Black Seed- Overview, History, Uses, Benefits, Precaution, Dosage

What is Black Seed (What Is Kalonji)?

Black Seed or Kalonji is a superfood that contains various nutrients and antioxidants that the body needs in a well-balanced manner. It is part of the medical world as well as the cooking world. Currently, Black Seed attracts the most attention. It is an annual seed of the genus Nigella of the family Ranunculaceae native to the Mediterranean coast. Well, it is a popular plant for gardening with pretty flowers. The black seed's seeds look like black sesame seeds. The inside of the side is white. There are 16 species in the world, A popular species is Nigella damascena, which is native to Southern Europe.

Black seeds have been used for many years. It is one of the most famous herbs in the world. It is also called Miracle Herb or Seed of Blessing because of its overwhelming efficacy. An easy-to-use spice. The species used as a spice for curry in India is Nigella sativa, which is called black cumin, but it is rarely cultivated in Japan.

• Latin Name - Nigella sativa is the Latin name for the Black Seed or Black cumin seeds.
• Family - Black seeds belong to the fennel flower Buttercups family. It is part of the family Ranunculaceae.
• Common Name - There are many common names of Nigella sativa like black cumin, black seed, black caraway, Kalonji, fennel flower and many others. Kalonji is the name of black seed in Hindi.
• Habitat- Black Seed requires a moderate temperature, that is why it is mostly grown in southwestern Asia and parts of the Mediterranean and Africa.
• Season - After the last good frost of the winter season is the suitable season for the black cumin seed to grow.
• Aroma and taste: The scent of kalonji is mellow, slightly sweet and resembles oregano

Ingredient Of Black Seed (Kalonji Seeds)

Minerals, especially iron, are abundant, and ω (omega) 3 fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) are also abundant. The main active ingredients are antioxidants (thymoquinone) and β (beta) -sitosterol.

Recent studies have discovered more than 40 active ingredients in black seeds, including lipids, proteins and alkaloids, and have identified as - 

• Analgesic action (pain relieving)
• Antibacterial action
• Anti-inflammatory action
• Anti-ulcer action
• Anticholinergic action
• Antifungal effect
• Antihypertensive effect
• Antioxidant effect
• Anticonvulsant effect
• Antiviral effect
• Bronchodilator effect
• Gluconeogenesis inhibitory effect (antidiabetic effect)
• Liver protective effect
• Hypotensive
• insulin sensitizer
• Interferon inducer
• Leukotriene antagonist
• Renal protective effect
• Tumour necrosis factor α inhibitor

History of Black Seed

Black seeds have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and Persia since BC. The oldest record of cultivation and use of their seeds is thousands years ago. They were used for health maintenance and disease treatment. It is also mentioned in the Old Testament and is also found in the tomb of Tut Ankamen. The Islamic prophet Mohammad reportedly said, "A drug that cures all illnesses except death."

Ancient Egyptians used it for inflammation and digestion at first. These same promising benefits were noted in the other regions. A Persian physician praised the use of black seed in human medicine, noting that it may be used as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory ointment. Black Seed was utilised in Ayurvedic medicine to improve longevity and metabolism.

Persian philosopher and scientist Avicenna is featured in the book "The Canon of Medicine" as a way to stimulate internal energy and help recover from physical and mental fatigue and illness.

Black seed or kalonji oil was also found in the burial chamber of King Tutankhamun in Egypt, which is about 3,300 years old. 

The Charm Of Black Seed

Black Seed is a very miracle plant. There are many options to use black seeds for health in many forms. Let's learn more about them in a unique and in-depth way-

Black Seeds: Cumin seeds are black in colour and white from inside. Black Seeds are useful for the medicinal and culinary industry. It leads to various health benefits from the stomach to immunity. You can wash black seed and use it in dishes, juice and many more. Well, the black seed capsules are also available to take advantage of black seed.

Black Seed Oil: Black seed oil is the most famous. It is extracted from black seed oil. The use of oil is applied to the body and skin. Well, the colour of the black seed oil is not like seeds in black colour. It looks brownish in colour. Mostly it is used for skin and hair treatment as well as for intake too. Black seed oil for hair is quite famous in India.

Black Seed Uses (Kalonji Uses)

For the last more than 3000 years, it has been used in many fields because of its active ingredient.

Cooking using nigella 

It's commonly sprinkled on naan before baking and used in vegetable and bean dishes in India. As it has a unique fragrance, many are used for the fragrance. 

It's served with bread in Middle Eastern cuisine. It's simple to sprinkle on a salad or use as a garnish.

Hall When Nigella is used in cooking as a tempering agent, it is quite effective (heating with oil to transfer the aroma of spices to the oil).

Nigella soaps and oils are also well-known in Morocco.

Medical World

In the medical world, it is known as a miracle herb, a seed of blessing, etc. because it has many effects and surprises. as mentioned above Muhammad, an Islamic historical prophet, said of Nigella as "a drug that cures all illnesses except death ." That's why it is effective against various diseases.

Balck Seeds contain 15 kinds of nutrients such as amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Besides, it is also rich in minerals, vitamins and folic acid. 

Painkiller, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, appetite promotion, digestion promotion, natural killer cell increasing effect, asthma, immunity improvement, heart attack prevention, leukaemia prevention, rheumatism, arthralgia, etc. Even if you line up the effects, there are so many.

Benefits of Black Seed (Kalonji Benefits)

There are many black seed benefits that are managed by it. The use of black seed or using the black seed oil is effective for the body. Let’s know about the benefits-

Effective For Diabetes

Black Seed and black seed oil have a lot of potential to work for diabetes management and prevention. The regular use of black seed normalises Diabetes 1 and Diabetes 2 as well. According to one Indian study, it is found that partial regeneration of pancreatic cells lowers blood glucose levels as well as insulin concentrations. Another study also says that it improved glucose tolerance and also lowered the many side effects.

Protect Liver

The black seeds show a positive effect to protect the liver tissues. It reduces the negative effect produced by toxic metals. In addition, it also protects against radioactive elements, including cadmium. It accomplishes this by replenishing antioxidants that have been depleted as a result of hazardous chemical exposure. It is also good to add black seed if you have liver problems and prevent liver damage.

Anti-inflammatory Effect

Black seed is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. It is studicial proven that it reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles. Problems like osteoporosis that are linked with inflammation can be improved with black seed use. It has been investigated in relation to black seed oil and its thymoquinone content was found to inhibit a number of substances that cause inflammation. WIth inflammation combined with the black seed's antioxidant, it also helps to prevent gastrointestinal disorders and relieve related symptoms.

Improve Skin Health

The miraculous ingredients of black seed and black seed oil fight acne, wrinkles and improve the skin texture, hydrate it and many more. The topical application of black seed oil reduces the skin lesions and attributes the results to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect. As black seed contains antioxidants, it can be used as an anti-ageing moisturizer if used on a regular basis. 

Antibacterial and antifungal properties

Antibiotic and antifungal resistance is a well-known problem in the medical field. BUt black seed might help you. It is an effective way to boost immunity because it increases T cells (cells that fight against viral infections) as well as provides us with more resistance against lethal infections. The antibacterial and antifungal properties dave your body from external pathogens.

Improve Digestive System

Eating black seeds is linked to improving the digestive system. Being antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature, it provides relief from stomach pain and cramps. In addition, it also prevents and reduces the gas, acidity, stomach bloating and chances of stomach ulcers. 

Weight Management

Black Seed might help to combat obesity. Basically, it boosts the metabolism in the body and helps to reduce body weight and BMI. Kalonji for weight loss is also quite famous.

Black Seed Precaution (Black Seed Oil Side Effects)

Black seed is a natural herb. When used as a dietary spice in small quantities, black seeds and black seed oils are generally safe for most people. Under the following circumstances, however, it may not be safe to take black seed oils or supplements:

• Pregnancy: Large quantities of black seed oils and extracts should be avoided during pregnancy since they can cause uterine contractions to be delayed.
• Bleeding disorders: Ingestion of black seed oil can cause blood coagulation problems and increase the risk of bleeding. As a result, eating black seeds can make bleeding problems worse.
• Children: The use of Black Seed or its extract is possibly safe when used by children by mouth intake. Make sure about the recommended dose by the professional one.
• Hypoglycemia: Because black seed oil can drop blood sugar levels, diabetics should be mindful of hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Hypotension: If your blood pressure is already low, black seed oil should be avoided because it can reduce it even more.
• Surgery: If surgery is scheduled, black seed oil should be avoided due to these potential dangers and side effects.
• Digestive Issue: Stop the use of black seed or its supplement, when you notice nausea and bloating after
• Medication Interference: As we said, black seed increases metabolism. So, if you are on any medication, it may affect your medication process. Need to talk to a professional.

Note: It is always good to consult the healthcare professional when it's about natural supplements too. The dose of natural herbs and supplements also varies as per individual health and more.

Black Seed Dosage

The right dose of Black cumin seeds is necessary like other natural herbs. As per the FSSAI(Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), the RDA value for the Nigella sativa is as followed-

In Seed (Kalaunji / Kaala jaaji)- 1-3 g

You can intake 1-3g of black seed on a daily basis. It is not recommended to overdose on it. The overdose of black seeds affects health and causes adverse effects. It might also be possible to reverse the benefits and make the situation worse. Make sure about the doses. Well, you can divide your dose twice or thrice a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Black Seed

What is the purpose of black seed?

Black seed has been used for a long time. It is good for the digestive tract, digestion problems like gas, acidity, bloating, etc. In addition, it is also good for diarrhoea, respiratory condition, cough, cold, congestive, swine flu, etc.

Who wouldn't want to eat black seed?

Pregnant, blood disorder, on some medication, etc people should not use black seed. You need to consult your healthcare professional to avoid any side effects.

What is the English name for black seed?

Nigella sativa is the English name for the black seeds or kalonji.

What is a black seed, exactly?

It is a herb or spice similar to sesame seeds. It belongs to the flowering shrub native from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. Black seed is best for the medical or cooking world.

What's the best way to prepare black seed tea?

It is easy to prepare black seed tea. Boil some water and black seed. Boil it on low flame. After one boil, remove the flame. Keep the container aside by covering it. After 15 minutes, stir it in a cup. Add some honey and enjoy your drink.

Is there a difference between black seed and black sesame?

No, the black sesame seeds are not the same as black seeds. They might look the same, but roughly the same in length. 

Is kalonji considered an onion seed?

Onion seed did not belong to the onion family or onion vegetable. It belongs to the same family of black cumin seeds. Onion seed is also known as kalonji.

Is Kala Til the same as Kalonji?

No, Kala til is black sesame and kalonji is black cumin seeds. They are not the same. They just look similar. Both are different and work differently for health as well.

Is kalonji the same as Karunjeeragam?

Kalonji and Karunjeeraga are not the same thing. Many people think that they are the same, but aren't. Karunjeeraga is a Kala jeera in Hindi and kalonji is different from jeera.

What is the purpose of kalonji oil?

Kalonji Oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants. It is very good for the skin and hair health. The fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K with strong antioxidants, slow down wrinkles, fine lines and ageing problems. In addition, reduce the greying of hair and many skin conditions and problems.

Is it safe to take kalonji oil on a daily basis?

Yes, it is recommended to use kalonji oil for daily use. As per FSSAI, you can consume 1-3g of kalonji and its extract without any worry. If you want to use kalonji daily without any side effects, remember the dose limit.

Is kalonji oil beneficial to hair?

Yes, kalonji is good for the hair. As we know, kalonji oil is rich in antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents that reduce hair problems and provide strength to the hair. With hair growth, kalonji oil is effective for hair greying.

Is kalonji oil the same thing as onion oil?

The onion oil is not the same as kalonji oil. ONion is a vegetable and kalonji is a species. The word onion oil and black onion oil is different. The black onion oil is like kalonji oil. Black onion oil is another name for kalonji.

What are black seed oil benefits?

There are a number of side effects linked with black seed oil like other herbs and oil. The overdose of black seed oil or any extract causes nausea, headache, etc. To avoid side effects, consult a healthcare professional.

How to use black seed for hair?

How to use black seed oil for hair is very easy. Mix black seed hair oil and coconut oil in the bowl at an equal amount. Gently massage the oil in the hair roots. Kalonji seeds for hair are known for better hair health. Massage the hair scalp and wash it after 1-2 hours.

How to make black seed oil at home?

If you are thinking of preparing oil kalonji for hair or use, it is very easy at home. Bring black seed and fenugreek seeds from the market. Blend them in the blender and make them a fine powder. Now, add this mixed powder into the glass container. Add some coconut oil or castor oil as per your choice. Mix it properly. Close the container. Leep sure it is airtight. Keep the glass container in the sunlight for 3-5 days. After 3-5 days, stir the oil and start using it.

How to eat kalonji seeds?

There are many ways to add kalonji to your diet. Get your kalonji from the market at the best kalonji price. You can use it as sprinkling on the dishes and bread. You can even roast them and then use them in your dishes. If you like the fragrance and taste, you can even use it in oatmeal, smoothies, and yoghurt. You can even prepare Kaloji oil for skin and hair treatment.