The dried, nearly ripe fruit (berries) of a climbing vine, Piper cubeba, of the pepper family (Piperaceae). This species is native to eastern India and Indomalaysia. The crushed berries are smoked, and the inhaled smoke produces a soothing effect in certain respiratory ailments. Cubebs are used in medicine as a stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. Medicinal properties of cubeb are due to the presence of a volatile oil which formerly was thought to stimulate healing of mucous membranes.