The scientific or botanical name for Allspice is Pimenta Dioica or Pimenta Officinalis. It descends  from the Myrtaceae (Euclalyptus) family. The spice name, dioica, signifies that the plant is dioecious, meaning that it has male and female flowers borne on different trees. The common name ‘pimento’ is derived from the Spanish term for pepper, piminta, which the berries resemble. The fruit of the tree is known as Allspice because its taste bears a resemblance to a mixture of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

The physiological effects that Allspice has are antioxidant, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, digestive, stimulant, stomachic, and styptic. The essential constituents of allspice are eugenol oil, cineole oil, phellandrene oil, vitamin C, vitamin B1 and B2, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Allspice’s Medicinal Uses

Allspice can be used to cure reduced appetite, chills, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, high blood sugar and rheumatism. It helps in  food digestion, enhances protein assimilation and avoids building up of gases in upper intestinal tract. It has very warming effect and can be helpful when taken with tea in cases of frostbite and hypothermia. Used topically, allspice acts as a painkiller on aching teeth and gums. It can be mixed with ointments to aid reduce the pain of arthritis and neuralgia.

Allspice’s Edible Uses

Allspice was one of the most widespread cooking herbs of the Caribbean. The Aztecs civilization used it to season chocolate. In the present time, allspice is used to season cakes, carrots, chutneys, cookies, curries, custards, fish, fruit, jam, pickles, pies, soups, sweet potatoes, and stews. It is occasionally mixed with medicinal drugs and tablets to get a better taste. The best quality allspice is found in Jamaica.

Allspice’s Other Uses

Allspice was used by the Maya for preserving their deceased people. Because of its lights salmon color,  The tree’s wood was in big demand, because of its light salmon color, for crafting of walking sticks and umbrellas that it faced a potential threat of extinction. It A bowl of allspice berries kept in a ill person’s room can boost his/her strength and help avoid the increase of disease. Allspice’s oil extract is used in perfumery, men’s perfume, and mouthwash.

Important note: Avoid extreme use of allspice during pregnancy, yet reasonable usage in cooking is acceptable.