Black Cumin -- The Wonderseed

(This was written on February 19, 2009).

Once in a while there's an herbal remedy that comes to popular attention, which just seems to eclipse what you can imagine such a thing could do -- independent of any hyped-up supplement seller.

Many years ago, while researching my own asthma condition (and natural ways to remedy it), I made a note of black cumin. So I printed up a web page and stored it in a folder with my other collected information. But the site didn't explain much about what the seed could actually do, so I basically didn't research it much more.

Now it turns out that this diminutive seed not only graced King Tut's legendary tomb, but it was mentioned by both the Prophet Mohammed AND The Bible! Perhaps we should use its healing powers to bring people together from the historic Mideast religions, as it originates in that area.

Nigella sativa, as Ingrid Nauman describes, is "one of the most revered medicinal seeds in history." The best of these seeds can be found in Egypt -- actually watered and grown in oases with superb conditions. So why has it taken so long (only the last forty years) to really research its amazing powers? Maybe its the whole aura of the plant -- or just the usual drug company shortcomings. But let's not let that hold us back from exploring it further!

Dioscorides, a Greek doctor, used the seeds to treat head and tooth aches. Mohammed expanded that treatment range to nearly everything "but death itself"!

The secret of the seed is in its hundred-plus chemical components. These include plenty of essential fatty acids, as well as a spicy zing for cooking exotic dishes. That means that they can be used for curries, pastries, and Mediterranean cheeses (just for starters). And this is a natural application, as the seeds aid digestion -- relieving gas and increasing peristalsis and intestinal mobility. You can also use the essential oil to combat microbes (as oregano does) and even parasitic worms (more common than you think).

Perhaps most significantly, black cumin seeds (according to Naiman) "have been found superior to almost every other natural remedy..for autoimmune disorders." In an age of hypervaccination, this looks to be an ideal antidote.

Nigella can also be used synergistically with garlic -- for this same immune-enhancing function, and to balance the cells. Working together, they seem to restore the basic harmony there.

Asthma and allergy sufferers should also delight to know that black cumin relieves those conditions in a remarkably fast fashion. If infection is present, that can be first neutralized with the garlic or oregano. Otherwise for best results, using cumin for several months is the way to go. And those with chronic fatigue can add royal jelly to crushed seeds for an energy boost.

Now we explore an area of the seed's prowess, where its exponents may have engaged in a bit of poetic license. Black cumin is said to "increase sperm count..(as well as) milk production in a nursing mother." I guess that covers both sides of the equation!

But those claims are more along the lines of restoring one's natural capacities to normal -- with the nutrients present in the seeds.

And if you think about it, good things really do come in those small packages. Since the seeds are so miniature, it goes to figure that a lot of them together could really pack a nutritional punch -- much as the smaller kiwi tends to hold more vitamin C than the larger orange.

A modern study at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, SC -- showed that black cumin increases neutrophil activity. These are short-lived immune cells found in bone marrow, mobilized by the body to fight bacterial infections. Seed extracts also modulate production of interleukins -- a property shared with ginseng, astragalus, mistletoe, garlic, and cat's claw. And the cumin definitely increased survivability in 2/3 of cancer-suffering mice. It also has anti-leukemia properties, AND it's useful to treat rheumatism and other inflammatory conditions. Thymoquinone is the substance which helps the most for those -- so look for oils / supplements with a high percentage of that (like the Egyptian ones).

You can brew your own black cumin tea by just pouring hot water over the seeds, then steep for ten minutes. Or try them in bread or stir fry dishes.

Respiratory conditions respond well to a mix of seeds with honey and garlic. For a beauty treatment, take the capsules (internally) or mix the oil with skin cream or jojoba and apply it (externally) where needed.

The oil has a dark complexion, and can also remedy eczema and psoriasis. Try adding beeswax to increase consistency (for skin conditions).

It also responds well in a vinegar-oil mix, as an acne treatment or digestive aid. Mix a cup of seeds with organic apple cider vinegar, then strain with a coffee filter. Then add cumin oil, heat and refrigerate.

The outstanding benefit of black cumin seed / oil is that it is remarkably inexpensive. And since it's such a great all-around remedy, it sounds like (along with oregano) the ideal component of your herbal medicine cabinet. But be sure to first test your skin for any allergic potential.

The information I got for this article, came from KitchenDoctor.com -- which also sells the products. (Their prices are extraordinarily low -- hopefully they're still in effect).

It's truly an amazing natural world which holds a myriad of healing wonders, brought to us by the divine creation of God. Since we are created in his image, we have an amazing chance to reconnect through these restorative plants. Let's make sure we share this vital knowledge, then work to grow and protect them for enlightened generations to come!