used by Aborigines as medicine as well as flavouring in food and beverages. Today, it is an oil used in aromatherapy, perfumery, alternative medicine, skin care as well as cooking. It really is the master of all trades, and although it hasn’t got vast historical use (it was discovered in the 1920's) it has risen to prominence as one of Australia’s superfoods.
So, what can you use Mountain Pepper Oil for?
Aromatherapy
In aromatherapy, Mountain Pepper Oil is excellent on its own or blended with others to create a soothing scent which can help to alleviate stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. One of our favourites is Mountain Pepper Oil and Lavender Oil, which is a great blend if you want to aid restful sleep.
Cooking
Tasmanian Mountain Pepper berry is popular to put in native Australian cuisine dishes, and is used to add flavouring in sweet and savoury meals. This has been a local secret and a favourite flavouring for gourmet Tasmanian products for some time.
Pain relief
You can add the oil topically to areas which are causing you pain. This could be a headache, muscle pain or joint pain. Mix into a carrier oil and massage into the desired area
Respiratory issues
Mountain Pepper Oil is an anti-asthmatic, and can be an effective treatment for those who struggle with respiratory issues. You can either inhale the oil directly or by inhaling the steam of hot water with a few drops of the oil in. It can also be applied topically to your chest to help open up your airways and rid you of congestion.
Massage
Soothing and warming, Mountain Pepper Oil works well as a massage oil which will send you into a sedated state! Because it works as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, it can work well with a carrier oil as a massage treatment.
Skincare
Due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, the oil can be used to treat breakouts as well as bacterial skin conditions.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our knowledge on essential oils, thus enabling you to get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s understanding the benefits of an oil or finding the best blends - we’ve got you covered. In this blog we’re going to talk about Mountain Pepper Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading.
Coconut Oil
Rich, creamy and luxurious, Coconut Oil is an excellent carrier oil to blend with Mountain Pepper Oil as it can create a blend which is perfect for massage or muscle pain. Remember, Coconut Oil is solid at room temperature, so you’ll have to heat up the blend before use.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and nourishing, Almond Oil is another amazing carrier oil either for massage or for daily use. It absorbs quickly into the skin, so if you’re looking to create a body oil which nourishes and tightens the skin - try this one!
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Jojoba Oil
Silky and moisturising, Jojoba Oil is one of our favourite carrier oils for facial moisture because of its makeup. It has a very similar composition to your skin's natural oils, which means if you’re prone to breakouts, this will help you rather than hinder you! Mix with some Mountain Pepper Oil and apply topically onto spots as a night treatment.
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Lavender Oil
Soothing and floral, we love this blend because it’s perfect if you’re looking to get a good night's sleep. Add equal drops of each into an electric diffuser around half an hour before you’re planning to go to sleep - pure bliss! You can also add a few drops to your pillow if you don’t have an electric diffuser.
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Eucalyptus Oil
Medicinal and refreshing, we love this blend as it’s perfect for when you’re sick or congested. Mix this with a carrier oil or petroleum jelly and rub into your chest and soles of your feet. Try inhaling this blend by putting a few drops into hot water and steaming your face.
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Jasmine Oil
Sedating and refreshing, this blend can work in a number of ways. Firstly, you can add a few drops of each into your bath which is a great way to unwind and soothe your muscles before bed. You can also use this blend as a facial mist with some cold water or rose water (shake well before use) to refresh and moisturise the face. Finally, you can use this in an electric diffuser to help you feel relaxed before bed.
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