Black seed, also called black cumin, is a traditional East Indian herbal remedy for asthma, fever, flu, high blood pressure and indigestion. Black seed, Nigella sativa, is now revealing potential medicinal properties in the lab, including protection and treatment of cancer, antioxidant defense against dangerous free radicals and the suppression of inflammation. Talk with your qualified health care practitioner before using black seed therapeutically.
Black Seed
Black seed's use goes back as far as the ancient Greeks and Hippocrates, their most famous physician, who named it "melanthion." It is also mentioned in the Bible as "curative black cumin," according to a review article in the April 2003 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" by B.H. Ali. Black seed contains fixed oils, alkaloids, essential oils and proteins. The herb's main therapeutic component is thymoquinone, which appears to protect cells and combat free radicals, writes Ali. He also notes that black seed has a low level of toxicity.
Traditional Medicinal Uses
In Arab culture, black seed is highly esteemed and sometimes referred to as a "universal healer," according to Ali. It is used to treat diabetes, bronchitis, water retention, inflammations and skin conditions, and to increase breast milk. Botanist James Duke, author of "Duke's Handbook to Medicinal Plants of the Bible," published in 2007, explains that in Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, black seed is taken as a treatment for intestinal gas and intestinal parasites, and to induce menstruation. It's important to fully inform yο...r doctor abο...t any vitamins, minerals or other supplements yο... are taking.
Scientific Research
Recent scientific studies as reported in "Phytotherapy Research" point to black seed's potential healing properties. In one study, it showed anti-tumor properties in lab animals implanted with lung and leukemia cancer cells. In addition, Ali comments that black seed's antioxidant action might be part of its success as a folk remedy. Moreover, black seed oil, whose primary bio-active constituent is thymoquinone, or TQ, acts against inflammation, liver injury, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. More human trials are necessary before black seed can be broadly recommended.
Purchasing and Using Black Seed
Professor of cancer research Bharat Aggarwal, author of the 2011 volume "Healing Spices," notes that you might find black seed under a variety of names, including black onion seeds, black caraway, kalonji, fennel flower and Roman coriander. To make sure you are purchasing the correct spice, double check that the botanical name is Nigella sativa. He also suggests black seed oil, also called TQ, as a general daily supplement for its anti-cancer potential and immune system benefits. Please discuss all medical and nutrition questions with your health care provider.
References
- "Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Bible"; James Duke; 2007
- "Phytotherapy Research"; "Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Nigella Sativa"; B.H. Ali et al.; April 2003
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices . . . "; Bharat Aggarwal; 2011
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