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These humble but incredibly powerful seeds neutralize antibiotic-resistant super-bacteria, heal bodies poisoned by chemical weapons, and stimulate the regeneration of dying beta cells in the pancreas in diabetes. Yet very few people know they exist.
Seeds of the annual plant Nigella sativa
(Slovak: černucha setá or kmín černá, Czech: černucha setá or černý kmín) have been valued for their healing properties since time immemorial.
They are also known by other names, such as Roman coriander, black sesame, black cumin, or onion seeds.
The first mentions of their cultivation come from ancient Egypt
Oil from the black seeds was even found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun 3,300 years ago.
In Arab culture black cumin is regarded as blessed seeds. It is also said that the Islamic prophet Muhammad once said of them that they are “a remedy for everything except death”.
Many of the therapeutic effects of the black seeds have been consistently confirmed in modern biomedical literature as well. Since 1964, 458 peer-reviewed studies mentioning them have been published.
There are over 40 different health problems for which this herb has a beneficial effect, including the following 19 specific pharmacological effects:
- analgesic (pain-relieving)
- antibacterial
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-ulcer
- anticholinergic (suppressing nerve impulses)
- antifungal
- anti-hypertensive
- antioxidant
- antispasmodic
- antiviral
- bronchodilatory (airway-opening)
- inhibitor of gluconeogenesis (antidiabetic)
- hepatoprotective (protecting the liver)
- for low blood pressure
- insulin sensitivity
- induction of interferon production
- leukotriene antagonist (for allergies)
- renal protective
- inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor alpha
The 19 pharmacological effects listed are only a subset of their broader beneficial properties.
Just 2 grams of black seeds daily in humans resulted in reduced glucose levels, decreased insulin resistance, increased beta-cell activity in the pancreas, and lowered glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
Following are examples of other effects of using black seeds
Helicobacter pylori
Black seeds have clinically beneficial activity compared to the standard three-antibiotic therapy.
Epilepsy
Black seeds are traditionally known for their anticonvulsant properties.
A 2007 study in epileptic children whose condition did not respond to conventional drugs showed that an aqueous extract of these seeds significantly reduced their seizure frequency.
High blood pressure
Daily use of 100 to 200 mg of black seed extract over 2 months had a positive effect on lowering blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension.
Acute tonsillopharyngitis
It is characterized by inflammation of the tonsils and throat. It is most often caused by viruses.
Capsules with black seeds have been shown to be an effective means of relieving sore throat and reducing the subsequent need for painkillers.
Poisoning by chemical weapons
A randomized, placebo-controlled study on patients affected by chemical weapons exposure found that boiled aqueous extracts of black seeds reduced respiratory symptoms, wheezing, improved lung function test values, and also reduced the need for and amount of medications administered.
Colon cancer
Cell studies revealed that black seed extract was more effective compared to the chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil in suppressing colon cancer growth.
Their safety was of course incomparably better.
Animal studies also showed that black seed oil has significant suppressive effects on colon cancer in mice without observed side effects.
MRSA (antibiotic-resistant super-bacteria)
Black seeds have antibacterial activity against clinically isolated strains of bacteria resistant to the antibiotic methicillin.
Opiate dependence and withdrawal symptoms
A study on 35 people addicted to opiates showed that black seeds are an effective therapy in the long-term treatment of this dependence.
When natural substances like black seeds are discussed, mentions of “seeds that move mountains” come to mind. If we think about it, don’t seeds actually represent the hope for the continuation of the life of the species that produced them?
Seeds are in fact condensed miniature holographic fragments of life itself. They represent the sign of a forming future organism and express the emblem of the immortality of life as such.
If we understand the true nature of seeds and how much life they contain (past, present, and future), then it will not seem strange how they can overcome antibiotic-resistant bacteria, cure the body of chemical poisons, or stimulate regeneration of dying insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Where can it be purchased?
In Slovakia, black seeds (černucha setá, černá kmín) are often available only as seed in seed shops sold by the piece, which is impractical for use as food.
How to use it correctly?
Black cumin oil is taken as 1 teaspoon diluted in water or juice, 1 to 2 times a day, always on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.
Black cumin seeds are taken 1 to 2 teaspoons, 1 to 2 times a day. The seeds should be heated before use – for example in a regular pan, stirring constantly until they slightly pop.
They should then be allowed to cool and then crushed in a poppy-seed or coffee grinder.
Warning: Pregnant women should not use black cumin.
