This humble but immensely powerful seed kills MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Infections), heals the body in people with allergies, stimulates the regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas that die in conditions such as diabetes, and yet very few know it exists.
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Origins of the black seed.
The seeds of the annual flowering plant, Nigella Sativa, have been prized for their healing properties since time immemorial. While frequently referred to in English-speaking cultures as Roman coriander, cabalonga, dubai seed, black sesame, and black cumin, they are mostly known today as black seeds, which is a more accurate description of their physical appearance.
The first record of its cultivation and use comes from ancient Egypt. The seed oil of black, in fact, found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen of Egypt, dating back approximately 3,300 years ago.
Many of the health benefits traditionally attributed to black cumin have been widely confirmed in the biomedical literature. In fact, since 1964, there have been 458 publications, peer-reviewed studies that reference it.
There are more than 40 health conditions that can be benefited by the use of natural medicine with horseback, including more than 20 different pharmacological actions that it expresses, such as:
- Analgesic (against pain).
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Regulator of blood pressure (Antihypertensive).
- Antioxidant.
- Inhibitor of gluconeogenesis.
- Hepatoprotective (protection of the liver).
- Leukotriene antagonist.
- Reno protective.
These pharmacological actions are only a subset of a much larger number of intrinsic beneficial properties of edible black seeds.
While it is remarkable that this seed has the ability to positively modulate so many different biological pathways, this is actually a more common occurrence among traditional medicinal plants.
Black seed benefits.
The black seed has been researched for very specific health conditions. Some of the most attractive applications are:
1. Horseback riding for diabetes.
Two grams of black seed a day resulted in the reduction of glucose in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes, this black seed is also beneficial for the reduction of insulin resistance, increased beta cell function, and reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in treated patients.
In supportive diabetes treatment, along with conventional medications, trials from an study achieved significant successes. During this study conducted in 2010 it was found that insulin resistance markedly improved in subjects within a study period of twelve weeks.
As early as 2001, a study showed the beneficial effects of thymoquinone on blood sugar levels. It is the active ingredient of thymoquinone in black cumin oil that makes it so effective in regulating blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.
2. Treat acne and pimples.
The seed oil black as shown by a study conducted in Saudi Arabia in 2010, has antibacterial properties that promote the prevention and treatment of acne. Another study conducted in the UK in 1995 has shown that the thymoquinone contained in black cumin oil can prevent the formation of eicosanoids.
These neurotransmitters promote inflammatory processes. Both bacteria and inflammation are involved in the spread of persistent acne and acne pustules. In this sense, the external application of black seed oil already has a double effect in the fight against the problem of acne appearance.
3. Black seeds for epilepsy.
Black seed is traditionally known for its anticonvulsant properties. A 2007 study with epileptic children, whose condition was refractory to conventional drug treatment, found that an extract of black seeds in water significantly reduced seizure activity.
4. Reduction of allergies.
The benefits of the oil of these black seeds, for at least three months, reduce allergies. This is due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids.
Because allergy sufferers are now known to suffer from an enzyme defect: the formation of gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid is inhibited and associated with the formation of special prostaglandins.
As a result, the immune system, in short, behaves hyperactively and produces some serious allergic symptoms. For this reason, allergy sufferers must supply more and more unsaturated fatty acids. The use of this oil helps to reverse this deficit that causes allergies.
5. To control asthma.
The black seed has important benefits for people with asthma thanks to its antispasmodic effect, which means that it helps reduce spasms in the muscles and tissues. According to a study, it was considered that it can reduce contractions within the respiratory system.
6. Treat eczema.
Black cumin oil also has a vast effect on atopic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. This round seed nourishes stressed skin with valuable unsaturated fatty acids and effectively prevents new episodes of disease.
In addition, the ingredients are able to relieve the itching associated with the corresponding skin diseases. As a traditional remedy, black cumin oil is often applied to insect bites.
7. Treat acute pharyngotonsillitis.
This condition is characterized by inflammation of the tonsils or pharynx, mostly of viral origin, it has been found that black seed capsules (in combination with Phyllanthus niruri) significantly relieve sore throat, and reduce the need for analgesics.
8. Black seed for high blood pressure.
The high content of unsaturated fatty acids, contained in horseback seeds, increases the activity of the so-called messengers, which includes the tissue hormone prostaglandin E1, this plays an important role in lowering blood pressure.
The included thymoquinone also has very efficient antioxidant properties, therefore it benefits the entire cardiovascular system. The subjects showed a significant improvement in blood levels after just eight weeks of using the seeds. LDL cholesterol levels also decreased in this experimental group.
How to consume the black seed?
The round black seeds of Cabalonga can be taken or eaten in different ways, such as those mentioned below.
The nigella sativa or simply black seed can be consumed whole, just as we would with chia or flax seeds, in this way it is possible to prepare meals and add these seeds to our preparations as in salty, juices or smoothies, or even add them in the glass of water and drink them.
An easy and rich preparation that can be tried in the morning is to add the black seeds in a spoonful with honey and consume them.
Other alternatives are to put the seeds to heat, slightly, to ensure that the oils it has are easier to release and later digest in our body.
The black seed is also available in powder form, and can also be added to drinks or in cooking preparations. Other uses are for black seed oil, which is a concentrated extract that is also very beneficial to apply topically.
Before using the black seed, it is advisable to consult with a family doctor.