Black cumin is known as a powerful natural remedy and there are even those who believe it "cures everything but death". Let's find out more about the properties of this precious seed and how to use it.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousIl black cumin it is known as a powerful natural remedy and there are even those who believe that it "cures everything but death". Let's find out more about the why and the properties of this precious seed and how to use it.
The seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant (black cumin) have been appreciated for their healing properties since time immemorial. The first news about its cultivation even come from ancient Egypt. Think that traces of black cumin oil have been found in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun dating back to about 3 thousand years ago. In Arab cultures, the seeds of this plant are known as "blessed seeds"And it is believed that it was the Islamic prophet Mohammed who said that it is" a remedy for all diseases except death ".
What the ancient tradition had learned through the experience and daily use of this remedy, has now been confirmed by the scientific literature. In fact, since the 60s, hundreds of studies have focused on analyzing the health benefits of taking black cumin.
Index
Black cumin, properties and benefits
Black cumin is rich in vitamins, mineral salts but also in oleic and linoleic acids. Thanks to the active ingredients it contains, it boasts several properties including power:
- Anti-inflammatory: it is able to fight the inflammations present inside the body
- Analgesic: acts on pain helping to relieve it
- Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal: counteracts infections due to the presence of viruses, bacteria or fungi
- Antioxidant: counteracts the free radicals responsible for cellular aging
- Immunostimulant: the seeds of this plant strengthen the defenses of our organism.
- Broncodilatatore: it has a positive effect on the respiratory tract by favoring the passage of air
- You have low blood glucose and high blood pressure: the active ingredients present in black cumin seeds have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and on blood pressure regulation.
Research has found that several health problems can potentially be treated with this plant:
- Type 2 diabetes: Two grams of black cumin per day decreased fasting glucose, decreased insulin resistance, increased beta cell function, and decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in human subjects.
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Black seeds possess the ability to fight infection due to the presence of this bacterium.
- Epilepsy: black cumin seeds were traditionally known to have anticonvulsant properties. A 2007 study of epileptic children, whose condition was refractory to conventional drug treatment, found that a Nigella Sativa extract significantly reduced seizure activity.
- High pressure: the daily use of 100-200 mg of black seed extract, twice a day for 2 months, has been shown to have a positive effect on patients with mild hypertension.
- Asthma: Thymoquinone, one of the main active ingredients of Nigella sativa has anti-asthmatic properties. One study found that a liquid extract of black cumin seeds had a fairly powerful effect on the airways.
- Acute tonsillopharyngitis: against this inflammation, often of viral origin, black cumin seeds (in combination with Fillanto, Phyllanthus niruri) have been shown to be effective in significantly relieving pain in the throat.
- Colon canker: Cell studies have found that black seed extract can help stop the growth of colon cancer, even the oil extracted from this plant has significant inhibitory effects against this type of cancer with no observable side effects.
- Staphylococcus aureus infection resistant to methicillin: black cumin seeds have antibacterial activity against this microorganism which has become resistant to methicillin (antibiotic).
How to use black cumin seeds
In oriental folk medicine and Ayurveda, black cumin seeds are frequently used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, digestive problems, cardiovascular diseases, kidney and liver problems, dermatological disorders but also to support the immune defenses and promote the well-being of the body. If you intend to use these seeds for curative purposes, contact an expert who will advise you the best.
The simplest way to take advantage of the properties of black cumin seeds is to prepare an herbal tea by simply pouring hot water over a tablespoon of seeds and letting them infuse for about 10 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, you need to filter before drinking.
However, these small and precious seeds can also be used in the kitchen, spreading them for example on your favorite dishes, a teaspoon is enough to put in salads, soups, grilled vegetables or wherever you like them most.
How to use black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil is often used to treat skin problems such as dermatitis, hives, eczema, acne but also for herpes and allergies. In this case it is used externally using a small dose of product 2 or 3 times a day, massaging gently until completely absorbed on the area to be treated.
However, this oil can also be taken internally. The generally recommended dose is 1 teaspoon 3 times a day for a few weeks. It can be used for the treatment of the various aforementioned ailments, there are those who use it successfully in case of Candida or to strengthen the immune system.
On black cumin you may also be interested in:
- HYPOTHYROIDISM: THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF BLACK CUMIN ON HASHIMOTO'S THYROID
- CUMIN: HOW TO USE IT IN THE KITCHEN AND NOT ONLY
Contraindications of black cumin seeds
It is not recommended to take black cumin seeds or oil during pregnancy. In fact, there is the possibility that the active ingredients present in this plant lead to the appearance of premature contractions.
