It is hard to imagine how something as ordinary as Pepper could have been such a highly prized commodity just a few hundred years ago. European's voracious taste for exotic spices inspired the search for a sea route to the East, which, as far as the participants were concerned, was not just an opportunity for adventure, but often a matter of life and death, driven by the alluring promise of fantastic fortunes to be made. Not just companies, but empires were built on this insatiable appetite, wars were fought and world history made for the sake of Pepper & Co.! Yet, Pepper has been a major trade item since before the time of Christ. The Visigoths once ransacked Rome and demanded 3000 pounds of Pepper as a ransom. They must have liked the taste, for they returned two years later and from then on levied and annual Pepper tithe of 3000 pounds, which roughly amounted to the city's annual supply. Pepper was not just tasty, but alluringly exotic and like most exotic things, it was advertised as a powerful aphrodisiac. No wonder appetite for it was so insatiable.
In India Black Pepper is used as a stimulant for treating cholera and for convalescence after debilitating illness such as fevers, vertigo and coma. It is also used as a digestive aid for dyspepsia and flatulence. It is used for the treatment of malaria and as an alterative for arthritic diseases. Pepper invigorates warms and stimulates the whole body; however, excessive doses may be irritating to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
Pepper energises any magical work. It is an herb of Mars and acts as protective in a fighting sort of way. It promotes strength and courage and may break inertia. It can be used for extra power in aphrodisiac blends for heated passion and desire. Pepper is also used in money magic.