NIGELLA SEEDS: THE SEED WITH HEALING POWERS

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said; “Use this Black seed regularly because it is a cure for every disease except death.”

What are Nigella Seeds??

 Nigella seeds are the dried, seed-like fruit of a small herb. The seeds are long and jet black with a matte finish. They closely resemble tiny chips of coal. Nigella seeds are sold whole and can be dry roasted and powdered at home. It is native to the Mediterranean region. But now it is also cultivated and found wild mainly in Egypt and India, but also in other parts of North Africa, western and southern Asia, Southern Europe and the Middle East.

Nigella seeds have a distinct aroma and smoky taste that has notes of onion, cumin, and oregano. These unique characteristics make the seeds a great pairing in savoury dishes.

In English, it is known as black seeds, black cumin or black caraway. In the United States, the plant is referred by many names, including fennel flower, nutmeg flower, onion seed, and gith. In India and many other South Asian countries, it has been referred to as kalonji. 

Scientific Background:

It is the annual plant of the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae) and its scientific name is Nigella sativa, grown for its pungent seeds, which are used as a spice and condiment in herbal medicine.  It’s near cousin, Nigella damascena, or love-in-the-mist, often tries to take credit for this spice, but its flowers and seeds are merely decorative.

Nutrients present in Nigella Seeds:

Nigella seeds contain almost 40% fixed oils and 1.4% volatile oils. It also contains around fifteen amino acids, proteins, calcium, iron and most effective compositions like thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol.

Benefits of Nigella Seeds:

• Asthma:

Research shows that taking nigella seed by mouth along with asthma medicines can improve coughing, wheezing, and lung function in some people with asthma.

• Diabetes: 

Research shows that taking nigella seed can improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It might also improve levels of cholesterol in people with diabetes.

• Male infertility: 

Research shows that taking nigella seed oil increases the number of sperm. 

• Breast pain (mastalgia): 

Research shows that applying a gel containing nigella seed oil to the breasts during the menstrual cycle reduces pain in women with breast pain.

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis): 

Early research suggests that taking nigella seed oil by mouth might improve symptoms in people with itchy and inflamed skin.

• Cognitive function:

Early research shows that nigella seed helps with some but not all measures of memory and attention in boys and men. 

• Indigestion (dyspepsia): 

Taking a product containing nigella seed oil, honey, and the water seems to reduce symptoms of indigestion.

• Seizure disorder (epilepsy):  

Research shows that taking nigella seed extract by mouth reduces the number of seizures in children with epilepsy.

•Packed With Antioxidants: 

Several compounds found in nigella seed, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties. One test-tube study found that nigella seed essential oil also acted as an antioxidant.

•Can Help Kill off Bacteria:

Some test-tube studies have found that nigella seed may have antibacterial properties and be effective at fighting off certain strains of bacteria. One study applied nigella seed topically to infants with a staphylococcal skin infection and found that it was as effective as a standard antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It killed off the bacteria in a dose-dependent manner in over half of the samples. 

• May Alleviate Inflammation: 

Some studies have found that nigella seed may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body. In one study in 42 people with rheumatoid arthritis, taking 1,000 mg of nigella seed oil daily for eight weeks reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In another study, inflammation was induced in the brain and spinal cord of rats. Compared to a placebo, it was effective at protecting against and suppressing inflammation. 

How Nigella Seeds can be incorporated in one’s diet?

Nigella seeds are frequently used as a spice and condiment in many countries like India, the Middle East, and North Africa.  A popular Bengali spice blend called “panch phoron” uses nigella, cumin, fennel, and black mustard seeds.

 

These tasty seeds can be used for flavouring curries and lentil dishes, as well as cooked with root vegetable dishes and stir-fries. Another way to use nigella seeds is sprinkled over naan bread before baking. Nigella seeds can be eaten raw or with honey or dates. Nigella seeds oil can be used in one’s diet. 

Availability of Nigella Seeds:

Nigella seeds are easily available in local markets as well as online in convenient price throughout the world. 

Hence, it is scientifically proven that nigella seeds have antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties as well as various health benefits so one’s should incorporate this seed in their diet.

 

Musharrafa Asad

References:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/nigella-seed-glossary

https://www.foodrepublic.com/2016/11/21/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nigella-seeds/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-901/black-seed

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-eat-and-cook-with-nigella-seeds#want-to-learn-more-about-cooking

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/kalonji-nigella-seeds#section4