Thursday, October 04, 2012

Islam - Benefits of Kalonji (Black Seed)

Benefits of Kalonji (Black Seed)

By Dr. M. Laiq Ali Khan

The plants of Kalonji are found throughout India in the form of bushes. The height of the plant is approximately half a meter. It possesses blue flowers. It originated from Turkey and Italy. Later on, it was brought to Asia by physicians and cultivated in India. Seeds are triangular in shape, black in colour and possess a severe pungent smell, contain a considerable amount of oil. It is incorrect that Arabs learnt its use from the Greeks, because before the advent of Islam, no description or record is found about its use. Its therapeutic use was initiated after the advent of Islam, since; Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) mentioned its therapeutic efficacy and potential of cure.

Chemical Composition - seeds contain 1.5% volatile oil, while 37.5% Non volatile oil. In addition to this Albumen, Sugar, Organic acids, Glucoside Melanthin Metarbin and bitter substances are also found. The Glucoside is toxic in nature, hence the use of Kalonji in large doses and prolonged use might be harmful.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah States - “I have heard from Rasool (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneez.”

Salim Bin Abdullah (R.A.) narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Let fall these black seeds upon you, these contain cure for all diseases except death.”

It is stated in the books of seerat that Nabi-e-Akram (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) himself used to take these seeds for therapeutic purpose but with the syrup of Honey.

Khalid Bin Saad states that he was travelling with Ghalib Bin Jabr, when he fell ill during the journey. Ibn Abi Ateeq (nephew of Hazrat Aisha (R.A.)) came to meet us. On seeing the patient, he took 5 or 7 seeds of Kalonji and ground it, mixed it in olive oil and dropped in both nostrils. Hazrat Aisha (R.A.) told us that Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stated that there was cure in black seeds for all ailments except sam. I asked him, what was sam? He said “Death”. Ghalib Bin Jabr became healthy with that treatment.

Observations of the scholars of Hadith reveal that shooneez is equally effective for the diseases due to heat and cold. Zahbi states that kalonji removes the obstruction of any part of the body, expels the gases and strengthens the stomach.

·         It is Emmenagogue, Lactogogue and Diuretic.
·         It is an Anti-Helminthic, if taken with vinegar.
·         It is useful in chronic cold. Inhalation of its smell is useful in common cold.
·         The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia.
·         Half teaspoonful, if boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps.
·         Continuous use of kalonji is effective in mad dog bites.
·         Fumigation of kalonji is useful in Respiratory Diseases.
·         It is useful in Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and Palpitation.
·         It is also an Expectorant and Antipyretic.
·         It normalizes the secretions of stomach and pancreas.
·         This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.
·         It expels the Kidney and Urinary Bladder stones, if taken with the syrup of honey.
·         It is effective in Jaundice if taken with milk.
·         Its powder if taken with water is effective in treating Haemorrhoids.
·         If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the Inflammation of the gums and relieves the pain also.
·         It is also reported that its fine powder is effective if applied in early stages of Cataract.
·         Kalonji is also used in Skin disorders.
·         The oil of the seeds is also effective in Earache.
·         If it is taken with Qust Sheering after breakfast and dinner, it is effective in chronic Dysentery and Asthma.
·         Qust Sheering is a good medicine for sexual debility, but if it is taken with Kalonji seeds and Habburrashad, it becomes more fortified.

Modern trials have proven that Kalonji seeds alone or in combination with other drugs are highly effective in Diabetes Mellitus, Vitiligo and other Skin ailments.

Botanical Name: Nigella sativa
Kalonji, Black Seed
Black Seeds (Habba Soda)

A REMEDY FOR ALL DISEASES EXCEPT DEATH

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, told us about an effective
medicine which can cure all diseases except death. He said: “use the black cumin (habba soda)
for, indeed, it is a remedy for all diseases except Death”.

Here are some diseases which are cured by black cumin (habba soda):
1.    Loss of hair
2.    Headache
3.    Insomnia
4.    Giddiness and ear pain
5.    Alopecia and scurf
6.    Impetigo
7.    Toothache, tonsillitis and laryngitis
8.    Endocrine gland disorders
9.    Acne
10.  All kinds of skin diseases
11.  Warts
12.  Vitiligo and leprosy
13.  For a pleasant appearance and good looking face
14.  For quick healing of fractures
15.  Rheumatism
16.  Diabetes
17.  Hypertension
18.  For lowering blood cholesterol level
19.  Bephritis
20.  For disintegration and discharge of calculus
21.  Dysuria
22.  Hepatitis
23.  For gall bladder and its calculus
24.  Splenomegaly
25.  For all respiratory diseases
26.  For the heat and circulation system
27.  Colic
28.  Diarrhea, and
29.  Gastrointestinal gases

All that you have to do is to keep using black cumin (habba soda) and especially its oil which embraces its secretes. The analysis of the black seed cumin) revealed that it contains phosphates, iron, and carbohydrate compounds together with antibiotics which are capable of killing germs. The chemical analysis of the grain also revealed that it contains carotene which is converted in the liver into Vitamin A, the useful vitamin which is well known for its anti-cancer activity. Other analyses proved that the grain contains potent sexual hormones, stimulants, urine and bile diuretics, digestive enzymes, antacids, sedatives, and other useful compounds.

Recently it was discovered that the black cumin (habba soda) activates the body immunity system and increases resistance to diseases. Continuous use of black cumin (habba soda) has a preventive effect against diseases. 

Your permanent companion for a durable health, since the Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, told us that it cures all diseases. He is always truthful and his revelations are not due to caprice, but revealed to him by Allah.

Apart from other diseases which are cured by black cumin (habba soda), such as acidity, coronitis eye diseases, amoeba, bilharzias and other worms. It is also effective in cases of inflammation of the prostate gland, asthma, ulcer, cancer, sexual impotency, general fatigue, anorexia, sluggishness and laziness and enhances brain activity and quick memorization.

Black cumin (habba soda) oil is used for the treatment of diseases in the following manner:
1.    NERVOUS TENSION: A teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with a cup of tea makes you cool down and eliminates all symptoms of tension.

2.    COUGH AND ASTHMA: Rub the chest and back with black cumin (habba soda) oil, drink three tablespoon of the oil per day, and inhale the vapours of a mixture of cumin (habba soda) oil and water.

3.    SLUGGISHNESS AND LAZINESS : A tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with orange juice in the morning for ten days ( you will see the difference by yourself )

4.    ACTIVATION OF MEMORY AND QUICK PERCEPTION: A teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with 100 mg of boiled mint for 10 days.

5.    DIABETES: Prepare a mixture of a cup of black cumin (habba soda) seeds, a cup of water cress seeds, half a cup of pomegranate peel, and half a cup of bile. Grind the mixture to the powder point. Take half a spoon of the mixture together with a teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil daily breakfast for one month.

6.    KIDNEY AND BLADDER CALCULI: Grind 0.25 kg, of black cumin (habba soda) seeds thoroughly and mix with 0.25 kg of pure honey. Take two tablespoons of this mixture and mix thoroughly with half a cup of hot water. This mixture is to be taking daily before breakfast together with a teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil.

7.    FOR A PLEASANT APPEARANCE AND GOOD LOOKING FACE: Mix a tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the face with this mixture and leave it for one hour. Wash with soap and water ( The difference will be clear )

8.    NAUSEA AND VOMITTING: A teaspoon of ground carnation plus a tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil in boiled mint 3 times daily.

9.    FOR THE PREVENTION OF ALL DISEASES (GOD WILLING): A tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with a tablespoon of honey every morning. Keep to this regime daily and you will feel healthy and wholesome and will never visit a doctor in your life, God willing

10.  INFLAMMATION OF THE THIGHS AND GROINS: Wash the inflamed area thoroughly with soap and water. Dry thoroughly and rub with black cumin (habba soda) oil in the evening and leave till the next morning. Repeat for 3 days and you will see the result from the first day, God willing.

11.  HEART DISEASE AND BLOOD VESSEL STENOSIS: Drink black cumin (habba soda) oil continuously with any hot drink. This dissolves fats and dilates veins and arteries.

12.  VITILIGO AND LEPROSY: Rub the area with apple vinegar and then with black cumin (habba soda) oil for 15 days.

13.  FOR THE ELIMINATION OF WARTS: Rub the wart thoroughly with purslane and than with black cumin (habba soda) oil. Repeat this process for 15 days together with a teaspoon of the oil to be drunk 3 times daily.

14.  BACKACHE AND OTHER KINDS OF RHEUMATISM: Heat mildly some amount of black cumin (habba soda) oil and then stroke the rheumatism area intensely with this oil together with tablespoon of the oil to be drunk 3 times daily. Healing is expected within two weeks, God Willing

15.  HEADACHE: Rub the forehead and the sides of the face near the ears with black cumin (habba soda) oil, together with a teaspoon of the oil to be drunk 3 times daily before breakfast and the headache will entirely disappear.

16.  ACIDITY AND OTHER STOMACHACHES: Drink a cup of milk with a tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil 3 times a day for 5 days and all the stomach troubles will vanish.

17.  GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS (TO PRESERVE THE CHILD): Drink black cumin (habba soda) seed boiled in aniseed and sweetened with 5 times a day for 40 days or a teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil, boiled with aniseed and sweetened with honey 5 times a day for 40 days.

18.  SEXUAL IMPOTENCY: Mix 200 g, of ground black cumin (habba soda) with olive oil +100 g, of ground olibanum + 50 g of black cumin (habba soda) oil + 50 g of watercress oil + 200 g of pure bee honey. Mix thoroughly and take a tablespoon after every meal. This will restore vitality even late after menopause.

19.  LOSS OF HAIR: Stroke the scalp thoroughly with lemon and leave for ¼ of an hour. Wash with shampoo and water and after thoroughly drying, apply black cumin (habba soda) oil to the entire scalp. Repeat for one week and the loss of hair will stop completely.

20.  EYE DISEASE AND IMPAIRED VISION: Rub the eyelids and the sides of the eye orbits half an hour before going to bed with black cumin (habba soda) oil together with a tablespoon of the oil to be drunk with a cup carrot juice, repeat for about one month.

21.  HYPERTENSION: Whenever you drink a hot drink, mix a teaspoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil and take also two lobes of garlic, every morning before breakfast. Rub all the body with black cumin (habba soda) oil and expose your body to sun rays for an half an hour once every three days. Repeat for about one month

22.  MENINGITIS: Inhale the vapor of black cumin (habba soda) seed; drink a tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with lemon juice in the morning and in the evening.

23.  DIARRHEA: Mix a tablespoon of black cumin (habba soda) oil with a cup of yoghurt. Drink the mixture twice a day for 3 days. The diarrhea will disappear completely.

It is Emmenagogue, Lactogogue and Diuretic. It is an Anti-Helminthic, if taken with vinegar. It is useful in chronic cold. Inhalation of its smell is useful in common cold. The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia. Half teaspoonful, if boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps. Continuous use ofkalonji is effective in mad dog bites. Fumigation of kalonji is useful in Respiratory Diseases. It is useful in Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and Palpitation. It is also an Expectorant and Antipyretic. It normalizes the secretions of stomach and pancreas. This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It expels the Kidney and Urinary Bladder stones, if taken with the syrup of honey. It is effective in Jaundice if taken with milk. Its powder if taken with water is effective in treating Haemorrhoids. If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the Inflammation of the gums and relieves the pain also. It is also reported that its fine powder is effective if applied in early stages of Cataract. Kalonji is also used in Skin disorders. The oil of the seeds is also effective in Earache. If it is taken with Qust Sheering after breakfast and dinner, it is effective in chronic Dysentery and Asthma. Qust Sheering is a good medicine for sexual debility, but if it is taken with Kalonji seeds and Habburrashad, it becomes more fortified. Modern trials have proven that Kalonji seeds alone or in combination with other drugs are highly effective in Diabetes Mellitus, Vitiligo and other Skin ailments




The seeds of Nigella Sativa are beneficial for the digestive system, soothing stomach pains and spasms and easing wind, bloating and colic. The ripe seed is anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, laxative and stimulant. An infusion is used in the treatment of digestive and menstrual disorders, insufficient lactation and bronchial complaints. The seeds are used in India to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers and can be used to treat intestinal worms, especially in children. Externally, the seed is ground into a powder, mixed with sesame oil and used to treat abscesses, haemorrhoids and orchitis. The powdered seed been used to remove lice from the hair. The Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements’ main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions.

Biochemical Constituents: Alanine, arginine, ascorbic-acid, asparagine, campesterol, carvone, cymene, cystine, dehydroascorbic-acid, eicosadienoic-acid, glucose, glutamic-acid, glycine, iron, isoleucine, leucine, d-limonene, linoleic-acid, linolenic-acid, lipase, lysine, methionine, myristic-acid, nigellin, nigellone, oleic-acid, palmitic-acid, phenylalanine, phytosterols, potassium, beta-sitosterol, alpha-spinasterol, stearic-acid, stigmasterol, tannin, threonine, thymohydroquinone, thymoquinone, tryptophan, tyrosine

Nigella Sativa discovered in Tutenkhamen’s tomb, implying it played an important role in Egyptian practices

Stimulant, aromatic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, excitant, galactatagogue, purgative, resolvent, stimulant, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, and vermifuge

Scientific Analysis of Nigella Sativa
Nigella Sativa contains several ingredients with potential value. The following values reflect the composition of Nagilla Sativa in terms of its active, nutrient components, and any other significant ingredients.
Fundamental Oil Composition (1.4%)
Nigella Sativa
Carvone
21.1%
Alfa-Pinene
7.4%
Sabinene
5.5%
Beta-Pinene
7.7%
P-cymene
46.8%
Others
11.5%

Fatty Acids
Nigella Sativa
Myristic Acid (C14:0)
0.5%
Palmitic Acid (C16:0)
13.7%
Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1)
0.1%
Stearic Acid (C18:0)
2.6%
Oleic Acid (C18:1)
23.7%
Linoleic Acid (C18:2)(Omega-6)
57.9%
Linolenic Acid (18:3n-3) (Omega-3)
0.2%
Arachidic Acid (C20:0)
1.3%

Saturated & Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Nigella Sativa
Saturated Acid
18.1%
Monounsaturated Acids
23.8%
Polyunsaturated Acids
58.1%
Nutritional Value
Nigella Sativa
Protein
208 ug/g
Thiamin
15ug/g
Riboflavin
1 ug/g
Pyridoxine
5ug/g
Niacin
57 ug/g
Folacin
610 IU/g
Calcium
1.859 mg/g
Iron
105 ug/g
Copper
18 ug/g
Zinc
60 ug/g
Phosphorus
5.265 mg/g

Nutritional Composition
Nigella Sativa
protein
21%
carbohydrates
35%
fats
35-38%


It is also included in the list of natural drugs of ‘Tibb-e-Nabwi’, or prophetic medicine, according to the tradition “hold onto the use of the black seeds for in it is healing for all diseases except death” (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7 book 71 # 592).

The seeds have been traditionally used in the Middle East and South East Asian countries to treat ailments including Asthma, Bronchitis, Rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to promote digestion and to fight parasitic infections. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and to treat cold symptoms. The many uses of black cumin has earned for this ancient herb the Arabic approbation ‘Habbat-ul-barakah’ meaning the seed of blessing. 


Etymology
Nigella sativa seed
In EnglishNigella sativa seed is variously called fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, blackseed or black caraway. Other names used, sometimes misleadingly, are onion seed and black sesame, both of which are similar-looking but unrelated. The seeds are frequently referred to as black cumin (as in Assamese: kaljeera or kolajeera), but this is also used for a different spice, Bunium persicum. The scientific name is a derivative of Latin niger "black".[1] Original Black cumin seed is Carum bulbocastanum.[2]

An older English name gith is now used for the
corncockle. In English-speaking countries with large immigrant populations, it is also variously known as kaljeera (Assamese কালজীৰা or লাজীৰা), "karum cheerakam" in Tamil, kalonji (Hindi कलौंजी kalaujī or कलोंजी kalojī) or mangrail (Hindi मंगरैल), ketzakh (Hebrew קצח), chernushka (Russian), çörek otu (Turkish), habbat al-barakah (Arabic حبه البركة abbat al-barakah "seed of blessing") or siyah daneh (Persian سیاه‌دانه siyâh dâne) or كلونجى in Urdu. "Karim Jeerakam" in Malayalam or කළු දුරු in Sinhala.

A commercial pack of kalonji
It is used as part of the spice mixture panch puran[3] and by itself in a great many recipes in Bengali cookery and most recognisably in Naan Bread.[4]

The Turkish name çörek otu literally means "bun's herb" from its use in flavoring the çörek buns. Such braided-dough buns are widespread in the cuisines of Turkey and its neighbors (see Tsoureki τσουρέκι). In Bosnian, the Turkish name for Nigella sativa is respelled as čurekot. The seed is used in Bosnia, and particularly its capital Sarajevo, to flavor pastries (Bosnian: somun) often baked on Muslim religious holidays.

Characteristics
Nigella sativa has a pungent bitter taste and smell. It is used primarily in confectionery and liquors. The variety of naan bread called Peshawari naan is as a rule topped with kalonji seeds.

History
According to Zohary and Hopf, archeological evidence about the earliest cultivation of N. sativa "is still scanty", but they report that N. sativa seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including Tutankhamun's tomb.[5] Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is unknown, it is known that items entombed with a pharaoh were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife.

The earliest written reference to N. sativa is thought to be in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament where the reaping of nigella and wheat is contrasted (Isaiah 28: 25, 27). Easton's Bible dictionary states that the Hebrew word ketsah refers to N. sativa without doubt (although not all translations are in agreement). According to Zohary and Hopf, N. sativa was another traditional condiment of the Old World during classical times; and its black seeds were extensively used to flavor food."[5]

History of Medicine
Original Black cumin (carum bulbocastanum) is rarely available so Nigella sativa is widely used instead, in India Carum carvi is the substitute. {cumins are from Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (both names are allowed by the ICBN) family but Nigella sativa is from Ranunculaceae family} Black cumin (not Nigella sativa) seeds come as paired or separate carpels, and are 3-4 mm long. They have a striped pattern of nine ridges and oil canals, and are fragrant (Ayurveda says "Kaala jaaji sugandhaa cha" = Black cumin seed is fragrant itself), blackish in colour, boat-shaped, tapering at each extremity, with tiny stalks attached; has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, both as a herb and pressed into oil, in Asia, Middle East, and Africa. It has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti allergic, antioxidants, anticancer, antiviral and for general well-being.

In Islam, it is regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. Prophet Mohammed once stated that the black seed can heal every disease—except death—as recounted in the following hadith:
[Sahih Muslim : Book 26 Kitab As-Salam, Number 5489]
Abu Huraira reported that he heard Allah's Messenger as saying: The black seed is a remedy for every disease except death.

Narrated Khalid bin Sa'd: We went out and Ghalib bin Abjar was accompanying us. He fell ill on the way and when we arrived atMedina he was still sick. Ibn Abi 'Atiq came to visit him and said to us, "Treat him with the black seed. Take five or seven seeds and crush them (mix the powder with oil) and drop the resulting mixture into both nostrils, for 'Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet saying, 'This black seed is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.' 'Aisha said, 'What is As-Sam?' He said, 'Death.'" (Bukhari)

[Sahih Muslim: Book 26 Kitab As-Salam, Number 5490]
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: There is no disease for which Black seed does not provide remedy.

Ibnu Seereen (Avicenna[6]), most famous for his volumes called The Canon of Medicine, refers to Black seed as the seed that stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness. It is also included in the list of natural drugs of 'Tibb-e-Nabavi', or "Medicine of the Prophet", according to the tradition "hold onto the use of the black seeds for in it is healing for all diseases except death" (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7 book 71 # 592).

In the Unani Tibb system of medicine, Black cumin is regarded as a valuable remedy for a number of diseases.

The seeds have been traditionally used in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries to treat ailments including asthmabronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to promote digestion and to fight parasitic infections. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and to treat cold symptoms. Its many uses have earned Black cumin seed the Arabic approbation 'Habbatul barakah', meaning the seed of blessing.

Scientific research
Nigella sativa oil (not Black cumin seed oil) contains nigellone, which protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchial spasms[7] (perhaps explaining its use to relieve the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and coughing).

The presence of an anti-tumor sterolbeta-sitosterol, lends credence to its traditional use to treat abscesses and tumors of the abdomen, eyes, and liver.[8]

Nigella sativa oil has been reported to be effective in treating opioid dependence.[9]

Nigella sativa also has been reported to reduce calculi formation in rats' kidneys.[10]

Nigella sativa oil containing melanthin, nigilline, damascene and tannin. Melanthin is toxic in large dosages and Nigelline is paralytic, so this spice must be used in moderation.

Thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of Nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death, (apoptosis). While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.[11]


Nigella from The Encyclopedia of Spices

Ali BH, Blunden G (April 2003). "Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa". Phytother Res 17 (4): 299–305.doi:10.1002/ptr.1309PMID 12722128.

Antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa oil against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from clinical specimens.

Effects of Black Seeds (Nigella Sativa) on Spermatogenesis and Fertility of Male Albino Rats
Effects of oral administration of water extract of Nigella sativa on serum concentrations of insulin and testosterone in alloxan-induced diabetic rats


Kalonji Nigella sativa L., also widely known as kalonji or nigella, but also, less commonly for Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch of the family Apiaceae. Kalonji is cultivated across Asia from Italy to Indonesia and is a popular remedy for many common symptoms. 

Kalonji is a herbal/bush which grows to about 500mm high producing blue flowers and black seeds from which the oil is extracted. The seeds are triangular in shape and have a b pungent smell.

Chemical Composition - seeds contain 1.5% volatile oil, while 37.5% Non volatile oil. In addition to this Albumen, Sugar, Organic acids, Glucoside Melanthin Metarbin and bitter substances are also found. The Glucoside is toxic in nature; hence the use of Kalonji in large doses and prolonged use can be harmful.

It has been reported that in 1996 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a patent for drug based on extracts of "Nigella Sativa," for the use as an immune system stimulant and for treating cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune system functions in humans. However a search of the FDA website failed to find any evidence of this and all applications for Kalonji seeds and preparations containing Kalonji have been rejected due to poor presentation, i.e. containing dirt and unfit for human use, but don't let this deter you.
 

Kalonji is seen as a
 cure-all and the uses described below have no known scientific validation, but are widely corroborated by natural medicine practitioners.

Kalongi in Ayurveda
Kalongi oil is a very good Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurved appreciates its many qualities and bitter, warming, stimulant nature. It is used in wide variety of diseases like haemorrhoids, hepatitis, fever, diarrhoea, cough, and tapeworm, to mention only a few of them. Nigela Sativa works in a different way, which makes it suitable for diseases of the immune system itself, eg. allergies; TB; cancer; aids etc.

The oil of nigella sativa is so beneficial due to it's content of over a hundred components such as aromatic oils, trace elements, vitamins and enzymes. It contains 58% of essential fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3. These are necessary for the forming of Prostaglandin E1 which balances and strengthens the immune system giving it the power to prevent infections and allergies and control chronic illnesses.

Healthy cells are protected from viruses thus inhibiting tumours. Blackseed oil also contains about 0.5 - 1.5% volatile oils including nigellone and thymochinone which are responsible for its anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-infective and broncho-dilating effect.

As oil it is digested through the lymphatics consequently purifying and unblocking the lymphatic system. Recently independent clinical studies published in the archives of AIDS also established some astonishing effects of blackseed on the defence system by improving the ratio between helper t-cells and suppresser t-cells by a significant amount while also enhancing the natural killer cell activity.  

Backache & Rheumatism: Warm kalonji oil slightly & apply to the area thoroughly. Massaging the bone, not the skin & drink half teaspoon of kalonji oil for 30 days

Catarrh: Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil with 2 pods of long pepper twice a day. If catarrh is in initial stage put drop of kalonji oil in eyes daily.

Cough & Bronchial Asthma: 
1.    Apply kalonji oil to chest & back. 
2.    Mix teaspoon of kalonji oil in boiling water & inhale the vapour twice a day. 
3.    Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil daily in the morning.

Diabetes: Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil twice a day in morning with hot water.

Cancer: (Intestinal cancer, blood cancer, throat cancer etc.): take one glass grape juice, Add ½ teaspoon kalonji oil & drink in the morning before breakfast, after lunch & after dinner. Take 1 kg barley & 2 kg wheat flour, mix together make bread (roti) & give to the patient for 40 days. Avoid potatoe, arvee & brinjal.

Dandruff: Mix 10 gms of kalonji oil, 30 gms of olive oil, 30 gms of mehindi powder. Heat for a while & apply after paste becomes cool, rinse well with shampoo after 1 hour.

Difficulty menstruating: Take one spoon honey ½ teaspoon kalonji oil & drink 1 teaspoon before breakfast & 1 teaspoon after dinner for 2 weeks.

Dyspepsia, indigestion, gas, stomach irritation: Take one spoon of ginger juice & half teaspoon kalonji oil & drink twice daily. This treatment is also useful for obesity.

Epilepsy: take one cup of warm water & add 2 spoons of honey ½ teaspoon kalonji oil & use twice a day. Avoid cold food & guava banana & fig during treatment. MEMORY POWER : 1 spoon of honey with 10 drops of kalonji oil daily chew 2,3 pieces of dalchini (cardmom) daily. WEAKNESS OF

BRAIN: take one teaspoon of ghee or 2 teaspoons of milk cream with to drops of kalonji oil with sugar for taste before breakfast daily.

Eye infection pain & weak sight & watering: Apply kalonji oil around the eyes & on the eye lid before going to sleep take half a teaspoon kalonji oil with a cup of carrot juice.

Hair Loss & Premature Greying: scrub the scalp thoroughly with lemon, leave it for 15 minutes & shampoo & dry with thereafter apply kalonji oil to whole scalp, continue for a 6 weeks.

Hearing - All ear problems including earache, infection and poor hearing: Heat kalonji oil & let it cool & drop two drops of cooled kalonji oil in the ear.

Headache and Earache: Apply kalonji oil to the forehead, sides of face adjacent to the ears & behind the ears. Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil for 3 days.

Heart Problems: Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil mixed with any hot drink daily in the morning this will liquefy the fats & widen the veins & arteries. Avoid fatty foods.

Hypertension: Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil with only hot drink at any time and take 2 lobes of garlic on empty stomach.

Indigestion: Take 1 glass apple juices, add 10 drops kalonji oil & black pepper & zeera one pinch

Inflammation of nose and throat: Put 10 drops of kalonji oil in a cup of boiling water & inhale the vapour. Take ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil with lemon juice daily.

Joint Pain and Arthritis: Take 1 spoon of vinegar, add half teaspoon of kalonji oil & two spoon of honey before break-fast & after dinner.

Piles, blood in stools and constipation: Take half teaspoon of Kalonji oil mixed with 1 cup black tea twice a day before breakfast & after dinner. Avoid hot & spicy items.

Period Pain (leucorrhoea, white discharge, menses discharges 2 to 4 times a month, stomach pain, back pain): Take two glass of water & boil with mint (pudina leaves) add teaspoon kalonji oil. Drink before breakfast & after dinner for 40 days. Avoid pickle, brinjal egg & fish.

Pimples & Acne: Take one cup sweet lime (mosambi) juice or pineapple juice add half teaspoon of kalonji oil twice daily. Before breakfast & after dinner for 4 weeks.

Tooth Ache & Swelling Gums: Mix ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil with warm water & gargle the mouth & apply kalonji oil on the affected tooth, it will alleviate pain quickly.

Obesity: Mix 2 spoons of honey ½ teaspoon of kalonji oil in Luke warm water and take twice a day. Avoid eating rice.  

Skin Disease: one cup of vinegar add ½ teaspoon kalonji oil & apply on the affected areas before going to sleep & take bath in morning & continue until you get relief

Soriasis: Mix juice of six limes with 50 gms. Kalonji oil together, rub on the affected areas.

Stammering: Mix half spoon of kalonji oil in 2 spoons of honey and keep it on the tongue twice a day.

Tumours: Rub the kalonji oil on the effected part & drink half teaspoon of kalonji oil once daily for 15 days.

Vomiting: Take ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mix with equal amount of kalonji oil, twice a day.

Worms of the Stomach: Mix 1 spoon vinegar with half teaspoon kalonji oil twice daily before breakfast afternoon & night for 10 days & avoid sweets.

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