Allspice, (Pimenta dioica), also known as Pimento, is the dried berry of the Pimenta dioica, a tropical evergreen tree of the Myrtaceae family that grows from 22 – 43 feet high on the average. The pimento tree is native to the West Indies, the Caribbean Islands, Central and South America and Mexico. It is grown commercially in Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad, Cuba and Honduras.

The Pimenta Tree

The shrubby, slow-growing pimenta has glossy leaves that are leathery and elliptical-shaped; and the aromatic tree produces small, white blooms in the spring and summer; followed by clusters of pea-sized brownish green, spicy berries in the fall. The immature berries are dried and ground to produce allspice. Allspice was named due to its scent, which is a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

History of Allspice

Pimenta was given its name by Spanish and Portuguese explorers, who thought the dried berries looked like peppercorns, and called them “pimenta”, or pepper. The leaves, berries, and oil are used, not only for health and medicinal purposes, but also for spices, flavoring and fragrance.

The wood of the tree was also used to make aromatic walking sticks and umbrellas in the 1800’s, leading to over-harvesting followed by strict controls to prevent extinction.

Active Ingredients in Allspice

Allspice extracts have antioxidant, antiseptic and anesthetic properties.

Allspice is a natural source of; beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and B2, vitamin C, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin; along with the minerals; iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and manganese.

Its active elements are; methyl eugenol and caryophyllene, resin, tannin, sugar, quercetin, glycosides and sesquiterpenes; and it contains metabolites of homovanillic and homomandelic acids, malic and gallic acids, lignin and bonastre.

Another active constituent is the phenol eugenol, which is used by dentists as an antiseptic and a local anesthetic for teeth.

Allspice Health Benefits

Allspice has been used as a natural herbal remedy for; fever, colds, flu, diabetes, menstrual cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding, and fighting yeast and fungal infections.

Allspice is widely used as a carminative, to prevent or relieve flatulence. It is used as both an aromatic stimulant and as a tonic for the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, to treat vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea and indigestion; along with digestive disorders such as dyspepsia and colic. It is also i known to improve the appetite.

The essential oil in Allspice is a tonic for the nervous system, and has been used to treat nervous exhaustion, hysterical paroxysms, neuralgia and convulsions.

When used externally, Allspice warming effects are used to relieve chest infections, arthritis and rheumatism, bruises, and muscle aches and pains.

How to Take Allspice

Below we will explore the different ways to use Allspice:

Allspice to Soothe Indigestion

Make an infusion of 1 – 2 teaspoons of Allspice powder in one cup of boiling water. After steeping for 15 minutes, strain through a coffee filter. May drink up to 3 cups per day.

Allspice for Joint Pain

To relieve muscle aches and pains, joint pain and arthritis, and to treat bruises: Make a poultice using Allspice powder mixed with enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a clean cloth, and then cover the affected area.

Allspice as a Dietary Supplement

Take 1 – 2 capsules with water at meal time; twice a day. Capsules average 600 mg allspice powder.

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Allspice Herb Notes / Side Effects

Latin Name

Pimenta dioica

Common Names

Allspice, Jamaica pepper, clove pepper, myrtle pepper, pimenta, turkish Yenibahar, pimento, newspice.

Properties of Allspice

Carminative, anti-diarrheal, rubefacient, aromatic, digestive stimulant, digestive tonic, antioxidant, antiseptic, anesthetic, analgesic, anti-dontalgic, anti-fungal, nervous system stimulant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, tonic.

Allspice is indicated for:

Flatulence, stomach ache, colic, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, dyspepsia, poor appetite, aromatic, fatigue, nervous exhaustion, hysterical paroxysm, depression, neuralgia, convulsions, menstrual cramping, heavy menstrual bleeding, fever, colds, flu, chest infections, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle aches and pains, joint soreness and pains, bruises, diabetes, yeast infections, fungal infections, tooth and gum pain.

Allspice Side Effects

Allspice is widely used as a culinary spice and traditional remedy, but when used in concentrated forms (such as essential oils or large doses of dried berry extracts), it may present certain risks. It contains eugenol, a compound also found in clove, which has both beneficial and potentially irritating effects on the body.

Mucosal and Gastrointestinal Irritation with Allspice

Allspice and its essential oil can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines, especially when used in high concentrations. People with chronic digestive conditions should use caution. It is generally contraindicated for individuals with:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Peptic or duodenal ulcers
• Diverticulitis
• Ulcerative colitis or other forms of colitis

The warming and stimulating nature of Allspice may worsen inflammation or irritation in these conditions.

Toxicity from Allspice Essential Oil

Ingesting more than 5 ml of allspice essential oil is considered toxic and may result in:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or sedation
• Central nervous system (CNS) depression
• Convulsions or seizures in severe cases

The essential oil should never be ingested unless under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and should always be kept away from children.

Use Allspice During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Allspice should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Its stimulating properties, especially in oil form, may increase uterine activity or cross into breast milk, potentially affecting the baby.

Caution with Allspice in Cancer or Cancer Risk

There are some concerns in traditional systems and preliminary research that suggest eugenol-rich herbs like Allspice may interact with hormone-sensitive cancers or interfere with certain treatments. As a precaution, Allspice is often contraindicated in individuals:

• Currently undergoing cancer treatment
• With a personal or family history of hormone-related cancers
• At high risk for developing cancer

Until further safety data becomes available, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using Allspice therapeutically in these cases.

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