Black Seed Nigella sativa, also known as black caraway, and/or the black cumin (Kalonji), is an herbaceous plant is native to the hot, dry climates of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and some parts of the Mediterranean. The seeds are so popular that more acreage is devoted to growing this blessed seed every year.

Black seeds are tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length. The seeds originate 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 petiole, and the upper leaves are long (6-10cm). The stalk of the plant reaches a height of twelve (12) to eighteen (18) inches as its fruit, the black seed, matures.

Nigella sativa reproduces with itself 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).

NATURAL REMEDY FOR MORE THAN 2000 YEARS

Nigella sativa has a long history of healing. For thousands of years, the seed and its oil have been used for health conditions ranging from asthma and allergies to wounds and worms. 

Black seed has been traditionally and successfully used for thousands of years in the Middle and Far East countries to treat ailments including:

- Bronchial Asthma and Bronchitis.

- Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and various other inflammatory diseases.

- Treat digestive disturbances, and fight parasitic infestation. 

- Support the body's immune system.

- Increase milk production in nursing mothers.

The many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body's immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness. 

In ancient Egyptian society, the rich golden oil pressed from the Black (Cumin) Seed was named "Pharaoh's Oil." Black cumin seeds were popular among the Egyptian pharaohs and were even found in King Tutankhamun's tomb. The people in this civilization used this oil externally to nourish the skin and hair. The pharaoh's personal physician is said to have carried around a bowl of Black Seeds to aid digestion.                          

PRIMARY PROPERTIES OF BLACK SEED

The five major components that are found in Black Seed are:

• Nigellin and Melanthin - promotes intestinal cleansing.
• Sterols - Supports secretion throughout the body.
• Nigellone and Thymoquinone - These two volatile oils have anti-spasmodic and broncho-dialating properties.  Additionally, they work as an antihistamine.
• Essential Fatty Acids - Rich in supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids. They regulate metabolism, carry toxins to the skin for elimination, balance insulin levels, regulate cholesterol, improve blood circulation and help liver functions. 
• Prostglandin - Produces E1 that regulates hormone secretion and lowers blood pressure.

Click here to view pertinent references regarding the thorough research on the medicinal potential of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and its components.

 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BLACK SEED

Black Cumin seeds are very rich and nutritious; they contain 35% oil, most of which are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) and 21% protein. The EFA’s like Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) acid help strengthen and maintain cell integrity, heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, reduce wrinkles, and heal wounds.

Black Seed contains good fats: oleic acid (olive oil’s health-giving component); poly and monounsaturated unsaturated fatty acids including omega 3 (linolenic acid), omega 6 (linoleic acid), and omega 7 (palmitoleic acid, and arachidonic acid). Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body alone, and therefore we acquire these from food.

Black seed contains protein: fifteen (15) amino acids make up the protein content of the black seed, including 8 of the 9 essential amino acids that are combined to make “whole” protein. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.

Black Seed contains over 100 active chemical compounds that may increase health. The three (3) ingredients most studied for their effects are:

• Crystalline nigellone - well researched for helping the body increase immune function, especially respiratory health.
• Thymoquinone - researched as a cancer fighter, a compound not yet detected in any other plant.
• Beta sitosterol - highly researched for gallstones, urinary/prostate health, and to help the body fight cancer and reduce cholesterol.

In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, Crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.

• Black Seed also has vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements' main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.
• Chemical analysis has further revealed that the black seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A, the vitamin known for its anti-cancer activity.
• Black seed contains a non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.
• Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.

DISCLAIMER: The statements made here have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Please be advised: You should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your daily regimen.