Lack pepper powder is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide. It s made by grinding peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine piper nigrum. It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that goes well with many dishes. But black pepper powder is more than just a kitchen staple. It has been deemed the king of spices and used in ancient ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds.