Black Pepper does have a sort of get in the back of your nose smell similar to peppermint - it certainly doesn't smell like a packet of peppercorns (like I thought it would haha)

Recommended doses is 8 drops max with carrier oil for 24-48 hours (preferrably 48) and you can mix a max of 3 different oils as long as you don't go over the 8 drops. If you are using any on the face it is 2 drops of 1 oil with carrier. Be careful in the sun after use with most citrus like oils as the can react to the sun - sorry don't have my textbook with me to tell you which ones.

Late reply but thought this info would help =)