When it comes to versatility and the power of its health benefits, black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) stands above other botanicals with a centuries-old wellness pedigree. In ancient texts and historical documents black cumin seed is noted for its therapeutic attributes and ability to support the body in its own natural healing processes.
Also known as black seed, black caraway, Roman coriander or kalonji, black cumin is a flowering plant found throughout Southwest Asia, parts of the Mediterranean and Africa. The uses for this natural remedy are all-encompassing and quite frankly, astounding. It would be a compliment to your arsenal of supplements, ointments, and aides and has an impeccable safety profile.
Naturally Occurring Compounds
With over 100 active constituents, the secret to black seed oil's therapeutic powers may lie in its arsenal of volatile oils. The ingredient which contains most of the seeds’ pharmacological effects is Thymoquinone or TQ, plus:
Thymohydroquinone, which naturally inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down certain neurotransmitters.
Thymol, which is naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
Black cumin seed oil contains other active chemicals, including alkaloids, saponins, and fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid, as well as nutrients like folate, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, proteins, and essential amino acids. (GlobalHealing.com)
Black Cumin Seed Benefits
The phytochemicals in cumin seeds are said to exhibit anti-histaminic, antiviral, anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to strengthen the immune system. Amazingly, black cumin seed oil has been found help counteract overactive cytokine responses that can cause your immune system to attack itself, leading to excess inflammation.
The most abundant and active component in black cumin seed oil is thymoquinone* (a phytochemical compound found in the plant), which attributes to the following benefits:
Improved thyroid status
Rheumatoid Arthritis management
Therapeutic effects on Multiple Sclerosis
Enhancement of immune response
Antimicrobial - fights bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses and hepatitis C.
Anti-parasitic
Hypoglycemic
Antihypertensive
Digestion and improved gut motility
Aids weight loss
Effective for diabetes
Evidence of lowering total and LDL cholesterol and reduced plaque formation.
Reduces blood pressure
Reduces pain from knee osteoarthritis and has general analgesic effects
Improves cognitive function
As a Covid-19 treatment, per the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance
How Long Do Cumin Seed Last?
To maximize the shelf life of cumin seed, store in a cool, dark cupboard, away from direct heat or sunlight. Properly stored, cumin seed will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 years if stored in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Commercially packaged cumin seed will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cumin seed will remain at peak quality. Commercially packaged cumin seed does not spoil, but it will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended - the storage time shown is for best quality only.
You can test Cumin Seed for potency by crushing a small amount in your hand, then tasting and smelling it. If the aroma is weak and the flavor is not obvious, the cumin seed should be replaced. (Still Tasty)
4 Ways to Prepare Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Seeds:
1. Chew Raw Seeds
The simplest way is to chew about half a teaspoon of the raw seeds, grinding them down naturally and slowly with your front teeth. Chewing slowly and mindfully introduces enzymes through saliva, which start to break down the chemical structure of the seed and allow for easier absorption within the body.
2. Blend Raw Seeds
Blend the raw seeds into a fine powder and store in an airtight container. Add it to oatmeal, baking, smoothies, tea, dips, etc.
3. Roast Raw Seeds
Roast black cumin seeds in a frying pan on a low-medium heat for about seven minutes to extract some of the nutty flavor. Then, blend it into a fine powder.
4. Boil Seeds In Water
Add a teaspoon of black cumin seeds to some water (1 cup), and perhaps add fennel, ginger and some cinnamon and honey for taste. Boil for 5 minutes, strain and enjoy as a potent tea. This is my favorite method.
Dosage
The appropriate black seed oil dosage can vary by individual and health status. At this time, there is no standard dosage, but the following dosages by mouth have been studied in scientific research to date:
For diabetes: 1 gram of black seed powder taken twice a day for up to 12 months.
For high blood pressure: 0.5–2 grams of black seed powder daily for up to 12 weeks or 100–200 milligrams black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks.
For asthma: 2 grams of ground black seed taken daily for 12 weeks. Also, 15 mL/kg of black seed extract has been used daily for three months. A single dose of 50–100 mg/kg has also been used.
Topical use, for example for knee osteoarthritis, has included 1 mL applied locally three times per day.
NS can inhibit cytochrome P450 and so should be used with caution with those who are on drugs similarly metabolized. Side effects are rare. There are some reports of nasal dryness when used topically; nausea, headache and insomnia when taken orally.
Other Sources:
To learn more about black cumin seed and its properties, watch this video:
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