Common Name: Kalonji Seed, Black Cumin Seed, Habbathu Sawda, Black Caraway etc
Scientific Name: Nigella sativa
Distribution: Egypt, India, West Asia, North America & Europe
Overview
Also known as Black Cumin Seed, Onion Seed, Habbah al-baraka in Arabic, Kalonji in Hindi, Karunjiragam in Malayalam & many other common names. Scientifically black seed plant is known as Nigella sativa. It is a medicinal herb that grows upto 12 inches tall. It is commonly seen in Egypt, India, West Asia, North Africa & Europe. It has been traditionally used for many medicinal purposes and is recently been subjected to many research studies. It is also mentioned in prophetic teachings.
Black Seed In Sunnah
Narrated Khalid bin Sa`d:
Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, ‘This black cumin is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.’ Aisha said, ‘What is As-Sam?’ He said, ‘Death.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 5687]
Used for
- Cold
- Asthma
- Throat Pain
- Flu & Cough
- Bronchitis
- Itchy and inflamed skin Intestinal gas
- Constipation
- Menstrual disorders
- Achy joints (Rheumatism) Headache
Benefits Of Black Seed
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Fungal
- Anti-Viral
- Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Hypertensive Anti-Diabetic
- Anti-Cancer
- Anti-Diarrheal
- Lower Cholesterol Increasing breast-milk flow
Side Effects Of Black Seed
Hypoglycemia: If taken in excess amounts, black seed might lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, watch for signs of low blood sugar and monitor your blood sugar carefully and use it.
Low blood pressure: If taken in excess amounts, black seed might lower blood pressure.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Not recommended for pregnant women.
Bleeding Disorders: Not recommended for people with bleeding disorders because it might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
Keep away from children
Surgery: Black seed might slow blood clotting, so stop using it at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
General Usage Of Black Seed
Black Seed Powder (1/2 teaspoon) + Honey (1
teaspoon)
Or
Black Seed Powder (1/2 teaspoon) + Water (1 cup) –
boil it & drink after it cools down.
Or
Black Seed Powder (1/2 teaspoon) –add it while
preparing black tea and drink.
Or
Black Seed Powder (1/2 teaspoon) – add it to any
suitable food and eat.
Black Seed Oil (2.5 ml) + Black Tea (1 cup) OR Honey (5ml) OR Warm Water (1 cup)
Research
Nigella sativa – a medicinal herb with immense therapeutic potential
[International Journal of Biological & Pharmaceutical Research]
Kalonji has been shown to be especially effective at lowering cholesterol. Test-tube studies have found some impressive results regarding the potential anti-cancer effects of kalonji and thymoquinone, its active compound. One study applied kalonji topically to infants with a staphylococcal skin infection and found that it was as effective as a standard antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
[Healthline Magazine February 15, 2018]
Early research shows that taking black seed powder can improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Research shows that taking black seed oil increases the number of sperm and how quickly they move in men with infertility.
[WebMD]
The results of extensive pharmacological studies justify the broad, traditional therapeutic value of Black Seeds. These studies found Black Seed to have
– Analgesic,
[European Journal of Pharmacology. 2000 Jul 14; 40001:89-97]
– Antilipemic,
[Egyptian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1996;37:313-27]
-diuretic and antihypertensive,
[Therapie Journal. 2000 May-Jun; 55(3):379-82.]
-Bronchodilator and calcium antagonist,
[Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 2001 Mar; 51(3):115-20]
-Histamine release inhibitor,
[Journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 1993 Mar; 70(3):237-42]
-Hepatoprotective,
[Toxicology Letters Journal 1998 Mar 16; 95(1):23-9.]
-Anthelmintic,
[Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 1991 Aug; 41(8)185-7.]
-Antifungal,
[Phytotherapy Research Journal. 2003 Feb; 17(2)183-6]
-Antimicrobial (against a wide range of organisms),
[Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1999 Oct; 67(1):79-86]
-Anticancer, and
[Anticancer Research Journal 1998 May-Jun; 18(3A):1527-32.]
-Anti inflammatory activities.
[Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal 1997;5:110-3]