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Nigella Sativa
Origin: India
Size: Whole seeds
The black cumin, or Nigella Sativa, is a spice with extraordinary properties and multiple uses, so much so that it is also known as the 'blessed seed'. Black cumin seeds are oily seeds whose use is especially widespread in the Middle East, and its origin is ancient: an archaeological find from the Hittites dated 1650 BC revealed traces of a mixture of honey and nigella sativa, while in Tutankhamun's tomb a bottle of black cumin seed oil was found! For this reason, this spice is also known as Egyptian black cumin, although it is also known as black sesame, Roman coriander, or black fennel - from an improper translation of the English 'fennel flower'.
The plant from which black cumin seeds are obtained is Nigella Sativa, a plant of the Ranunculaceae species, very common in Southwest Asia but now cultivated in various parts of the world. It has white flowers, slightly veined with blue, and its fruits contain the black seeds with versatile uses. Black cumin should not be confused with the common cumin typical of the Mediterranean, nor with Bunium persicum, also known as black cumin, which has nothing to do with Nigella Sativa, as they belong to different plant families.
Black cumin has very important properties, and in Arab culture, it is considered a sort of panacea with multiple benefits. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad claimed that it could "cure everything except death", and testimonies of the use of black cumin essential oil and ointments based on this special seed are extremely widespread; in particular, already in the Middle Ages, its reconstituting and energizing power was studied, and it was considered an important herbal remedy, used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine for its immunostimulant benefits.
The properties of black cumin are attributed to thymoquinone, a molecule found inside the seeds of nigella sativa, which is its most important active ingredient. Black cumin seeds have important nutritional values, as they contain proteins, fibers, vitamin A and B6, calcium, and magnesium.
The main properties of black cumin are:
These add to its favorable soothing effect on the skin. Positive effects have been observed in the use of black cumin against dermatitis. It is not surprising that black cumin seed oil is widely used on the skin, for the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, and burns (similarly to calendula oil extract), as well as for hair care. Black cumin is indeed an ally against dandruff.
Black cumin seeds can be aids against infectious diseases, coughs, and colds. Black cumin is in fact rich in vitamin A, which fights free radicals. It has also been shown that nigella sativa has antioxidant and circulatory system effects.
The research field on the benefits of black cumin is indeed vast, from studies on its effects on the thyroid to those on its antihistamine action. As natural tonics, black cumin seeds can be allies against allergies, already used in Indian medicine for asthma and beneficial effects on the respiratory tract. Decoctions with black cumin seed oil or infusion of the seeds are used, with significant benefits, as anti-asthmatics, also presenting a vasoregulatory effect. Black cumin has benefits on catarrhal conditions, bloating, and is a natural strengthener of the immune system, as well as having effects against menstrual pain and digestive disorders.
There are also studies on the effects of black cumin in the diet and metabolism issues that suggest that Nigella sativa could be an aid against diabetes.
Among the most interesting studies, we mention the comparison between Diclofenac (active ingredient of Voltaren) and Nigella seed extract. Black cumin seeds are slightly less potent anti-inflammatory agents than Diclofenac, but their effect is longer and, above all, they do not have the contraindications of the synthetic drug.
Black cumin has no particular contraindications, unless there is an allergy to its active ingredients, but excessive use is not recommended, as with all medicinal herbs. It is also advisable to avoid black cumin during pregnancy, as its active ingredients could lead to premature contractions.
Let's now explore the main uses of black cumin seeds and how to integrate them into our diet to take advantage of their beneficial effects.
How to consume black cumin seeds? As we have explored, this spice has numerous benefits, and it is good to know that the essential oil is not the only use of black cumin. Black cumin is used in cooking as a spice; its flavor is pungent and balsamic and can be used to prepare liqueurs, sweets, added to doughs, such as in cookies, or to enrich salads. Many even add black cumin seeds to milk to take advantage of their infusion properties. It is ideal for baked goods, for example, it can be used to cover bread: in India, the typical Peshawari naan is covered with black cumin seeds.
The use of black cumin seeds in dishes is very common in the Middle East, where they are used to aid digestion and stimulate metabolism, as well as to counteract urinary tract problems.
Black cumin seeds are very versatile, they can be added to salads, bakery products, or mixed into smoothies to enjoy their purifying effect of eliminating toxins from the body, as well as being used in spice mixes for oriental-style preparations. The black seed can be used to prepare various recipes:
Given its properties, black cumin can also be consumed in the form of a black cumin seed infusion, hot or cold, to enjoy its properties, as these seeds are rich in essential oils. Let's see together how to prepare black cumin seed decoction.
To prepare a black cumin seed infusion you will need:
Put a saucepan on the heat with the water and wait for it to boil. When the water boils, add the cumin seeds and let them infuse for 8-10 minutes. It is necessary to cover the saucepan in order not to disperse the vapors. Once the heat is turned off, the herbal tea can be filtered and drunk, sweetened with honey.
The combination of black cumin seeds and honey is very common, it was indeed considered a miraculous remedy in ancient times, as well as a powerful aphrodisiac.
If you have wondered, looking for information on black cumin, where to find it, Terzaluna is the answer. We have carefully selected the best quality of black cumin seeds, for sale in our spice e-shop to enhance your preparations and create beneficial homemade herbal teas. Discover the qualities of nigella sativa and do not postpone your purchase of black cumin seeds!
Terzaluna is the place to find black cumin seeds at an affordable price.
If you have enjoyed the organic black cumin seeds nigella sativa from Terzaluna, then you will also appreciate the wide range of Indian spices selected by us in years of experience.
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