Black seed or black cumin seeds are obtained from the fennel plant also known as Nigella. Black seed offers a range of health benefits. Therefore, the plant has been used as a natural medicine for various health ailments for centuries.
While the herb is rich in tens of useful constituents, a good deal of black seed health benefits are attributed to three natural constituents – thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol.
With virtually no side effects and a wide range of healing powers, the natural ingredient can be used all year round.
Black Seed Nutrition Facts
The natural ingredient is packed with vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids.
The following nutrition fact chart is provided by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for 100 grams of seed.
| CONSTITUENTS | MASS | % Daily Value |
| Saturated fat | 0.5 g | 2 % |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 1.7 g | – |
| Monounsaturated fat | 10 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium | 88 mg | 3 % |
| Potassium | 1694 mg | 48 % |
| Carbohydrate | 52 g | 17 % |
| Dietary fiber | 40 g | 160 % |
| Protein | 16 g | 32 % |
| Vitamin A | – | 2 % |
| Vitamin C | – | 35% |
| Vitamin D | 0 g | 0 % |
| Vitamin B-6 | – | 25 % |
| Calcium | – | 119 % |
| Iron | – | 102 % |
| Magnesium | – | 96 % |
Black Seed Health Benefits
As shown in the nutrition fact sheet, the black seed is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A, E, and B. Other essential constituents include magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, and unsaturated fatty acids.
The natural super-medicine effectively prevents the formation of kidney stone, has anti-cancer properties, kills viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens and parasites.
Black seed is also a great natural antibiotic and immune-boosting agent. Therefore, it works well in the treatment of cough, runny nose, and sinus. Additionally, it protects the stomach from various gastrointestinal illnesses.
1. Lowers High Blood Pressure
The antihypertensive effect of the black seed helps people suffering from hypertension. To verify this, a study was conducted in 2008 and published in the journal Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology. The research showed that daily use of the seed extract for two months has a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild hypertension.
In addition, the seeds help lower low-density lipoprotein levels (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) and improve cardio health.
So, if you are suffering from high blood pressure, take 100 to 200 mg of seed extract twice daily. Consult your physician for appropriate dosage for your specific condition.
2. Controls Type 2 Diabetes
Scientists investigated the effects of seeds on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
In the 2010 study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, a daily dose of 2 grams of black seed may control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Consuming black seed regularly can help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance. Additionally, it also promotes beta-cell function in the pancreas. These seeds are also helpful in preventing diabetes.
3. Improves Liver Health
Black seed oil may also promote liver health. In a 2013 study published in the European Medical and Pharmacological Review, black seed oil improved the architecture of the liver and kidneys.
- Include an optimal amount of black seed in your diet to improve liver health.
4. Black Seed Improves Memory
Black seed can even increase brain health. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuron-protecting properties, Black Seed can improve memory.
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, people who took two 500 mg capsules containing pure ground black powder each day enhanced cognition, improved memory, and attention.
- Eat ½ teaspoon of ground black seeds twice daily.
- But it’s always good to consult your doctor.
5. Effectively Heals Asthma
A 2010 study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed how effectively black seed can heal asthma.
The study found out that it relieves asthma symptoms and promotes quicker recovery. Thymoquinone helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Black seed oil is also an effective remedy for sore throat, acute sinusitis, and tonsillitis.
- Add a few drops of black seed oil to a pot of hot water.
- Then cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapors for 5 minutes.
- Repeat as needed.
- Alternatively, you can put a few drops of black seed oil on a tissue and inhale the fragrance.
6. Reduce the Risk of Developing Cancer
Black seed is effective in reducing the risk of several types of cancer. It reduces the risk of developing breast, brain, mouth, cervix, and colon cancer.
According to a 2012 study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology, thymoquinone present in black seed has the potential to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. This ingredient eliminates free radicals and superoxides.
Related: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Bananas, Nutrition Facts & More
7. Prevents Stomach Ulcers, Treats Diarrhea
Black seed is good for treating stomach problems like diarrhea, gas, colic, and constipation. The seed effectively fights Helicobacter pylori bacteria and prevents the development of ulcers.
According to a 2012 study conducted on mice and published in the journal PLoS One, black seed extracts alleviated symptoms of allergic diarrhea.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground black seed powder to 1 cup of yogurt.
- Eat it twice a day until your condition improves.
8. Heals Skin Blemishes and Acne
Eczema is a skin disease that can be treated with black seed oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, redness, and other symptoms of eczema.
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, the therapeutic effect of topical black seed oil reduces the risks of acne breakouts.
- Apply black seed oil directly to the affected skin twice daily for several days to treat eczema.
9. Improves Skin Health, Complexion
Regular use of black seed oil helps improve skin complexion. It inhibits the production of melanin, thus protects the skin from sun damage.
Due to its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, it promotes healthy and radiant skin.
You can consume or massage it directly onto your skin to restore its health and vitality.
10. Slows Down Hair loss
Black seed oil helps reduce hair loss. Its powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties help strengthen the hair follicles, thus slows down hair loss. Additionally, its antifungal properties prevent infections that cause hair fall.
It also has moisturizing properties that protect the hair from damage.
- Mix equal amounts of black seed oil and olive oil.
- then heat the mixture and rub it on the scalp.
- Wait 30 minutes and then wash your hair.
- Do this 3 times a week to combat hair loss.
Additional black seed health benefits:
- Anti-allergic Properties: Black seed has strong antihistamine effects.
- Great against Anemia: Because it increases the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes.
- Relieves hypertension: Lowers blood pressure and prevents the formation of blood clots inside blood vessels.
- Black seed hinders kidney stone development: Because it reduces the level of oxalate in urine responsible for the formation of the stone.
- Fungal and parasitic infections: The seed is effective against infections with tapeworms, flukes, pinworms. It also inhibits the growth of pathogens, including Candida Albicans.
- Effective against Osteoporosis: Supports the processes that help increase bone density.
- Relieves Depression: Black seed is one of the great natural stress-relieving agents. The ingredient leaves a calming effect on the nervous system.
Also Check: 9 Great Foods For Weight Loss: Natural Thermogenics to Eat
Warning:
- Limit your daily intake of black seed to 2 to 3 teaspoons.
- When used topically, it must be diluted with olive or sesame oil.
How to Make Black Cumin Syrup?
The preparation of black seed syrup is very simple. There are also several methods to make this healing potion. However, we have chosen the best and simplest two.
Black Seed Syrup: Recipe-1
Ingredients:
- 100 g of black seed.
- 3 star anise seeds.
- 20 cloves.
- 100 ml of raw honey.
- 10 drops of thyme oil (optional).
Instructions:
Grind the seeds and mix them with honey and oil. Then store the syrup in the refrigerator. You can consume it directly or add it to your tea or spread it on bread.
Black Seed Syrup: Recipe-2
This recipe may not taste as good as the previous one, but it is in no way inferior when it comes to its health-improving properties.
Ingredients:
- 1 clove of garlic.
- One tablespoon of honey.
- 1 teaspoon of ground black cumin seeds.
Instructions:
Grate the garlic or squeeze it through the press. Then combine all the ingredients and mix well. Your black seed syrup is ready.
When to Give Black Seed Syrup to Children?
Black seed syrup is an ideal remedy to strengthen immunity both in adults and children. You can give the syrup to your child over the age of 12 months to treat the following health issues:
Warning: Do not give the syrup to children under the age of 12 months. Additionally, give the syrup only in very small amounts or consult a doctor beforehand.
- .Deworming in Children: Black seed syrup helps fight parasites in the digestive system. Therefore, it gives excellent results in deworming in children.
- Asthama & Rhinitis: Black seed oil has anti-allergic properties, so it is recommended for children struggling with asthma or allergic rhinitis. It also reduces the frequency of breathlessness that often occurs in children suffering from asthma.
- Atopic Dermatitis (AD): Black seed helps fight atopic dermatitis also known as atopic eczema. Because cumin seed has softening properties, so it effectively helps with AD.
- Calming Nerves: All you need to do is pour a few drops into the bathtub to relieve your child’s stress related to, for example, going to kindergarten.
- Relieves cough symptom: Black cumin syrup is also considered an excellent cough medicine.
Note: All the information in this article is for educational purposes and shouldn’t be taken as an alternative to professional recommendations. Therefore, please don’t take anything in this post as medical advice.
