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Allspice Herb - Uses And Side Effects

What is Allspice?

Because of its pleasant aroma and flavor, allspice is a popular ingredient in food recipes, toothpastes, and other products. The Food and Drug Administration deems it safe for external use.

Active chemicals in allspice come from the dried, unripe berries of Pimento of­ ficinalis or Eugenia pimenta. This tree Is native to Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies.

Common doses of Allspice

Allspice is available as:

• a powdered fruit (10 to 30 grains)
• a fluid extract (essential oil)
• pimento water (aqua pimentae), which contains 1 fluid ounce of pimento oil.

Some experts recommend the following doses:

• As a laxative ingredient, 1 to 2 fluid ounces (5 parts bruised pimento to 200 parts water, distilled to 100 parts).
• For indigestion, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of allspice powder per cup of water; take up to 3 cups daily.
• For intestinal gas, place 2 to 3 drops of allspice oil on sugar and take orally.
• For toothache pain, apply 1 to 2 drops of allspice oil to the painful area no more than four times daily.
• For muscle pain, mix allspice powder with enough water to make a paste; apply topically to the affected area.

Why people use Allspice herb

• Bruises
• Common cold
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Hysterical spasms
• Intestinal gas
• Indigestion
• Menstrual cramps

Side effects of Allspice

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of allspice:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and appetite loss (from stomach and bowel inflammation)
• seizures (with excessive use)
• skin rash
• vomiting.

Interactions

Important points to remember

• Don't use allspice if you have a chronic digestive disease, such as duodenal ulcers, reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis.
• Don't use this herb if you have a history of cancer or an increased risk for cancer.
• Eugenol, a substance in allspice, may pose a cancer risk.
• Avoid allspice if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Know that allspice may cause allergic skin reactions when used topically.
• Be aware that some experts caution against consuming more allspice than the amounts normally found in foods, toothpastes, and similar products .

What the research shows

Although allspice is safe to consume in small amounts (such as in foods and dental products), controlled clinical trials must be done to validate herbalists' medicinal claims. Right now, scientists have too little information about allspice to recommend medicinal uses.

Other names for Allspice: -

Other names for allspice include clove pepper, Jamaica pepper, pimenta, and pimento.

Allspice is sold as a condiment.

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