BLACK CUMIN ( NIGELLA SATIVA )

What is Nigella Sativa ( Black Seed )?

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia. It grows to 20-30 cm tall, with finely divided, linear (but not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually coloured pale blue and white, with 5-10 petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of 3-7 united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. The seed is used as a spice.
Nigella sativa seed is known variously as kalonji कलौंजी or कलोंजी (Hindi), kezah קצח (Hebrew), charnushka (Russian), çörek otu (Turkish), habbah Albarakah, حبه البركة (literally seeds of blessing Arabic) or siyah daneh سیاه‌دانه (Persian). In English it is called fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, or black onion seed. Other names used, sometimes misleadingly, are onion seed and black sesame (both of which are similar-looking but unrelated). Frequently the seeds are referred to as black cumin, this is, however, also used for a different spice, Bunium persicum. It is also sometimes just referred to as nigella or black seed. An old English name gith is now used for the corncockle.
This potpourri of vernacular names for this plant reflects that its widespread use as a spice is relatively new in the English speaking world, and largely associated with immigrants from areas where it is well known. Increasing use is likely to result in one of the names winning out, hopefully one which is unambiguous.
Nigella sativa has a pungent bitter taste and a faint smell of strawberries. It is used primarily in candies and liquors. The variety of naan bread called Peshawari naan is as a rule topped with kalonji seeds. In herbal medicine, Nigella sativa has hypertensive, carminative, and anthelminthic properties.
An annual herbaceous plant, black cumin seed (botanical name is nigella sativa l.), or black seed for short, is believed to be indigenous to the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated into other parts of the world including the Arabian peninsula, northern Africa and parts of Asia. The plant has no relation to the common kitchen herb, cumin. Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, black seed originates from the common fennel flower plant (nigella sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Nigella sativa is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare). The plant has finely divided foliage and pale bluish purple or white flowers. The flowers grow terminally on its branches while the leaves grow opposite each other in pairs, on either side of the stem. Its lower leaves are small and petioled, and the upper leaves are long (6-10cm). the stalk of the plant reaches a height of twelve to eighteen inches as its fruit, the black seed, matures. Nigella sativa is bisexual and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white triagonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds). Nigella sativa and its black seed are known by other names, varying between places. some call it black caraway, habbat al barakah , and habbat sawda , others call it black cumin (kalounji), onion seeds or even coriander seeds. in English, the nigella sativa plant is commonly referred to as black cumin . Nevertheless, this is nigella sativa, which has been known and used from ancient times and is also known in Persian as Shonaiz.

History of Black Seed.

Black cumin (nigella sativa) was discovered in Tutankhamen's tomb, implying that it played an important role in ancient Egyptian practices. Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is not known, we do know that items entombed with a king were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife. The earliest written reference to black seed is found in the book of Isaiah in the old testament. Isaiah contrasts the reaping of black cumin with wheat: for the black cumin is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over the cumin, but the black cumin is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a rod. (Isaiah 28:25,27 nkjv). Easton's bible dictionary clarifies that the Hebrew word for black cumin, ketsah, refers to without doubt the nigella sativa, a small annual of the order Ranunculaceae which grows wild in the dioscoredes, a Greek physician of the 1st century, recorded that black seeds were taken to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache, and intestinal worms. they were also used, he reported, as a diuretic to promote menstruation and increase milk production. the Muslim scholar al-biruni (973-1048), who composed a treatise on the early origins of Indian and Chinese drugs, mentions that the black seed is a kind of grain called alwanak in the sigzi dialect. later, this was confirmed by suhar bakht who explained it to be habb-i-sajzi (viz. sigzi grains). this reference to black seed as grains points to the seed's possible nutritional use during the tenth and eleventh centuries. in the Greco Arab/Unani Tibb system of medicine, which originated from Hippocrates, his contemporary galen and Ibn Sina, black seed has been regarded as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders and has been described as a stimulant in a variety of conditions, ascribed to an imbalance of cold humors. Ibn Sina (980-1037), most famous for his volumes called the canon of medicine, regarded by many as the most famous book in the history of medicine, east or west, refers to black seed as the seed that stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness. black seed is also included in the list of natural drugs of al-Tibb al-n abawi, and, according to tradition, "hold onto the use of the black seed for in it is healing for all illnesses except death" (Sahih Bukhari vol 7 bk 71 #592). This prophetic reference in describing black seed as having a healing for all illnesses is not exaggerated as it at first appears. Recent research has provided evidence that most illnesses arise because of an imbalanced or dysfunctional immune system which cannot perform its primary function of defending the body optimally. research also indicates that black seed contains an ability to significantly boost the human immune system - if taken over time. The prophetic phrase, "hold onto the use of the seed", also emphasizes consistent usage of the seed. Black seed has been traditionally used in the middle and far east countries for centuries to treat ailments including bronchial asthma and bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to treat digestive disturbances, to support the body's immune system, to promote digestion and elimination, and to fight parasitic infestation. its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and is used topically to treat cold symptoms. the many uses of black seed has earned for this ancient herb the Arabic approbation habbatul barakah, meaning the seed of blessing.

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Black Cumin was discovered in Tutankhamen's tomb, implying that it played an important role in ancient Egyptian practices. Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is not known, we do know that items entombed with a king were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife. The earliest written reference to black seed is found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Isaiah contrasts the reaping of black cumin with wheat: For the black cumin is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over the cumin, but the black cumin is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a rod. (Isaiah 28:25,27 NKJV).Easton's Bible Dictionary clarifies that the Hebrew word for black cumin, "ketsah," refers to "without doubt the Nigella sativa, a small annual of the order Ranunculaceae which grows wild in the Mediterranean countries and is cultivated in Egypt and Syria for its seed." Dioscoredes, a Greek physician of the 1st century, recorded that black seeds were taken to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal worms. They were also used, he reported, as a diuretic to promote menstruation and increase milk production. The Muslim scholar al-Biruni (973-1048), who composed a treatise on the early origins of Indian and Chinese drugs, mentions that the black seed is a kind of grain called alwanak in the Sigzi dialect. Later, this was confirmed by Suhar Bakht who explained it to be habb-i-Sajzi (viz. Sigzi grains). This reference to black seed as "grains" points to the seed's possible nutritional use during the tenth and eleventh centuries.In the Greco-Arab/Unani-Tibb system of medicine, which originated from Hippocrates, his contemporary Galen and Ibn Sina, black seed has been regarded as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders and has been described as a stimulant in a variety of conditions, ascribed to an imbalance of cold humors. Ibn Sina (980-1037), most famous for his volumes called "The Canon of Medicine," regarded by many as the most famous book in the history of medicine, East or West, refers to black seed as the seed "that stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness." Black seed is also included in the list of natural drugs of Al-Tibb al-N abawi, and according to tradition, "Hold onto the use of the black seed for in it is healing for all illnesses except death." This prophetic reference in describing black seed as "having a healing for all illnesses" is not exaggerated as it at first appears. Recent research has provided evidence, which indicates that black seed contains an ability to significantly boost the human immune system - if taken over time. The prophetic phrase, "hold onto the use of the seed," also emphasizes consistent usage of the seed. Black seed has been traditionally used in the Middle and Far East countries for centuries to treat ailments including bronchial asthma and bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to treat digestive disturbances, to support the body's immune system, to promote digestion and elimination and to fight parasitic infestation. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and is used topically to treat cold symptoms. The many uses of black seed have earned for this ancient herb the Arabic approbation habbatul barakah, meaning "the seed of blessing."

Chemical Analysis

Black Seed brand Oil contains several ingredients (in significant amounts) with potential value. Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is rich in nutritional values. Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed. The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component, which is a useful source of dietary fiber. It is rich in fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated and essential fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic acid). The EFAs, consisting of alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3) and Linoleic acid (omega-6), are substances that cannot be manufactured in the body, and thus must be taken in as supplements or through high-EFA foods. Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet. Black seed contains Arginine, which is essential for infant growth. Chemical analysis has further revealed that the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A. The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.Black Seed contains over 100 valuable components. It is a significant source of essential fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals. "The seeds are also rich in sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anticarcinogenic activity".Dr. Michael Tierra, L.AC. OMD.Black Seed stimulates bone marrow and immune cells, protects normal cells against cell destroying effects of viruses, destroys tumor cells and raises the number of anti-bodies producing B cells.Cancer Immuno-biology Lab, Southern CaliforniaBlack Seed proves to have an anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-biotic, anti-mycotic and broncho-dilating effect.Study of Black seed oil on humans, American ScientistsBlack Seed is a valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Phytochemicals of Nigella Sativa seeds.Food Chemistry
Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is rich in nutritional values.
Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.
It is rich in fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated and essential fatty acids (Linoleic and Linolenic acid). The EFAs, consisting of alpha-Linolenic acid (omega-3) and Linoleic acid (omega-6), are substances that cannot be manufactured in the body, and thus must be taken in as supplements or through high-EFA foods. EFA's are the building blocks of the cells.
Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.
Black seed contains Arginine which is essential for infant growth.
Chemical analysis has further revealed that the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A.
The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.
For me the common name "love in the mist" aptly describes the poetry of this exquisite plant. In the garden, one easily imagines etheric spirits flitting about amongst its evanescent bluish-white blossoms. Even the seedpods, which are so often used in dried flower arrangements, suggest an otherworldly sense of exotic enchantment. Is it possible that such a delicately beautiful herb, with such potent medicinal properties would be so hardy as to easily reseed itself in our gardens year after year?
With an exalted position of use throughout the Middle East and to a somewhat lesser extent in India and other Eastern lands, the information about Nigella I owe to herbalist, plant-scientist extraordinaire, Jim Duke as presented in his book Medicinal Plants of the Bible. In it he describes Black Cumin as a Muslim Miracle Herb which, according to an Arab Proverb it is said that, 'in the black seed is the medicine for every disease except death.'
I have spoken with a Turkish colleague who reports that it the seeds are widely cultivated and traded in ton lots within his country throughout the Middle East, Northern Africa and India. The seeds are used both as a condiment in bread and cakes and various confections and like pepper or combined with pepper such as cayenne in sauces. The Ethiopians add along with other spices to flavor local alcoholic beverages. Still another use is to sprinkle them with woolen garments as a moth repellant.
The major uses I have employed it for are upper respiratory conditions, allergies, coughs, colds, bronchitis, fevers, flu, asthma and emphysema for which it is effective. Simply collect the abundance of seeds from the pods and grind them to a paste and mix with melted honey to a 'hahlava' (a Middle Eastern confection usually made with toasted sesame seeds and honey). Jim Duke confirms its folk use for these and a wide variety of other diseases and conditions including bilious ailments, calluses, cancer, colic, corns, eruptions, headache, jaundice, myrmecia, orchitis, puerperal fever, sclerosis, skin, snakebite, stomachache, swellings, tumors of the abdomen and eyes, and warts. In Algeria, the roasted seeds are combined with butter for cough and honey and taken for colic.
For upper respiratory conditions, at least a few of its constituents have shown an antihistamine-like action, which explains is positive effects for upper respiratory diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and cough. The oils of the seed increase milk flow which explains its folk use as a galactagogue. In large quantities, however, the seeds have also been used to abortion.
It is unusual for a hot spicy herb to have a positive effect on liver diseases as it is used by the Lebanese. Of course, one of its most obvious uses is for diarrhea and dysentery, combined with astringents. Externally the seeds can be ground to a powder, mixed with a little flour as a binder and applied directly to abscesses, on the forehead for headache, nasal ulcers, orchitis, and rheumatism. The seeds also are a rich source of sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anticarcinogenic activity. This substantiates its folk use for indurations and/or tumors of the abdomen, eyes and liver.
In India, Nigella seeds are combined with various purgatives to allay gripping and colic and also help kill and expel parasites. Middle Eastern Unani medicine affirms its abortifacient properties and also use it as a diuretic to relieve ascites, for coughs, eye-sores, hydrophobia, jaundice, paralysis, piles and tertian fever.
Contraindications: Do not take during pregnancy.

Modern Research

Over 150 research papers on Black Seed have been published in recent times confirming many of the healing properties traditionally attributed to Black Seed.
In 1987, a study conducted at I.I.M.E.R. Panama City, Florida verified the immune-supporting action of Black Seed. Two randomized groups of volunteers received one-gram of Black Seed capsules twice daily or a placebo. A complete lymphocyte count carried out before and after four weeks of administration revealed that the majority of subjects who took Black Seed displayed a 72% increase in helper-to-suppressor T-cell ratio as well as an increase in NK (natural killer) cell functional activity.
In the field of AIDS research, human clinical trials conducted at the Department of Biological and Medical Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1997) showed that Black Seed enhanced the ratio between helper T-cell by 55% with a 30% enhancement of NK cell activity. These findings suggest that Black Seed could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and other immune deficiency states.
In 1997 a study undertaken on the anti-cancer activity of the Black Seed undertaken at the International Immuno-Biology Research Laboratory, South Carolina concluded, “the activity of NS (Black Seed) blocked the tumor growth and dissemination in metastasis and have remarkable promises for clinical use.”Histamine is a substance released by body tissues, which often causes allergic reactions and is associated with conditions such as bronchial asthma. In 1960, scientists discovered that a substance called Nigellone (dimer dithymoquinone) isolated from Black Seed’s volatile oil suppressed asthma symptoms in a majority of patients when given orally.
As early as 1960, it was reported that Black Seed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and that it could be useful for relieving arthritis pain. Following up on these claims, a group of scientists from Kings College, Department of Pharmacy, London, decided to test Black Seed oil and its derivative thymoquinone as an anti-inflammatory agent. It was discovered that the agents possessed anti-oxidant activity and inhibited eicosanoid generation in cells. Certain eicosanoids (short lived local tissue hormones) are responsible for the inflammatory response whereas anti-oxidants help to slow cartilage degeneration.
The inhibitory effect on eicosanoid generation, however, was higher than could be expected from thymoquinone alone. This suggests that other compounds in the oil might be responsible for the enhanced anti-inflammatory reactions in cells. Researchers concluded that pharmacological properties of Black Seed and its derived products support the traditional use of Black Seed as a treatment for rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases.
In Europe ongoing scientific research has fueled immense public interest into the health benefits of using Black Seed, particularly in Austria and Germany, where Black Seed supplements are sold in most health stores and it is popularly regarded as an effective alternative medicine. It also has been the subject of intensive scientific research indicating that it strengthens and stabilizes the immune system and is greatly beneficial in the treatment of allergies. It has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of impotence when the causes are primarily physiological.
It seems Black Seed can be helpful for just about anything. However its use is not recommended during pregnancy. While much still remains to be investigated, studies conducted thus far, confirm Black Seed as a natural panacea.

Suggestions for using Black Seed

Black Seed is available as pure oil and capsules. Either form may be taken preventively and for immune support. For arthritis, swallow capsules; apply pure oil to affected area.
For respiratory problems, dilute oil (1 part Black Seed oil to 5 parts olive oil), rub on chest and back; heat some oil and inhale the vapors. For head cold, rub forehead and sides of face close to the ears with Black Seed oil.
As an energy tonic, take the oil in orange juice in the morning. In spite of it being used for energy, Black Seed also relieves insomnia. For sleep disturbances, take one teaspoon of Black Seed oil and one teaspoon of honey in warm milk. Rub the temp-les with the oil and turn of the lights.
Whole seeds can be found in many Indian and Persian markets and can be used in baked goods and pickles. Crush the seeds to use in beverages, curries or as a pepper substitute.
Until recently not many people knew of Ginseng. Now, the name is practically a household word. Will Americans discover Black Seed and accept it as an invaluable health tonic? Historical records and modern scientific research cannot be discounted.