Back in May, I stopped into a local herb shop and bought a little plant called “Black Cumin.” I put this annual in my herb garden and thought nothing of it. Naturally, I assumed this plant was related to cumin the spice which is widely used in Cuban cooking and other cuisines. Just yesterday, I harvested the tiny-shriveled thing which had gone to seed and died. Sadly, I placed this small plant in a place where it didn’t get enough sun or water. We had a 5-week drought/heat wave as well which didn’t help. Even though the plant was dead, I got excited about all the seed pods it produced and set to work on breaking the pods apart.
Upon tasting the seeds, my face lit up. the seeds did not taste anything like the cumin I was used to so I wondered what in the world they were. Enter the internet. In a few minutes, I discovered that the plant called black cumin shares its name with several other culinary herbs, but is really Nigella Sativa. Some of its other names include: Black caraway, fennel flower, nigella, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, and kalonji (from Hindi-Urdu). Go figure!
First, it tastes delicious. It’s slightly bitter with a peppery taste. If you love fresh ground pepper this is like a tastier substitute. Second, this is a miracle seed.
The Prophet Muhammed said, "Use this black seed. For indeed it contains a cure for every disease except for death!"
What?
I had to learn more!
The seeds of N. sativa and their oil have been widely used for centuries in the treatment of various ailments throughout the world. And it is an important drug in the Indian traditional system of medicine like Unani and Ayurveda and Siddha. In Islamic literature, it is considered one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastroprotective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top-ranked evidence-based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is a major bioactive component of the essential oil.
Ready for its uses? The list is long.
Analgesic:Relieves or reduces pain.
Anxiolytic: Reduces anxiety.
Anthelmintic:(also known as vermicide or vermifuge) Destroys and expels intestinal worms.
Anti-bacterial:Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory:Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive bacteria.
Anticancer
Anti-ulcer: Helps replenish mucus content in stomach wall.
Antihistaminic: Relieves allergy symptoms by suppressing histamine
Leukotriene Antagonist: Suppresses formation of leukotrienes, inflammatory molecules present in asthma and other inflammatory processes.
Antioxidant:Prevents or delays the damaging oxidization of the body’s cells – particularly useful against free radicals.
Anti-cholinergic: inhibits parasympathetic nerve impulses, reducing spasms in smooth muscles eg. muscles in the bladder
Anti-spasmodic:Prevents or eases muscle spasms and cramps.
Anti-tussive: Relieves/prevents cough.
Antifungal:Thymoquinone is a highly effective photochemical against molds and fungi.
Antiviral: Enhances activity of natural killer cells, and helper and suppressor T cells.
Antiparasitic
Antimicrobial: Inhibits both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Carminative:Stimulates digestion and induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach and the intestines.
Bronchodilator: Loosens a tight chest to make breathing easier
Interferon Inducer: Stimulates the production of interferons, which are released when the body encounters pathogens, such as tumor cells, viruses, bacteria and parasites.
Spasmolytic: Relieves smooth muscle spasms.
Diaphoretic:Induces perspiration during fever to cool and stimulate the release of toxins.
Diuretic:Increases urine production and excretion of water. Helps clean the body’s fluids.
Emmenagogue:Stimulates bile and aids in the digestive process.
Galactagogue:Stimulates the action of milk in new mothers.
Immunomodulator:Helps to restore normal immune function from either underactive or overactive.
Lymphatic decongestant:Decongests the lymphatic system, therefore unburdens and improves the immune system.
Gastro-protective: Protects lining of the stomach
Hepatoprotective: Prevents damage to the liver
Renal-protective: prevents damage to the kidneys
Hypoglycemic:Contributes to improved blood sugar control.
HOLY COW! I’m blown away by this tiny plant I accidentally planted in my garden. If there is one plant you grow next year, let it be Black Seed. The flowers are beautiful, hell you may have already planted its cousin, “LOVE IN A MIST” which produces beautiful blue flowers.
What can I say? I’m a convert. I will be growing this badass herb every year!
Get your hands on some seeds: https://www.seedsavers.org/black-cumin-herb
If you can’t plant it, buy the oil and seeds from The Blessed Seed Company. https://theblessedseed.com/
More info here: https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/top-28-scientific-benefits-of-the-panacea-black-cumin-seed-nigella-sativa/
Challah - holiday bread for the Jewish people is a simple but amazingly tasty addition to any meal or a snack for tea-time. In this recipe it is enhanced with the distinctive taste of onion seeds! Don’t forget to pass the butter!
