What is the benefits and spiritual meanings of ALLIGATOR PEPPER

It's time to learn spiritual meaning of it:

The plants which provide alligator pepper are herbaceous perennial flowering plants of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), native to swampy habitats along the West African coast.

Uses :  When babies are born in Yoruba culture, they are given a small taste of alligator pepper (atare) shortly after birth as part of the routine baby-welcoming process, and it is also used as an ingredient at traditional meet-and-greets.

kola nuts are used in naming ceremonies, as presentation to visiting guests, and for other social events with the kola nut rite. The Igbo present and eat the alligator pepper together with kola nuts.

In virtually every Igbo ceremony, alligator peppers and kola nuts are presented to guests at the top of the agenda and prior to any other food or entertainment. Prayers and libations are made together with kola nuts and alligator pepper.

It is a common ingredient in West African cuisine, where it imparts both pungency and a spicy aroma to soups and stews.

Anti-oxidizing Properties: Alligator pepper seeds are an excellent source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin and phenolic compound.

They scavenge for free radicals and offer protections against viruses, allergens, microbes, platelet aggregation, tumors, ulcers and hepatotoxins (chemical liver damage) in the body. This suggests why it is commonly used in folk medicine for preventing and tackling intestinal problems.

Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders : The seeds extracts of the alligator pepper can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcer and intestinal worms.

Wound Healing :The seeds can be crushed and used for preparing concoctions for treating and healing wounds. Alligator pepper contains a high amount of tannin that is distinguished by its stringent property and as such it is very effective for healing wounds, treating burns and soothing inflamed mucous membrane.

Antimicrobial Properties :The seed extract has antimicrobial properties due to its constituents of phenolic compounds that are normally used as disinfectants.

Studies reveal that Aframomum melegueta extract is broad spectrum and as such has inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia etc.

Aphrodisiac Properties: Studies reveal that the alligator pepper is aphrodisiac in nature thus can be used for stimulating sexual desires.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: The seed has anti-inflammatory properties due to its constituent of gingerol that inhibits the leukotriene and prostaglandins synthesis. It offers protection against inflammation of the body.

Analgesic Properties: The aqueous extract of the plant is analgesic in nature and as such can be used for relieving and alleviating pains such as joint pain, toothache, stomach pain, arthritic pain and rheumatoid pain.

Dermatological Care: Alligator pepper can be used for preparing herbal remedy for treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chickenpox and smallpox.

Stimulating Properties :Due to its stimulating properties and peppery pungent taste, the alligator pepper is normally chewed as a stimulant to keep the body alert.


Malaria Treatment: The leaves are used for preparing herbal medicines for preventing and treating malaria.

Digestive Properties: The seeds aid easy digestion of food thereby preventing constipation and bloating. Side Effects of Alligator Pepper.

There are no recorded side effects of the alligator pepper, however the spiritual meaning is much, pregnant and lactating mothers are encouraged not to consume it based on the following reasons; An experiment by Inegbenebor et al., (2009) show that high dosage of alligator pepper administered to pregnant rats led to the termination of their first trimester pregnancies.

Based on this report, pregnant women in their first trimester are highly recommended to refrain from eating the alligator pepper in other to avoid miscarriages.

Uloneme et al., (2014) agree that lactating mothers should avoid taking alligator pepper in high quantities as it can reduce the prolactin secretion. Prolactin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production after childbirth.

No doubt that breast milk is essential for newborn babies as it offers them immunity and nutrition before they are of age to easily eat and digest solid foods.

Spiritual Meanings Of Alligator Pepper

By Kingkentus