Black Cumin Seeds
The famous Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to treat headaches and toothaches. Mohammed said that black cumin cures every disease but death itself. The reason might be found in the complex chemical structure of the seeds. These little seeds have over one hundred different chemical constituents, including abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids. Though it is the oil that is most often used medicinally, the seeds are a bit spicy and are often used whole in cooking of curries, pastries, and Mediterranean cheeses. Nigella sativa seeds have very little aroma but are carminative, meaning they tend to aid digestion and relieve gases in the stomach and intestines. They aid peristalsis and elimination. The essential oil of black cumin is antimicrobial and helps to rid the intestines of worms.Black cumin is regarded by many as a panacea and may therefore not be taken seriously by some, but for those inclined to dismiss folklore, it should be noted that these humble seeds have been found superior to almost every other natural remedy when used for autoimmune disorders, conditions in which patients suffer greatly because their own systems attack their bodies.Black cumin, especially when combined with garlic, is regarded as a harmonizer of the imbalance which allows immune cells to destroy healthy cells. The technical language to describe this property is "immunomodulatory action." The difference between black cumin and interferon is that there are no known side effects with black cumin when administered in normal dosages. The saying goes that the beauty of black cumin is their capacity to restore harmony.The most dramatic results are achieved with asthma and allergies. These respond relatively quickly unless there is infection, in which case, the infection needs to be eliminated before the symptoms of immune weakness subside. Continued use for six months or longer tends to give outstanding results. For extreme fatigue, consider mixing some crushed seeds with some royal jelly.
With a seed containing so many constituents and having such a long ethno botanical history, it is not surprising that many throughout the Mediterranean and Asia believe that black cumin is basically good for all that ails us. However, the claims are not outrageously far-fetched if one considers how complete the seeds are in terms of their many chemical constituents. Still, it is understandable that anyone who claims that something can do anything from increasing one's sperm count or increasing milk production in a nursing mother to relieving bronchial conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, is not taken seriously. One then wonders if the imagination of the poets has triumphed over the logic of scientists? Just remember: those paying homage to the black seeds of the Egyptian oases were praising the capacity of the seeds to restore normalcy, not cure. This is not unimaginable if the nutrients are sufficient to correct deficiency conditions.Protects Healthy Cells and Stimulates Production of Natural Interferon. The first major study of Nigella sativa in cancer prevention and treatment was performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They concluded that a healthy immune system will detect and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The immune system does this by supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow cells, and B-cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin stimulates neutrophil activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection. Extracts of black cumin have also been shown to modulate production of interleukins, a quality it shares with some other highly revered herbs: ginseng, astragalus, misteltoe, garlic, and cat's claw.
Black cumin is particularly useful in aggressive cancers whose growth depends on angiogenesis. In vitro studies performed in Jordan and the United States have determined that the volatile oil is anti-leukemic. Studies performed in Spain as well as England found that the fixed oil is useful in the treatment of rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. This property is attributed to thymoquinone which is as high as 25% in the Egyptian seed and missing entirely is some seeds.
Culinary Uses Black cumin seeds are small. They can be used to make tea by simply pouring hot water over the seeds and letting the brew steep for 10 minutes, about a tablespoon makes a nice cup of tea, but it is better to keep the cup covered until ready to drink so as to prevent the aroma from escaping. Some people add a few seeds to their favorite tea or coffee and allow their imaginations to conjure up images of camels and nomads. The seeds can also be added to casseroles or breads, used in canning, or extracted in wine or vinegar. Some people grind the seeds and mix them with honey or sprinkle them on salads. They make a nice addition to salad dressings and even stir fry dishes, especially when combined with lemon, cilantro, and tahini.Black cumin seeds mixed with honey and garlic are excellent tonics for people with asthma or coughs as well as those who want to enhance their immunity during cold and flu season or when an infection is setting in.Nigella Sativa for Beauty: Over a period of time, usually a few months, the hair and fingernails are strengthened and have more luster. However, some people use the oil externally, for beauty as well as for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. One can buy a ready-made cream, add some oil to a favorite cream, or make one's own cream from scratch by warming equal parts (by volume) of black cumin seeds and a nice carrier oil, like shea butter or jojoba. It's best to use a double boiler or be lazy (like me) and use a yogurt maker because the temperature is very even so you can safely ignore the process for hours. The oil will darken. When you feel this has been warmed long enough, melt a little beeswax into the warm oil. Stir it with a glass rod or new chopstick. If you like, you can add an essential oil or combination of oils just before the beeswax stiffens. Choose this for aesthetic or health reasons. Some people use such mixtures on burns or skin infections; some just use these creams to feel good, moisturize the skin, relieve joint or pain, or make wrinkles vanish. Many combine vinegar and oil. In this case, mix one cup of black cumin seeds in organic apple cider vinegar. Let this sit for a few days or two weeks. Then strain the mixture, first through a conventional strainer, then through a finer filter, like cheesecloth or a chemical-free coffee filter or tea bag. Mix the remainder with equal parts black cumin vinegar and black cumin oil. Heat this for a few minutes and then put into a mason jar and refrigerate. Apply this to problem skin such as areas with acne or take one tablespoon before meals for flatulence and digestive problems. More importantly, enjoy another gift from Nature!
Copyright by Ingrid Naiman 2003
* * * * *
Remember:
A teaspoon of black seed oil mixed in a glass of orange juice with breakfast makes you active all through the day. A teaspoon of black seed oil mixed in a hot drink after supper gives you a quiet sleep all through the night.
* * * * *
Black Seed has over 1400 years history of use. Many ancient books and text suggest the following traditional uses for Black Seed. But please note, that these should not be understood as cures or treatments for any disease or illness.
Cough and Asthma
Apply Black seed oil to the chest and back.
Mix a teaspoon of Black seed oil in Boiling water and inhale the vapor twice a day.
Take half a teaspoon of Black seed Oil daily in the morning.
Cystic fibrosis
Massage the chest with black seed oil, and drink a mixture of one teaspoon black seed oil with a teaspoon pure honey, morning afternoon and evening.
Diabetes
Mix a cup of whole black seeds, a cup of Water Cress Seeds (Mustard seed can be used as an alternative), half a cup of pomegranate peel and half a cup of fumitory. Grind the mixture to powder. Take half a teaspoon of the mixture together with a teaspoon of black seed oil daily before breakfast for one month.
Use the black seed oil mixed with raw honey twice a day. A change in diet is a must with little carbohydrates and no sugar.
Diarrhoea
Mix a teaspoon of black seed oil with a cup of yogurt. Drink the mixture twice a day until symptoms disappear.
Dry Cough
A teaspoon of black seed oil should be mixed in coffee and taken twice a day. Rub the chest and back with black seed oil.
Eye disease & impaired vision
Rub the eyelids and the sides of the eye orbits half an hour before going to bed with black seed oil. A tablespoon of the oil should also be drunk with a cup of carrot juice. Results should be apparent in one month.
Facial paralysis & tetanus
Inhaling the vapor of black seed oil and hot water can help against facial paralysis and tetanus, and eliminates their causes.
Flu & nasal congestion
Placing three to four drops of black seed oil in each nostril relieves nasal congestion and head cold distress.
Gall stones & kidney stones
Prepare a formulation of 250g of ground black seed & 250g pure honey, stir thoroughly before use. Take two tablespoons of this formulation and mix thoroughly with half a cup of hot water. Finally add one teaspoon of black seed oil. This mixture is to be taken every morning before consuming any food.
More suggestions :
Asthma, Bronchial & Respiratory problems
Mix a tablespoon of black seed oil in coffee. Take twice daily. Rub chest with black seed oil every night and inhale the vapor of black seed oil in hot water.
Backache & other kinds of rheumatism
Mildly heat a small amount of black seed oil and then stroke the rheumatic area intensely. A teaspoon of oil should also be drunk three times daily.
Beard growth
Massage the beard area with black seed oil ensuring that the oil penetrates to the roots, this stimulates the growth of the beard and prevents premature hair graying.
Breast feeding (increase the flow of breast milk)
Prepare a mixture of 250g black seeds & 250g pure honey, stir thoroughly before each dosage. Take two tablespoons of this formulation mixed with one teaspoon of black seed oil daily.
Common cold symptoms and nasal congestion
Firstly fry whole black seeds, then finely grind them into powder. Soak this in black seed oil and any vegetable oil. Place three to four drops in each nostril (N.B. this will cause excessive sneezing).
For Hypertension
Take half teaspoon of Black seed oil with any hot drink at any time. Take 2 lobes of garlic on empty stomach. Apply Black seed oil to your whole body and expose it to the sun every three days, continue the treatment for a month.
For Heart complaints & Constriction of Veins
Take half teaspoon of black seed oil mixed with any hot drink daily in the mornings, this will liquefy the fats and widen the veins and arteries.
Inflammation of the Nose and throat
Put a few drops of oil in to a cup of boiling water and inhale the vapor. Take half a teaspoon of black seed oil with lemon juice daily.
For Headache and Ear ache
Apply black seed oil to the forehead, sides of face adjacent to the ears and behind the ears. Take half teaspoon of Black seed Oil and continue for about 3 days.
For Loss of Hair & premature Graying.
Scrub the scalp thoroughly with lemon, leave it for 15 minutes, wash away with water and shampoo and dry well, thereafter apply Black seed oil to the whole scalp, continue for a few weeks.
For Eye infection, Pain and Weak sight.
Apply Black seed oil around the eyes and on the eye lid before going to sleep. Take half a teaspoon Black seed oil mixed with carrot juice. For weak sight continue treatment.
For Backache and Rheumatic pain
Warm Black seed oil slightly and apply to the area thoroughly as you are massaging the bone, not the skin and drink half teaspoon Black seed oil for 15 days.
For Vomiting
Take half teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with equal amount of Black seed oil, twice a day.
For toothache
Mix a half teaspoon of Black seed oil with warm water and gargle the mouth and apply oil on the affected tooth, it will alleviate pain quickly.
* * *
and yet further suggestions
Source:http://theblessedseed.blogspot.co.za/2011/03/black-seed-is-herb-that-has-been-used.html
How to Prepare the Seeds
The seeds have a harsh taste and will burn the stomach if the seeds are not heated first. Place the seeds on low heat and stir them every few minutes. Taste the seeds to see when the flavor becomes very bland. After the tartness is removed, take the pan from the heat. Grind what is needed in a coffee grinder and place in vegetarian capsules.
Cancers and Tumors - Updated
Take 1 tablespoon of the oil mixed with one teaspoon of raw honey `1/2 hour before breakfast. This is a very simple protocol.
Cystic Fibrosis
Massage the chest with the black seed oil. Drink one teaspoon of the oil mixed with honey, three times a day.
Diarrhea
Mix one teaspoon of the black seed oil with a cup of yogurt and drink twice a day.
Dry Cough
1/2 teaspoon of the oil mixed with coffee twice a day. Rub the oil on your back and chest.
Earache
Take one teaspoon of the black seeds that have been heated and smash. Add a few drops of olive oil to the black seeds and mix well. Place 7 drops into a syringe and place in the ear morning and evening until well.
Eye Disease and Impaired Vision
Rub the eyelids and the sides of the eye orbits half an hour before going to bed with black seed oil. A half tablespoon of the black seed oil should also be drunk with a cup of carrot juice.
Facial Paralysis
Place one teaspoon of the oil in a liter of boiling water and inhale the fumes.
Flu and Colds
Take one teaspoon of black seed oil with honey in the morning before eating. Also, place a few drops in each nostril for nasal congestion.
Gallstones and Liver Stones
Place a large spoon of black seeds mixed with honey in a glass, add in some hot water. Finally add in one teaspoon of oil. Drink this mixture daily, first thing in the morning.
General Health and Well Being
Take one spoon of honey and one spoon of black seeds mixed every day or 1/2 spoon of the oil mixed with honey before your breakfast.
Hair Loss and Premature Graying
Wash your hair and then apply liberal amounts of olive oil and black seed oil mixed together. Wait one hour and rinse.
Headaches and Migraines
Take the black seed oil and rub on the temples. Place a few drops in the nostrils and also place some oil on top of the head. Eat some black seeds and honey, two times a day.
Memory
Take 1/2 teaspoon of black seed and 1/2 teaspoon of honey three times a day.
Mouth Infection Virus
Place some black seeds in your mouth and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Muscular Dystrophy
Take one spoon of black seeds mixed with honey, three times a day. Eat as many raisins as possible. Eat a soup of morrow (soup bones) every day.
Rheumatic and Back Pain
Heat some of the black seed oil and rub on the area of pain. Eat some black seeds and honey daily.
Stomach Pain
Take one big spoon of black seeds mixed with honey. Drink some peppermint tea, then drink the water of boiled rice if hungry.
Toothache and Gum infections
Place some black seeds in a cup of vinegar and bring to boil. When the vinegar has cooled to a warm touch, rinse the mouth with this mixture.
Worms
Heat 2 teaspoons of black seeds with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Heat this mixture and then with a brush, brush the mixture on the stomach and liver area. Do this before you are about to sleep. Do not wipe this mixture off.
Before sleeping eat 7 dates to get rid of ascaris worms.
The miracle of this blessed seed is in the belief of the cure. Thousands use this seed with success daily, but it is necessary to take the seed on a regular basis and then when the person comes down with the disease, it is easily cured.
Anyone wanting to substitute the ground seed for the oil may do so at a ratio of two and one half teaspoons to one teaspoon of the oil. The ground seeds are what was used by Prophet Mohammad.
Part 2 of Dosage Requirements:
Because this is such a lengthy subject, the dosage requirements have been broken into two parts. The first part went into details of how to prepare the seeds, some warnings and precautions. This part will deal mainly with some more remedies not in the first article.Health Benefits of black seeds are very many including treating cancers.
Baldness
Rub the oil on the spots of baldness.
Beard Growth
Massage the oil into the beard reaching all the roots.
Bee and Wasp Stings
Boil some ground black seed and water and apply to the stings.
Cardiovascular Problems
Take 1/2 teaspoon of the oil mixed with hot water daily. Drink this first thing in the morning.
Complexion
Mix black seeds and olive oil and clean the face with this mixture. This will redden the complexion. Rinse the face well after one hour.
Gas
Take one teaspoon of the black seeds mixed with one teaspoon of honey before breakfast.
Hemorrhoids
Take some black seed and water and drink.
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure
Take one half teaspoon of the oil each day mixed in some hot water. Eat plenty of garlic and get lots of sunshine.
Immune System:
Take one teaspoon of the black seed oil every day.
Increase the Flow of Milk in Breast Feeding
Mix two tablespoons of ground black seeds and two tablespoons of honey together. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of the black seed oil and eat this daily.
Moles
Apply a mixture of black seeds and water and apply to the mole.
Mosquitoes and Bugs
Burn some black seed oil in an incense burner and drive the bugs away.
Nose and Throat Inflammation
Take one half teaspoon of the oil with some lemon juice. Make a vapor with some oil and hot water and inhale the fumes.
Vomiting
Mix one half teaspoon of ginger juice mixed with one half teaspoon of black seed oil.
It is very important to read part one first, as it has some extremely good information on cancer and diabetes. The cure will not work unless the whole protocol is followed, such as preparing the seeds properly and taking the oil on an empty stomach.
There are many websites selling black seed oil and the seeds.
As always be careful not to take a large amount of black seeds as it can be toxic in amounts exceeding 25 grams. Follow the recommended dosage and always use the best quality seeds you can find. The most expensive, does not mean the best seeds. Nor does the cheapest seeds mean they are the worse.
Remember to take black seed everyday for well being and then if a disease strikes, a small amount of black seed will suffice.
