Java Long Pepper (Chavya)
Piper retrofractum
| Synonym | Piper chaba |
|---|---|
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Sanskrit | Chavya |
| हिंदी | चव्य |
| മലയാളം | കാട്ടുതിപ്പലി |
| Parts used | stem, fruit |
Java long pepper is a flowering vine of the pepper family that climbs on trees and walls. Its slender fruit spikes, red when ripe, are dried and used as a spice. It is native to Java and is cultivated in parts of India.
Known in Sanskrit as Chavya, the stem and fruit are part of classical Ayurveda and appear in well-known digestive spice blends alongside long pepper and black pepper. They are valued for their warming quality.
Articles are for general information about Ayurveda and personal care and are not medical advice. For any health condition, please see a qualified doctor.
