Black seed oils have super healing power. It is unbelievable and yet has been used as medicine since ancient times.
There are quite a few kinds of “black” seeds out there. Many even look very similar and have some of the same compounds, which have caused much confusion.
All black seeds have antioxidants that are valuable nutritional health benefits.
Descriptions of Types of Black Seeds
In the culinary world, there are cumin seed, black cumin seed and black seed. They are all from different plants!
In India, the regular cumin seed, jerra, is light brown in color and this spice aids in digestion, and decreases food borne illnesses.
Then, there is a smaller darker seed called black cumin, kala jeera, which is from the plant bunium bulbocastanum, it is darker brown. It can be used in stews, on salads and sprinkled on baked goods, like breads. Spice dealers say this spice has a bitterer flavor. Medicinally, it is highly prized since it helps fight infections and diabetes.
What makes it even harder is there are other seeds from other plants that are black like caraway, onion, sesame and roman coriander.
Most research though is on the species Nigella Sativa, which is where the “real black seed oil” comes from and is not related to the cumin plant. This seed and its oil are really black as coal. (See picture below)
Nigella Sativa black seeds have beneficial compounds:
- TQ (thymoquinine) is sited as a high inflammation fighter and strengthener of the immune system. It may slow down ability for tumors to grow. It enhances memory and cognition; so may slow down symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It can decrease symptoms of allergies, like congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
- THQ (thymohydroquinine) is known to be a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; these can control the enzyme activity that affects a wide range of conditions from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Glaucoma to Autism.
- Thymol, which is also a major component of thyme essential oil, can be used as a virucide and could kill many viruses including TB. It is also a medical and all- purpose disinfectant.
Surprisingly, many companies that use Nigella Sativa black seed oil also call it Black cumin seed, which really is a misnomer, since it actually is not related to cumin at all!
Numerous scientific studies have shown that the Egyptian Nigella Sativa, black seed oil, is the highest therapeutic quality.
Black seed oil is also high in Omega 3 and 6, contains vitamin B1, B2, B3 and folate. It is also high in minerals of iron, calcium, copper, and zinc and phosphorous.
Methods for Use of Black Seed Oil
You can take Black seed oil internally, it is considered safe, or use it on your skin.
- Consume by the teaspoon straight, 1-2 tsp per day.
- Mix one teaspoon with honey for sweeter palatability.
- Add black seeds in cooking or baking; or the oil to your foods, like a smoothie or at end of cooking in soups.
- Rub it on skin, good for anti –aging skin problems and acne.
Please use black seed oil in moderation just like anything else you can overuse it. It is a nutritional powerhouse.
Before using it is best to inquire of your physician if you are nursing, pregnant or have any other medical disease.
References:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/04/03/cumin-versus-black-cumin.aspx
https://www.sheaterraorganics.com/Black-Seed-vs-Black-Cumin-Which-is-Which_b_8.html
https://draxe.com/black-seed-oil-benefits/
https://wellnessmama.com/37127/black-seed-oil-benefits/
Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist and Nutritional Health Consultant. Helps individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.