Cubeb (Tailed Pepper, Java Pepper)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Piper cubeba
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Berries/fruits
Chemicals this herb contains:
Cubebic acid
Cubebin
Fixed oil (See Glossary)
Gum (See Glossary)
Resin (See Glossary)
Sesquiterpene alcohol (cubeb camphor)
Terpenes
Volatile oils (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Cubebic acid irritates the ureter, bladder and urethra.

Miscellaneous information:
Active chemicals are in fully grown, UNRIPE fruit.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Helps body dispose of excess fluid by increasing amount of urine produced. Is used as urinary antiseptic. Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus from lungs and bronchial tubes. Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Have chronic intestinal disease. Cubeb may make it worse.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are under 45, not pregnant, basically healthy, take it for only a short time and do not exceed manufacturer's recommended dosage.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS