Schinus molle, commonly known as "false pepper" (although it is sometimes called "pink pepper", it does not belong to the same family as pepper) is a tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family native to South America, and probably Peru, given the vernacular names "Peruvian tree" or "Peruvian pepper" attributed to it. Its name comes from the "mulli" given to it by the Incas, which the conquistadors took to mean "molle". The Incas considered it to be a veritable panacea and attributedmany properties to it.
Once ripe, the Indians used to make a drink from the beans by pressing them with their hands in hot water until they were soft, avoiding the bitterness found in the inner part of the beans. This decoction, kept for 3 to 4 days before consumption, was used to cure urinary incontinence and bladder diseases. The water from cooking the bark helped to relieve swollen and painful legs. The resin and leaves were considered a wonderful treatment for woundsand ulcers, helping them to heal.
The Incas also used the twigs for dental care, the resin as a purgative, the juice as eyewash, and the leaves and fruit in ointments for joint pain. These properties are still used today by some Andean healers. In the Peruvian Andes, its wood is also used to build fences or as fuel, and its berries are used to make chicha, a local type of beer.
Our essential oil is obtained after distillation of Peruvian pink peppercorns, the same small berries that are used dried as a spice and often found mixed with black and white pepper. The recognised antibacterial properties of this oil explain why it is used to treat colds, and its warming properties are particularly popular with sportspeople, who use it to make their muscles for exercise or to soothe aches and pains. In addition, its fresh, delicate spice fragrance, widely used in the perfume industry, will help to combat fatigue, but it can also be used in a diffuser. In cooking, its delicious flavour goes well with fish and meat.
