Used throughout history for its amazing healing powers, black seed was reportedly found in King Tut’s tomb. This spice has been extensively studied and proven effective against many modern diseases, yet few people have even heard of it. We are here to spread the word about this potent cure and encourage everyone to stock black seed in your medicine cabinet.
What is Black Seed?
Black seed is the seed of the Nigella Sativa plant but is known by many names including black cumin, black sesame, black caraway, onion seed, and Roman coriander. Black seed is the most descriptive name, but the most accurate may be the Arabic name which translates to “seed of blessing.” It is reported that the Islamic prophet Mohammed called black seed a “remedy for all diseases except death.”
What Does Black Seed Treat?
It would be impossible to discuss all of the conditions and diseases that black seed treats in this article. Black seed benefits have been studied in over 656 peer-reviewed studies as far back as 1964. The research is solid, documenting the benefits of black seed and black seed oil. Here are just a few of the well-documented benefits of black seed:
Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
A 2010 research study found that 2 grams of black seeds per day reduced fasting blood glucose readings by an average of 45 mg/dl after four weeks and 62 mg/dl at eight weeks. HbA1C readings were reduced by 1.5% after 12 weeks. Participants had decreased insulin resistance, reduced HbA1C, and increased beta-cell function. Participants had no adverse liver or kidney reactions.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Helicobacter Pylori infection is implicated in a large number of diseases, including peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, and gastric cancer. Black seeds were tested against triple eradication therapy using clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and black seeds were found to be as effective as the triple antibiotic therapy.
Hypertension
A randomized, double-blind study conducted in 2006 showed that 100-200 mg of Nigella Seed Extract taken twice a day for eight weeks significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in patients with mild hypertension. Participants also experienced a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Black seed has also been shown to have positive effects on heart health. No complications were recorded during the 2-month study.
Bacterial Infections Including MRSA
MRSA is a significant health problem encountered in hospitals and clinics worldwide. It is resistant to various anti-staphylococcus agents. Laboratory testing of black seed extracts inhibited the growth of MRSA. More testing is necessary for MRSA and other resistant bacteria. However, black seed is known to have antibiotic properties.
Asthma
Both animal and human studies have confirmed that boiled water extracts of black seed opens asthmatic airways, allowing easier breathing. Pulmonary function tests showed rapid improvement in asthmatic patients taking the extracts. Thymoquinone, an active compound found in black seed is a powerful anti-asthmatic.
Protects and Heals the Skin
Black seed oil has been shown to be beneficial and healing to the skin. Cleopatra, famed for her beauty is rumored to have used black seeds to enhance the health and beauty of her skin. Black seed oil contains valuable vitamins, minerals and trace elements that nourish the skin and help it heal.
Black seed oil regulates the body’s immune cells and contains anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF.) TNF is a problem in some autoimmune skin diseases. Black seed oil has been shown to be beneficial when applied directly to the skin for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema, fungal infections and acne.
Black Seed Oil for Skin Cancer
Black seed has been shown to have a wide range of anti-cancer effects and specific activity against squamous cell carcinomas have been shown in vitro. Black seed extracts inhibited cell reproduction and increase cell death in squamous cell carcinoma. More studies are needed, but black seed oil shows promise as a potential therapy in squamous cell skin cancers.
Digestion
Black seeds have carminative properties, meaning they aid in the reduction of gas, bloating, stomach pain and digestive problems.
Candida and Fungal Infections
If you have problems with candida and fungus in the digestive system or on the skin, black seed oil may be the solution. It has been shown effective in battling candida infections.
Black Seed Supports the Immune System
Nigella Sativa contains beneficial antioxidants, acids, and vitamins that support the immune system. Black seeds appear to balance the immune system, up-regulating some functions and down-regulating others for better immune health. It appears to have a calming effect on the overactive immune reactions that cause autoimmune reactions.
Many Other Uses
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) has been documented to have over 600 beneficial effects on health. It is a powerfully healthy supplement that belongs in every medicine cabinet. Unlike many supplements, numerous studies have been done on Nigella Sativa that prove its efficacy.
Medicinal Properties of Black Seed
Black seed has been used for many different diseases throughout history. If you are concerned about a specific health condition, it is easy to test black seeds or black seed oil over a period of 3 months or more to determine whether it may be effective. Also search a medical library for original research on Nigella Sativa and your condition.
Black seed is known to have these medicinal properties:
- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-virus
Anti-inflammatory- Anti-ulcer
- Anti-Hypertensive
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic
- Bronchodilator
- Beneficial for reducing blood sugar and regulating insulin response
- Protects the liver and kidneys
- Interferon Inducer
- Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)
How to Use Black Seed
The easiest way to use black seed is to sprinkle the seeds on salads or in a smoothie. There is probably some benefit in crushing the seeds before just before use. Your blender will do the job when making a smoothie.
Another easy way to use black seed is to add black seed oil to your juice or a smoothie. You can also take a teaspoon of the oil straight several times a day. It has a slightly spicy taste that most people don’t find objectionable. If you choose to use the oil, make sure your supply is fresh. Black seed oil can become rancid, just like other oils.
Black seed oil is considered safe for culinary use and showed no side effects in testing. However, it is always possible that some individuals will have a reaction to a new food or oil, so start slowly and make sure it is tolerated. Like other herbs, spices, and essential oils, black seed is very potent, and a little goes a long way.
