BLACK CUMIN (Nigella sativa)
Parts Used: seed
Energy and Flavor: sweet, neutral energy
Systems Affected: lungs, colon, kidneys, liver
Biochemical Constituents: Nigellicine
Properties: anti-pyretic, tonic, anti-bacterial
History and Use:
The Black Seed is native to the Mediterranean, but has been cultivated in other parts of the world, including North Africa, Saudi Arabia, and parts of Asia. The Black Seed has been used by mankind for over 3,000 years, making it one of the safest and longest used herbs in herbal history.
The word Black Seed is derived form the Islamic medicinal treatment system called "Habbatul Sawdah" which means "Blessed seed". The history of Islamic medicine and the Black seed is based on the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which states: "Hold on to the use of the Black Seed, for in it is healing for all illness except death." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Bk 71 #592). Few people in the Western world have heard of the fascinating history of this herb which is used by a large portion of the Muslim world. References to this seed can be found in some of the oldest religious and medical texts such as Al-Nabi Al-Tibb (Prophetic Medicine), and Ibn Sina's (Avecinna) masterpiece Al-Quanun Al-Tibb (Canon of Medicine.
According to Islamic herbalists, the Black Seed is a natural remedy for maintaining and storing body heat and dryness. Al-Quanum Al-Tibb holds the theory that a reduced metabolic rate (internal body heat) is the cause of most illnesses.
It is believed that if the body loses too much energy, it also loses its ability to fight off toxins, leading to a greater chance of contracting illness. The Western diet consist of mostly cold foods such as ice drinks, pizza, and cheese, yogurt, dairy, salt, and sugar, which depletes the innate heat our body needs in order to optimally function.
Black Seed has been traditionally used in Islamic medicine as a cure for a variety of ailments including bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism and related inflammatory conditions. It is also known to increase milk production in nursing mothers, digestive and eliminative problems, and parasite infections. The oil is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils. When used topically, it can be used to treat cold symptoms.
The Islamic test Al-Nabi Al-Tibb (Medicine of the Prophet) lists as many as 50 diseases for which Black Seed has successfully been used to treat. It is especially popular as a daily tea mixed with honey which helps to stimulate metabolism and helps prevent cancer.
This and similar information on many other herbs will be reviewed by Master Herbalist Tariq Sawandi every month.
Master Herbalist Tariq Sawandi is pleased to receive health questions from our subscribers and will respond accordingly. Please write to: Dr. Tariq Sawandi (aka D. Williams), Bldg. 3B04-210, (D47495), P.O. Box 3466, Corcoran, CA 93212.
