Essential oils are the pure “essence” of a plant, made up of a complex mixture of chemical compounds that have been studied over the years. When used correctly and safely, the oils have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Piper nigrum is considered pungent and hot. Although its chemical constituents and respective pharmacological properties have been described by several authors, the volatile fraction is still underestimated as a therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic properties of the volatile fraction of Piper nigrum essential oil in patients with back pain.

Fourteen patients with back pain were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in May 2015. The patients were randomly divided into two groups and asked to inhale a vial containing Piper nigrum essential oil, or a vial containing a placebo (sesame oil), for 15 minutes. A numerical pain scale was applied before and after inhalation.

Results showed a 49.91% decrease in back pain intensity in the patients who inhaled Piper nigrum essential oil, while patients in the placebo group showed a small 2.33% change in back pain intensity.

Although the results are preliminary due to the limited sample size and short inhalation time, the volatile fraction of Piper nigrum essential oil showed promising results in reducing back pain.