Have you heard of a spice revered so deeply that it has been called a remedy for all diseases except death?
Nigella seeds are considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine) and is popularly known as “The blessed Seeds”.
Exploring Nigella seeds…
Nigella seeds are also known as black seed, black cumin or fennel flower. Scientifically named, nigella sativa grows throughout India, Pakistan, Syria, turkey, and south Europe. It is native to southern Europe, north Africa and southwest Asia. It has always been used as a spice and food preservative. It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders.
Nigella seeds are very interestingly shaped quiet like a black dewdrop. They have a mild, slight bitter nutty onion like flavor. They can be added to salads, sauces, soups, stir fry or baked potatoes. Toasting them on a dry skillet brings out their flavor.
Health Benefits
1. Excellent for beauty treatment – skin and hair
Nigella seeds are packed with many essential nutrients, high antioxidant levels and anti-inflammatory benefits. Nigella seeds include vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, trace elements and omega oils. These all together help return the natural health and vitality of the skin. The nourishing properties in the oil also help in the repair and revive the damaged skin.
The oil can be applied externally or taken by mouth. Either ways it helps moisturize and nourish the skin, as well as reduces skin inflammation.
2. Fighting Cancer
The key active most researched ingredient, in nigella seeds oil is thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has been proved to have many health benefits including their unique tumor-reducing properties. It not only helps fight cancer but also helps protect the liver and reduce inflammation. It also acts as an antioxidant. The seeds also contain alpha-Hederin, a potential cancer-fighting ingredient.
3. Excellent for brain health
Learning and memory are most important functions of brain and loss of these primary functions may suggest dementia. This in turn might include health problems such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Researchers have proved that Nigella seeds are excellent against neurodegeneration related diseases and brain injury affecting learning and memory. Regular consumption of nigella seeds can help your brain health.
Not only brain cells but Nigella seeds have master repair properties meaning they are excellent for regeneration of damaged cells all over the body. Thus, they can be great addition in diet after chemotherapy.
Home Remedies:
1. For indigestion mix a tsp of nigella oil in a lukewarm milk or water and drink it.
2. For Congestion, add a tsp of nigella oil in boiling water and inhale the steam.
3. For skin problems, Grind a tsp of the nigella seeds with a little milk. Add fresh lime juice and apply on damaged skin. Wash after 20-25 mins. For best results leave on overnight to clear skin.
4. For hair problems, mix few drops of nigella oil in regular hair oil and witness the result.
5. To increase lactation following child birth: consume ½ tsp of nigella seeds can be taken every morning and evening twice a day with milk.
6. Apply Nigella oil on the skin as a painkiller and antiseptic.
7. Mix equal quantity of nigella oil and olive oil. Massage on the skin and scalp regularly.
8. Mix few drops of lemon juice and nigella oil and massage on the skin for radiant, clear blemishes-free skin.