Black cumin seed is a part of the buttercup family, the seeds are dark, thin and crescent shaped. The seed has a remarkable healing properties that make it one of the most powerful medicinal plants known to man.
Habbatus Sauda, as it is popularly called among Muslims who are familiar with the seed, is the Arabic name. Its relevance was first underlined about fifteen centuries ago and was described as a cure for all diseases, except death. This amazing seed has been used over the years to cure various ailments and diseases. Oil can be extracted from the seed and both the seed and the oil have been found to be very therapeutically effective. The seed and oil are also used in cosmetics to improve skin and hair texture.
Even though the black cumin seed is not common in Nigeria, it is widely used among Muslims as medicine for various diseases. Regular consumption of this seed or oil can help prevent the growth and spread of colon cancer cells; the seed is also use in preventing and treating many other types of cancer. It helps stimulate the activity of neutrophil granulocytes which is the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for targeting cancer cells and eliminating them before they can develop into tumors. It also stimulates the production of bone marrow cells of the immune system, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral diseases and increases the number of antibody producing B cells. The black cumin seed can be sprinkled whole or ground up on food; the oil can also be used on salads and other dishes.
Black cumin seed can be use in treating the following ailment;
Heart Issues: Black cumin seed oil shows some great results in improving your overall heart health. It can reduce bad or LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Type II Diabetes: Consuming black seed oil aids people to stabilize blood sugar level, improves insulin resistance and promotes cell functions. Black seed extracts help inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestine and improve glucose tolerance; a compound found in black seeds increases the insulin sensitivity of liver cells, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes.
Epilepsy: Black seeds have anti compulsive properties and can reduce the frequency of seizures in people, especially children, who are diagnosed with epilepsy.
Asthma: The oil can aid people with asthma. Some studies even claim it to be more potential than the conventional medicine to reduce the asthmatic effect on the airways. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of black seed oil relax bronchial muscles and help people fight acute asthma attacks and coughs. You could massage the oil straight on your chest, or add a teaspoon to a cup of ginger tea to find instant relieve.
MRSA: Methicillin –resistant staphylococcus aureus, is an antibiotic resistant bacterium that causes many deaths. Most infections occur in people who have been hospitalized or had surgery or dialysis. Black seeds strong anti-bacterial properties show some great and promising results in killing these deadly and resistant bacteria.
Cold and Flu: Due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti bacterial properties, black seeds are an effective treatment to cure flu and colds. They soothe a sore throat, reduce fever and ease digestive issues such as nausea, stomach upset and cramps. When you feel any of such symptoms, mix ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger with ½ teaspoon of black seed oil, use twice a day until symptoms disappear.
Toothaches: The black seed oil fights bacteria and cures inflammation, making it a great treatment to ease toothaches.
Poisoning: Black seeds are brain friendly. Study shows that it can protect and even reverse damage to the brain due to lead poisoning.
Treat Hair loss: The oil helps reduce hair loss. Its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help strengthen hair follicles, which reduces hair loss. Its antifungal property prevents infections that cause hair loss. It also has a moisturizing quality that protects hair from damage, speeds up hair growth and promotes healthy hair. You can mix equal amounts of black seed oil and olive oil, warm the mixture and rub it on any bald patches; wait for at least 30 minutes, then wash your hair with shampoo. Repeat this process twice a week to fight hair loss.
By: Mercy Kukah
