Black Pepper.

Black pepper essential oil is a small surprise. You expect the sharp bite of the grinder; instead it opens mild, soft and almost woody, with a near-floral note, and only in the dry down does the peppercorn it came from step forward.

It is steam-distilled from the fruit of Piper nigrum in Madagascar. Warming and mildly stimulating, it is a fine addition to a massage blend before sport, and it is said to be both grounding and stabilizing. In perfume it is a gift: try equal parts black pepper, frankincense, jasmine and sandalwood for a blend that is absolutely delectable.

Details

• Botanical name: Piper nigrum
• Origin: Madagascar
• Method: steam-distilled fruit
• Shelf life: about 2 to 3 years after opening
• Blends with: bergamot, clary sage, clove bud, coriander, fennel, frankincense, geranium, ginger, lavender, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, palmarosa, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang-ylang, vetiver

How to use

Dilute it in a carrier oil for a warming massage, or blend it into a natural perfume. Keep out of reach of children. Store it dark and refrigerated, and decant a half-full bottle into a smaller, full one to extend its life. A quiet warmth with a surprising heart.