Black cumin: medicinal properties and uses

  • by
616e9fcc68648 1

Medicinal properties black cumin

This wonderful plant is also called nigella, nigella sativa and kalonji. It grows in South and Southwest Asia. Black cumin seeds were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt. In ancient times, Nigella was already cultivated by Jews, Arabs and Indians. Now it is grown all over the world. Black cumin seeds with a pleasant nutty flavor are used as a spice in various national cuisines. Nigella should not be confused with real cumin (cuminum cyminum), black pepper, black sesame or black cohosh.

Medicinal properties black cumin

Besides cooking, nigella sativa is also widely used in medicine. The seeds have been used in traditional medicine in the Middle East as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, from abscesses to herpes zoster, for over 2,000 years. The Quran mentions that the Prophet Muhammad said: “This black cumin heals from all diseases except death.”

Composition of black cumin (per 100 g)

  • Manganese (8.53 mg)
  • Copper (2, 6 mg)
  • Iron (9.7 mg)
  • Lipids (31.16 g)
  • Phosphorus (543 mg)
  • Magnesium (265 mg)
  • Calcium (about 570 mg)
  • Zinc (6.23 mg)
  • Protein (22.8 g)
  • Potassium (808 mg)
  • Dietary fiber (6.03 g)
  • Sodium (17.6 mg)

“Most The therapeutic properties of black cumin seeds are due to the presence of the phytonutrient thymoquinone, which is the main biologically active component (30-48%), as well as thymohydroquinone and thymol, says Josh Ax, MD, co-founder of Ancient Nutrition Supplement. > – These substances have pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. ”

Oil made from black cumin seeds also has unique medicinal properties.

Helps fight cancer

Helps fight cancer

Black Seed Oil has been shown to help in the treatment of cancer through its powerful phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Croatian scientists evaluated the antitumor activity of thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone in an animal study and found that these substances, contained in nigella oil, reduced tumor cells by 52%. Research in recent years also shows that thymoquinone helps induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in leukemia cells, breast cancer cells, and brain cells. In addition, researchers at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Health have found black cumin seeds help in the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The anti-tumor activity of black cumin is due to its high anti-inflammatory properties.

Promotes liver health

Promotes liver health

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. Almost all toxins pass through the liver. Bile is essential for the digestion of fats. Black cumin is useful for those who have poor liver function due to side effects from medication, alcohol abuse, and illness. In a recent study in laboratory animals, scientists found that black seed oil improves liver function and helps prevent damage and disease of this important organ.

Helps you lose weight

Helps you lose weight

According to the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Black cumin is one of the most bioactive natural remedies on the planet. There is also a large body of research showing that taking nigella supplements can help lower body mass index and reduce waist circumference. It is also important to note that none of the studies reported serious side effects from the use of such drugs.

Protects the skin

Protects the skin

In a study by Iranian scientists, products with nigella have been found to be as effective as pharmaceuticals for treating eczema. “At the same time, there were no serious side effects, unless, of course, there is no individual intolerance,” says Josch Ax. “While dermatological ointments and creams can cause swelling on the skin and in the larynx, tingling in the mouth, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, changes in skin tone, pigmentation, bruises.”

Good for hair

Good for hair

Black cumin oil is not only a good natural remedy for skin care, but also for hair. Nigella contains nigellon, which research has shown has antihistamine properties. The oil from this plant can help with hair loss due to androgenic and alopecia areata. With antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Nigellon also improves overall hair and scalp health by preventing dandruff and dryness.

Improves fertility

Improves fertility

According to one study, black cumin is effective in improving male fertility. In one study, scientists found that taking nigella oil had a beneficial effect on the quality and volume of sperm by increasing the number of sperm and improving their motility. There are also a number of studies that have proven that black cumin has a positive effect on sex hormones.

How to use black cumin

How to use black cumin

There are many uses for Nigella seeds and oil. “The oil can help with some skin problems like acne and eczema due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties,” says Josh Ax. – It is also believed to be beneficial for psoriasis and rosacea. If you are using black seed oil topically, always dilute it with a few teaspoons of a base oil such as coconut or almond oil. Nigella oil can be added to homemade massage oils and lotions. For a warming massage, simply add one drop to one tablespoon of carrier oil. To improve hair and scalp health, it is recommended to add a few drops of oil to shampoo and conditioner. ”

Thanks to its spicy taste, high quality black seed oil can be used in all kinds of recipes, from meat dishes to soups. You can also add it to drinks such as lattes, teas, cocktails.

Black cumin supplements are available in capsules. What is the optimal dose? It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism and the state of health. Typically, experts recommend the following amount.

  • For diabetes: 1 g of black cumin seed powder twice a day for 12 months.
  • For high blood pressure: 0.5-2 g of black cumin seed powder daily for 12 weeks or 100-200 ml oil twice a day for eight weeks.
  • To improve sperm quality : 2.5 ml of nigella oil twice a day for two months.
  • For asthma: 2 g of ground black cumin seeds for 12 weeks. Alternatively, take 15 ml / kg of black cumin seed extract daily for three months.

Possible side effects

Possible side effects

Some people there may be an intolerance to black cumin. When used externally, it can manifest itself as an allergic rash. Side effects when taken by mouth include: upset stomach, vomiting or constipation.

Before using black seed oil topically on the skin and hair, it is advisable to do a test to make sure there is no negative reaction to the product. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes when using.

Consult your doctor before using black seed oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, currently taking any medication or have a chronic medical condition such as , diabetes, arterial hypotension, blood clotting disorders. If you are taking black seed oil and have surgery planned, it is recommended that you stop taking it at least two weeks before surgery.

Like all natural oils, be sure to keep black seed oil away from heat and light.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *