What are the Benefits of Black Seed Oil? An Ancient and Truly Amazing Herb!

Black Seed Throughout History

The health benefits of Black Seed and its medicinal uses have a very rich traditional history that goes back to ancient Egyptian and Biblical times. Some sources suggest that a bottle containing black cumin seed was found in Tutankhamen's tomb and a biblical reference to it is noted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:25, 27). 

Another important ancient reference to black seed's use is from Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) (Sahih Bukhari 71:592). Deeper research suggests that it was used as early as the 5th century B.C. by Hippocrates and by Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides.

For centuries, millions of people in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa have known of black cumin seed. They have also known the health benefits of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) herb and oil. For instance, one of the benefits of using Black Seed oil regularly is improved overall health. Highly aromatic and spicy, this tiny seed and its cold-pressed oil are used for a variety of supportive health benefits.

Black Seed in Recent Times

The first modern study on black seed was published in 1959. Since then, the health benefits of black seeds and their oils have been discovered through hundreds of studies at international universities. Based on those studies, many articles have also been published in various journals that show remarkable results of black cumin seed, and the effects when used alone or combined with complementary herbs.

Health Benefits of Black Seed

What is Black Seed good for? Black seed helps restore the natural balance of the body's vital organs and strengthens its natural defenses. Traditionally, Black Seed is good for bolstering vitality, calming inflammatory problems, aiding digestion, and improving circulatory support, respiratory functions, and kidney and liver function.

Other Names for Black Seed

Many countries and their cultures have always been aware of black seed and its health benefits. It is grown in various countries and therefore known by many names, such as Black Cumin (Egypt), Black Caraway (Turkey), Kalonji (India/Pakistan), Habbatul Baraka, or the Blessed Seed (Middle East), among others. Ever since its introduction to the United States in the late 1980s, it has been commonly referred to as 'Black Seed' or 'Black Cumin' and is often used as a spice in traditional Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, and Persian cuisines.

What is Black Seed’s Hidden Power?

The reason why so many health benefits of black seed exist can be explained by its chemical composition, which is very rich and diverse. It contains the phytochemicals thymoquinone and crystalline nigellone, as well as many antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fixed oils (Essential Fatty Acids 3, 6, and 9), volatile oils, alkaloids, saponin, and fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. There are still many components in black seed that haven't been identified and research is going on around the world to help shed more light on this remarkable little seed.*

By W.Goreja ©2013. All rights reserved.

Related Black Seed links:

BLACK SEED: FAQ's About Black Seed 

BLACK SEED: Black Seed Around the World

BLACK SEED: Current Research

BLACK SEED: Natural Remedies of Arabia