The spice Black seed has the botanical name of Nigella sativa derived from niger, the Latin word for black. This spice is known throughout the world by a number of different names, some of them misleading, such as black cumin, roman coriander, black onion seed, black sesame, fennel flower and black caraway. Much of this mystification is because it is relatively new to the Western world. In Urdu, black seed is called kalonji, in Turkish it is corek out and in Persian the black seed is named siyah daneh.
Research on black seed shows that the tiny seed is packed with nutrients including 15 amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, aromatic oils, fatty acids, fiber and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and sodium. It also contains a number of compounds that show medicinal properties such as nigellone which reduced histamine-related reactions in the body. For this reason black seed is thought to reduce and prevent asthma attacks, coughing, bronchitis and eczema skin rashes.
An Ancient Medicine
It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of year, both as a herbal spice and as an oil pressed from the seeds, in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Archeologists even discovered jars of black seed oil placed in the tomb of Tutenkhamen and several other sites in Egypt.
The Arab physician and philosopher, Ibn Sina, known to the West as Avicenna, and the author of the famous medical treatise 'The Canon of Medicine', described black seed as a treatment ‘that stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue’. The Greek physician Dioscoredes wrote that the black seed was a remedy for headaches, nasal congestion and intestinal worms. The Romans dubbed it ‘Roman Coriander’ and used it as a dietary supplement.
Black Seed Uses
Black seed is thought to reduce risk of illness and disease by strengthening the immune system and protecting the organs. Traditionally it was used for conditions including respiratory health, stomach and intestinal disorders, kidney and liver function, circulatory health, immune system support and skin conditions. Black seed is also used to alleviate flatulence, treat leukoderma and increase blood flow. Black seed oil is considered a treatment for baldness and scalp problems and prevents premature gray hair. As a topical ointment black seed oil is used to treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and acne and to soothe varicose veins.
The aromatic seeds also aid digestion and relieve gases in the stomach and intestines by assisting peristalsis and elimination. The essential oil of black intestine is antimicrobial and helps to rid the intestines of worms. In India black seeds are even fed to elephants to relieve indigestion.
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Nigella sativa Black Seed Health care
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