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Black cumin is the mature seed of the common fennel flower: Nigella Sativa. It is a herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family and is typical of humid places. Its name derives from the particular dark color (from the Latin nĭgěr, black) and from its cultivation (from Latin sǎtīva, cultivated).
It is native to the area of Syria and Turkey and is well acclimatized to the Mediterranean area and Central Asia. History places it in Ancient Egypt. Hence its oil is known as ‘oil of the pharaohs.’ Its abundant therapeutic benefits made it popular over 3,000 years ago. Among them, it stands out as a treatment against allergies. Today it is commonly grown in the Middle East, southern Europe, and North Africa.
Strengthen Immune System
The numerous phytochemicals that Nigella Sativa seeds possess endow them with many beneficial properties for human health, including strengthening the immune system.
Anti-inflammatory properties
As we have already mentioned, thymoquinone has anti-inflammatory properties but also antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.
Control Asthma
The seed is also involved in the regulation of histamine levels, something that makes it suitable for controlling allergic reactions that cause itching and inflammation. Its composition has been shown to help reduce eosinophilia in the blood, a determining factor in asthma.
Black cumin stands out for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties.
Relieve Itchy Skin
The cumin also has skin benefits and is recommended for the care of sensitive, allergic or itchy skin. In addition, its antiseptic property promotes healing and maintains collagen at optimal levels. These characteristics favor the hydration of the skin and regulate its keratinization.
Inhibit Production of Free Radicals
Cumin has more attributes. This makes it easier for fat not to accumulate in unwanted areas such as the hips or waist. In combination with the metabolism-stimulating effect of thymoquinone, it means that people who regularly consume black cumin have less risk of becoming overweight.
Favors Breast Milk Production in Feeding Mothers
Some sources highlight the galactogenic capacity (favors the secretion of breast milk) of the Nigella Sativa seed. However, there are not enough scientific studies to conclude that this belief is 100% true.
The ancient use of black cumin
Although black cumin has been used for time immemorial, it is unknown to many people. Many cultures know the properties of this seed and have benefited from them, as they did in Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra and Nefertiti used Nigella Sativa in their beauty rituals, and Tutankhamun was buried with seeds to relieve headaches in the afterlife. Black cumin oil was so widespread at court that it was known as the ‘oil of the pharaohs.’
There are records showing that Hippocrates included black cumin in his medicines. There are also references in the Old Testament to the use of “black healing seeds.” The work of Pliny the Elder, Natural History (74 AD), highlights its properties to combat headaches, chills, and respiratory problems. The prophet Mohammed recognized its healing effects and went so far as to say: “in the black seed, there is a cure for every disease, except death.”
Nigella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Europe and southwest Asia. They are annuals or biennials, with flowers consisting of four sepals and four petals joined at the base to form a corolla. Nigella seeds are rich in essential oils, which have been used for centuries in cooking. They also contain thymol, an antifungal agent that makes them useful for treating infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.