Health benefits of kalonji (black seed)

KALONJI, A SEED OF BLESSING

Authur name: Rabia Iqbal

Plants are natural factories for production of different chemical compounds many of which are used to promote health and fighting against diseases. Medicinal plants functions as a therapeutic alternatives, safer choices, or in some cases, as the only effective treatment. People in separate cultures and places are known to have used the same plants for similar medical problems.

A larger number of these plants and their isolated constituents have shown beneficial therapeutic effects, including anti-oxidant, anti inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and immunomodulatory effects. Nigella sativa (Kalonji) or black seed is the most promising plant that rich in religious and historic background. The most famous saying of Holy Prophet (S.A.W), “Hold on to use of the black seeds, for it has a remedy for every illness except death” and the word “Hold on” represent as long term use. He himself (S.A.W.W) used to take black seeds along with honey for therapeutic purpose. Prophet Mohammad was quoted as saying, "There is healing in Black Seed for all diseases except death." It is also believed that honey was part of the tradition with blessed seed. Putting some honey and ground whole black seeds in the palm of right hand and lick it up with the tongue was the tradition at that time. The seeds of N. sativa are the source of the active ingredients of this plant. It is the black seed referred to by the prophet Mohammed as having healing powers.

Black Seed Oil nutritional value:

A small amount of black seed oil has many anti-oxidative and disinfectant properties, which is able to fight efficiently against allergies and respiratory or fungal infections, as well as a serving of the black cumin oil contains a 60% of the daily need to the unsaturated fatty acids, that cannot be formed by themselves in human body, that’s why it has to be from external intake, which make the natural pure black seed oil a very important product in naturopathy. Black seed oil helps protect the children in a natural way. Enhancing their defenses is a must nowadays. For children from the age of 4 years, a teaspoon of black seed oil mixed with yogurt daily for a healthy dietary supplement. Adults are advised to take a teaspoon of black seed oil every morning 15 minutes before breakfast.

Black seed oil for boost immune system:

Oil extracted from the dried Nigella Sativa is rich by fatty acids, which are the constituents of essential amino acids. They serve as messenger to deliver many types of vitamins and minerals to the whole body, in order to ideally maintain the daily physical functions. It also contains minerals as biotin, magnesium, selenium (for detoxification) and vitamins like A, B, C, and E. A defective immune system is not only reflected in our internal organs. Regular consumption of black seed oil, can protect from infection by different sorts of allergies, chronic illnesses and helps in case of a cracked skin in a natural way. However, it is also ideal for external use. For this purpose, the affected areas are treated topically, which relieves the itching and provide the dry areas with moisture. Black seed oil is also suitable for full-body care, which recommended for a velvety-soft skin.

Benefits of black seeds:

There are numerous benefits of kalonji since the seeds can boost the health, heal the blemishes on skin and are also known for their anti-carcinogenic traits. The black magical seeds of the kalonji plant are useful for both culinary and healing purposes.

1.   Immune system strengthening: 

It has been confirmed through many studies that kalonji seeds play an important role to enhance human immunity, particularly in immunocompromise patients. These findings may be of great practical significance since a natural immune enhancer like the nigella seeds could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, viral infections and other diseased conditions associated with immune deficiency. In some research, it has been also shown that black seed enhanced the ratio between helper T-cells and suppresser T-cells by 55% with a 30% average enhancement of the natural killer cell activity.

2.   Anti-bacterial:

Through many research, it has been shown that the black seeds have anti- bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Kalonji antibacterial activity was compared with different antibiotics such as ampicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, and nalidixic acid. Kalonji oil proved to be more effective against many strains of bacteria, including those known to be highly resistant to drugs such as V. cholera, E. coli and all strains of Shigella species.

3.  Anti-inflammatory:

Black seeds oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. In a recent study, it has been found that the oil inhibited eicosanoid generation and demonstrated anti-oxidant activity in cells. The presence of unsaturated fatty acids in black seed is possibly responsible for boosting

the oil’s effectiveness. The daily consumption of kalonji (in certified amounts as recommended by the doctor) can keep the body healthy and suppress many inflammations.

4.   Anti-histamine activity:

Histamine is responsible for bronchial asthma. A study showed that the presence of dimmer dithymoquinone in black seed’s volatile oil, named “Nigellone,” is effective if it is given by mouth to patients suffering from bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases. It is also found that crystalline nigellone decrease the uptake of calcium in mast cells, which also inhibits histamine release.

5.    Anti-tumor properties:

Some study has confirmed that nigella seeds have potential anti- tumor properties. Therefore, these oil and seeds can be used in the treatment of cancer; it can fight against pancreatic, cervical, prostate and skin cancer.

6.   Anti-viral: 

Kalonji oil is quite effective against viral infections such as cough & cold along with asthma and allergy. In some studies it is suggested that one should take a cup of warm water, one spoon of honey and half tea spoon of Kalonji oil. Mix this together and drink in the morning before the breakfast and after dinner. For better results, it should be continued for 30 days. The mix of one glass warm water, two spoons of kalonji oil and two spoons on Honey, if taken thrice a day once in the morning before breakfast, after lunch and after dinner; said to combat all types of viral infections.

7.  Breathing difficulty: 

Now a day there are problems of respiratory diseases everywhere and a large number of people, especially the elder one are having breathing difficulties including short breath, blockage of heart valve and heart problems. In such cases, it is recommended to one cup milk add half tea spoon of Kalonji oil. Use this mixture twice a day, once in the morning before breakfast and after dinner. It may be continued for 21 days for boosting immunity.

8.    Full of anti-oxidants: 

Our immune system gets weak due to numerous presences of free radicals and consequently fighting with many diseases and disorders. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body against free radicals, which give rise to life threatening diseases like cancer and other cardiac ailments. Nigella seeds contain more than 100 components, which are rich sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids and help the body produce Prostaglandin E1. It is an excellent healer and good to strengthen the weak immune system. Certain compounds in kalonji add to the distinct kalonji benefits, like thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole, and 4- terpineol are enriched with antioxidants and fight against oxidative damage.

9.   Sound sleep:

The people who are facing the problem for insomnia, they hardly experienced sound sleep. The absences of sound sleep also exaggerate the conditions. Kalonji plays an important role in sound sleep. Experts suggests taking half teaspoon of Kalonji oil with one spoon of honey after dinner, it will help to have a sound sleep.

10.  Cough & Cold: 

If someone has a weak immune system, now and then one may be affected with cough, cold, sinus and other breathing-related problems including seasonal allergies. In such experts suggests that Kalonji oil together with honey is very effective remedy.

11.   Regulates cholesterol level: 

Various studies have been conducted based upon which it was inferred that kalonji benefits are associated which include a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol as well as blood triglycerides. By lowering the cholesterol level, kalonji protects the body against major diseases.

12.    Improves liver health: 

Liver is a crucial organ of our body as it carries out various important physiological functions of our body. A handful of kalonji can be effective against liver damage and reduces oxidative stress that otherwise may lead to severe liver diseases.

13.   Regulates blood sugar level: 

High blood sugar is one of the most threatening conditions a person can have. Some studies indicate that kalonji benefits in minimizing the adverse effects of high blood sugar. A healthy quantity of kalonji aids in regulating and maintaining the blood sugar level.

14.    Fights stomach ulcers:

Kalonji helps in protecting the stomach lining and prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.

15.  Memory and immunity booster:

kalonji benefits the immune system of the body due to the abundant presence of antioxidants. Moreover consuming powdered kalonji with a little bit of honey can also help in sharpening the individual’s memory.

16.  High Blood Pressure:

Nigella sativa is widely reported to have anti-hypertensive properties, which aid in reducing blood pressure. A research study found that Nigella sativa oil significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure among 70 participants. However, a more recent study wanted to test Nigella sativa's diuretic properties and ability to curb over activity in the sympathetic nervous system to gauge whether it positively impacted blood pressure. After administering Nigella sativa seed extract twice per day for 28 days, the result was lower blood pressure, but not to a significant degree.

17. Weight loss:

Black seeds help in weight loss. If someone want to loose weight, he should use 7 blackseeds daily with water. This not only keep him fit but also help to reduce fat.