These tiny black jewels come from Nigella Sativa which is a plant native to Africa, the Mediterranean, Western Asia and the Middle East. It is known by various names: –
- Black caraway
- Black cumin
- Kalonji
- Black onion seeds
Black seed is referred to as one of the oldest and strongest ancient remedies in Prophetic Medicine and was used in the traditional healing rituals since the 1400s. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also referred to black cumin as the” medicine to every disease but death”. It has been used as a remedy for black magic, evil eye, evil effects of jinn’s and jealousy. Along with the Quranic recitations, a pinch of black seeds mixed in a teaspoon of honey taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is a very potent remedy.
In African culture burning of black seeds has been used to purify the space, cancel out negative energy and bring positive vibes.
The use of black seed has been recorded in other traditional writings such as of Ibn-e-Sina, Canon of medicine, Pliny the elder and traditional Chinese herbal books. It was valued by Hippocrates and he called it a panacea in Latin, which means a cure for everything. It was even discovered in the tomb of King Tut.
Historically, black seed has been used for headaches, toothache, nasal congestion and intestinal worms and parasites. Today it is used for treating digestive tract conditions like gas, colic dysentery, constipation and haemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, cough, bronchitis, flu, congestion and allergies.
The seeds are ingested as a digestive aid and after large celebratory feasts and also used as a beauty product as popularized by Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.
Black seed uses to expand your palate:
You can incorporate black seeds in your cooking to enhance your culinary skills. Some suggestions include: –
- Adding to curries, pickle soups, stews, teas, smoothies.
- Toasted and sprinkled on flatbreads, bagels and biscuits.
Black seed oil beauty benefits
Black seed oil has many applications and benefits for problematic skin conditions which include:
Psoriasis: Applying black seed oil reduces psoriasis plaque.
Softening Skin: One drop of black seed oil added to a few teaspoons of any carrier oil like olive, coconut or Almond oil improved skin texture and hydration.
Hydrating hair: Mixed with other oils it’s often hair and promotes shine you can also add a few drops of black seed oil to your shampoo or conditioner.
Black seed oil health benefits
The black seed oil has shown great potential in treating some very common health conditions. it also has strong anti-fungal properties against Candida albicans—— Yeast that leads to candidiasis. examples of black seed oil benefits include:
- Reducing high blood pressure: In people whose blood pressure is mildly elevated, taking black cumin seed oil regularly for 2 months reduces high blood pressure.
- Reducing Cholesterol: Whether consuming crushed black seeds or consuming black seed oil, in both cases, high cholesterol is reduced. The high level of healthy fatty acids helps to maintain healthier cholesterol levels.
- Improving rheumatoid arthritis: Taking black seed oil orally reduces the symptoms.
- Decreases asthma symptoms: The anti-inflammatory prosperities of black seed oil not only reduces the symptoms of asthma but also help with bronchitis symptoms.
- Reduces stomach pains: Black seed oil helps in reducing bloating, GAS, cramps and stomach aches.
- Aids in weight loss: Black seed oil helps reduce the BMI in people who are obese, have type 2 diabetes or have a metabolic syndrome.
- Help full in male infertility: Black seed oil improves semen quality in men who have been diagnosed with infertility.
- May protect brain health: black seed oil reduces neuroinflammation. Therefore, it may help protect against Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS
- The black seed oil has many health benefits but the fact is that it doesn’t replace medication.
- Interaction with medicines: it may interact with beta-blockers.
- May increase bleeding: it may slow clotting and therefore increase the risk of bleeding. if you are taking blood thinners you shouldn’t take black seed oil.
- Toxicity: it may be toxic if taken in large amounts. it could cause liver and kidney damage.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women shouldn’t use black seed oil.
- Be sure to consult your health care provider before taking black seed oil.
HOW TO BUY
when buying an oil keep in mind:
- Choose cold-pressed
- Read the label carefully to ensure that other ingredients haven’t been added.
- Buy certified products.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The black seed oil has immense healing potential and because of this property studies reveal that it has benefits for many medical and skin conditions. but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking black seed oil. whether you buy black seed oil online or from the local market, always choose organic and therapeutic grade black seed oil for maximum benefit.
Traditional uses
Cultural and Spiritual Significance