Black Cumin Seed

One of the most useful seeds employed for ancient medicinal purposes, is the black cumin seed; dark, thin and crescent shaped when whole. The plant which is the source of these seeds, has many other English names. They include, fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander and black onion seed. The fruit of the plant is where the seeds are obtained from. There are 3 - 7 untied follicles which the fruit is composed of and each of these follicles bear numerous seeds. Black cumin seed found its usefulness both as a source of medical herbal properties and medicinal oil, as well. The seed is attached with great honor in Islam, as being the medicine of all illness, except death. According to research, the seed bears a number of properties which are related to profound therapeutic value. These properties are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, immune stimulation, anti-asthmatic, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic.

Information On Black Cumin Seeds

The oil extracted from the black cumin seed is extensively used medicinally and the seed is often used as a spice in a variety of dishes. Dishes prepared with cumin seeds are known to aid to the digestion process and relieve discomfort from gas and bloating. The seeds also encourage proper bowel movement, as they aid peristalsis (the process of wavelike muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along). People who consume this oil regularly are less vulnerable to intestinal worms.

Benefits of black cumin seed oil and the seed itself, has been a subject of great exaggeration in various folklore. According to some, the seed is known to be a cure-all or panacea (hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by alchemists). Various studies have revealed that the properties which these pitch-black seeds possess, are superior in quality and efficacy than other natural remedies, when it came to treating auto-immune disorders. Auto-immune disorders occur due to an imbalance which cause the cells of the immune system to mistakenly attack or destroy healthy cells. And this imbalance can be improved with a combination of these seeds and garlic.

Apart from being used as a remedy for headache, toothache, colds and infections, the black cumin is associated with healing asthma and allergies. When used for hair and nails, the cumin oil brings luster and strength. For treating cold, flu and cough, grind some seeds and mix them with garlic and honey. The antibacterial property of the black cumin, makes it an immunity booster, especially during the winter months. One popular health benefits is the oil's ability to treat conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, acne, etc, when used topically.

Black cumin seeds are also associated with the treatment of cancer. These seeds stimulate activities of the neutrophil, which are short-lived immune cells which are found in the bone marrow. Whenever there is a bacterial infection, these cells get mobilized into action. This in turn boosts the immune system, which detect and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The use of these seeds are more efficient for treating aggressive forms of cancer. In a certain experiment, some mice were deliberately caused to develop cancer and were also given the black cumin seed oil. About two-thirds of them were still alive 30 days post the experiment. Side effects from these seeds do not occur, unless the consumption is according to what had been directed or prescribed. However, its use is not recommended for expecting or nursing mothers.

Organic black cumin seeds are made into a variety of health products by many industries. Common examples include organic black seed oil, vege-capsules, dietary supplements, shampoo and nutri-powder to name a few.