It appears that the development of medicines did not preclude the continued use of herbs in treatment due to their significant benefits, such as the benefits of Nigella Sativa.
It is one of the most beneficial herbs for all body parts, and its application is not limited to food flavoring.
What do you know about Nigella sativa, the black seed?
They are small black seeds extracted from a flowering plant of the Ranunculaceae family, which grows throughout India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Nigella Sativa common name is the black seed or black cumin.
It has been used in herbal medicine for centuries to treat health conditions, such as; asthma, bronchitis, as well as a preservative for spices and foodstuffs.
Nigella Sativa active constituents
It is one of the herbs rich in nutrients beneficial to the body because it contains proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber.
It is also an essential source of; iron, calcium, zinc, copper, and thiamine.
Thymoquinone is the main component, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is nigella sativa good for?
Despite its small size, it is characterized by its multiple benefits for the body, for example:
First, Nigella Sativa seeds benefits for the body
It is used to treat many diseases, including:
Bacteria and parasite elimination
Some studies have proven that Nigella sativa eliminates some types of bacteria that infect the stomach and intestines, such as Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers.
Improves liver and kidney function
Nigella sativa oil reduces complications of liver and kidney diseases and improves the structure of organs, according to a 2013 study on mice.
Nigella Sativa and diabetes
Eating the black seed may improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Fighting cancer
Since the black seed is rich in antioxidants, it helps to neutralize the harmful free radicals that cause some diseases, such as cancer.
Some experiments have shown that Nigella Sativa thymoquinone causes cell death in leukemia.
Studies also indicate the effectiveness of its components against other types of cancer, such as pancreatic, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and skin cancers.
Reducing infections
Studies have proven that it has potent effects in relieving inflammation in the body, such as:
- Tonsillitis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reduce inflammation in pancreatic cancer cells.
- Sinusitis.
- Bronchitis.
Hypertension treatment
Nigella sativa may reduce high blood pressure.
Digestive system benefits
It helps treat diseases of the digestive system, such as:
- Contractions.
- Diarrhea.
- Bloating and gas
- Indigestion.
- Constipation and hemorrhoids.
Respiratory system disease alleviation
Research shows that taking black seed extract soothes coughing or wheezing and improves lung function in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Cholesterol reduction
The accumulation of large amounts of cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of heart disease.
Several studies proved that eating the black seed helps lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body and increases the proportion of good cholesterol.
Second, Nigella Sativa benefits for hair and skin
Nigella sativa oil is valuable for people who suffer from certain skin conditions, such as:
- Eczema.
- Acne.
- Psoriasis.
- Skin spots in people with vitiligo.
Black seed oil may also help moisturize the hair and soften the skin.
Third, Black seed oil benefits for women
It is one of the beneficial herbs for women as it helps to:
- Reduce breast pain during menstruation by; applying a gel on the breast containing Nigella sativa oil.
- Alleviate menstrual disorders.
- Increase milk flow during breastfeeding.
- Reduce menopausal symptoms.
Some research has also shown that taking black seed oil increases the number and speed of sperm in infertile men.
Fourth, Other Nigella Sativa medicinal uses
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Improving thinking and memory skills.
- Reducing the number of epileptic seizures in children.
- Relieving gum infections and making teeth stronger.
- Headache treatment.
- Reducing allergy symptoms in people with hay fever.
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Reducing symptoms associated with withdrawal of narcotic drugs.
- Arthritis.
- Weight loss.
Black seed with honey benefits
Some studies have proven that eating honey with the black seed has many therapeutic properties, as each of them has a potent effect against the following viruses:
- German measles virus.
- Herpes simplex virus.
- Hepatitis virus.
- Corona virus (Coronavirus).
Also, some studies have proven that both have antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects.
How to eat Nigella sativa seeds?
The use of the black seed is not limited to being a type of spice, but it can be added to the diet in different ways to take advantage of its many benefits, for example;
- Toast lightly, then grind and add to bread.
- Mix with honey or water or eat raw.
- Add to oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt.
Nigella Sativa oil capsules are available as a dietary supplement for a quick and concentrated dose.
Nigella sativa dosage
The permissible doses of black seed oil for oral administration are:
Hay fever treatment
Use 0.5 ml of black seed oil or 40-80 mg/kg daily for 4-8 weeks.
Asthma treatment
Use 500 mg of black cumin oil twice daily for four weeks or 2 grams of ground black cumin daily for 12 weeks.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Use 2 grams of black seed oil daily for three months.
Diabetes treatment
Use 1000 mg to 1350 mg of Nigella sativa oil daily in divided doses for 8-12 weeks, or 1 gram of black seed powder twice daily for up to 12 months.
Hypertension
Use 2.5 milliliters of black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks, or take 0.5-2 grams of black seed powder daily for up to 12 weeks.
Infertility
2.5 ml of oil is used twice daily for two months.
The permissible doses for the use of black seed oil on the skin are as follows:
Acne Treatment
A gel containing 0.1% Nigella sativa extract has been used twice daily for 60 days.
Breast pain
Every day for two menstrual cycles, a gel containing 30% Nigella sativa oil is applied to the breast.
Nigella Sativa oil side effects
It is safe in small amounts when taken by mouth, and its oil is safe to use for up to 3 months.
But there isn’t enough information to know if the amount in medicines is safe when used for more than three months.
Nigella sativa may cause stomach upset, vomiting, constipation, or an allergic reaction in some people.
Precautions
Some precautions must be taken when taking Nigella to avoid other health problems. These precautions include:
Black seed and pregnancy
It is safe to take it in small amounts during pregnancy, but large amounts may be dangerous.
It may slow or stop uterine contractions.
But you should consult your doctor before taking it during pregnancy.
Bleeding disorders
It might slow blood clotting, increase the risk of bleeding, and possibly worsen bleeding disorders.
Surgery
Stop taking Nigella Sativa at least two weeks before surgery because it:
- Reduces blood sugar level.
- slows blood clotting.
- It also increases drowsiness in some people.
- It Increases the risk of bleeding.
Doing so interferes with glycemic control and anesthesia before and after surgery.
Reduction of Blood pressure
Taking it may lower blood pressure in people with low blood pressure.
Kidney problems
Nigella sativa should be avoided if you have any kidney problems.
In conclusion, the benefits of Nigella Sativa are varied and multiple, and therefore you must take advantage of it by eating it in the right ways to avoid any health problems.