Kulunji/ Black Seed / حبة السوداء
In the Sahihain, it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) related from our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم):
عليكم بهذه الحبة السوداء، فإن فيها شفاء من كل داء إلا السام). والسام: الموت
“Use the Black Seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment, except for death”.
[Tirmizi, Ahmad and Ibn Hibban].
- It is stated in the books of seerat that Nabi-e-Akram (صلى الله عليه وسلم) himself used to take these seeds for therapeutic purpose but with the syrup of Honey.
- Khalid Bin Saad (رضي الله عنه ) states that he was travelling with Ghalib Bin Jabr, when he fell ill during the journey. Ibn Abi Ateeq (رضي الله عنه) nephew of Hazrat Aisha (رضي الله عنها) came to meet us. On seeing the patient, he took 5 or 7 seeds of Kalonji and ground it, mixed it in olive oil and dropped in both nostrils, Hazrat Aisha (رضي الله عنها) told us that Nabi-e-Akram (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stated that there was cure in black seeds for all ailments except sam. I asked him, what was sam? He (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said “Death”. Ghalib Bin Jabr (رضي الله عنه ) became healthy with that treatment.
- For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil have been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, parts of Europe and Africa to support their health. An aromatic spice, small and similar in size to sesame seed, it has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and for general overall well-being.
- Black Seed is grown in various countries and therefore known by many names such as Black Cumin (Egypt), Black Caraway (Turkey), ) Shuneiz in Persian ,Kalonji (India/Pakistan), Habbatul Baraka or the Blessed Seed (Middle East), among others.
- Hundreds of studies and articles published in various journals have shown remarkable results supporting the benefits and uses of Black Seed alone or combined with other complimentary herbs.
Black Seed herb contains:
- over 100 components, many of which still remain to be discovered.
- 20-23% protein,
- 3829-37% carbohydrates.
- It is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and contains about 34-39% oil,
- More than 50% of the oil are essential fatty acids.
- It’s linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid content help form Prostaglandin E1, which helps the body to inhibit infections, balances the immune system, and regulates allergic reactions. Gamma-linolenic acid also helps stabilize the cell membrane.
- Black Seed also contains about 0.5-1.5% volatile oils including Nigellone and Thymoquinone which have been researched for anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-infective, and broncho-dialating effects.
- crude fiber,
- minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium.
- There are still many components in Black Seed that haven’t been identified. But research is going on around the world. *
In the kitchen:
Black seed is aromatic with a slight peppery flavor. It is one of the distinct flavors of Arab pastries. It is often sprinkled on breads and cheese. It is heated with milk for flavor. It is eaten ground with honey or with cakes and pastries.
How to use Black seed:
- Eat black seeds plain;
- Eat a teaspoon of black seed mixed with honey;
- Boil black seed with water. Strain and drink;
- Heat black seed and warm milk until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat. Cool, then drink;
- Grind black seed and swallow it with water or milk;
- Sprinkle on bread and pastries;
- Burn black seed with bukhoor (incense) for a pleasant scent.Black seed is aromatic with a slight peppery flavor. It is often sprinkled on breads and cheese. It is eaten ground with honey or with cakes and pastries.
Remedies with Blackseed:
The great physician Ibn Sina (980–1037), better known as Avicenna, stated that black seed works as an:
- expectorant,
- stimulates the body’s energy and
- helps overcome fatigue and dispiritedness
- Observations of the scholars of Hadith reveal that Kalonji is equally effective for the Diseases due to Heat and Cold.
- Increases intelligence
- The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia.
- It is useful in Paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and Palpitation.
- It is also reported that its fine powder is effective if applied in early stages of Cataract.
- The oil of the seeds is also effective in Earache.
- If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the Inflammation of the Gums and relieves the pain also.
- Mouth and larynx diseases,
- It is also an Expectorant and Antipyretic.
- Fumigation of Kalonji is useful in Respiratory diseases
- Inhalation of its smell is useful in Common Cold.
- Half tea-spoonful, if boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and coughs
- Aids digestion;
- Relieves Stomach aches, abdominal pain, colic
- Zahbi states that Kalonji removes the Obstruction of any part of the Body, Expels the Gases and Strengthens the Stomach.
- It Normalizes the Secretions of Stomach and Pancreas. This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.
- It is effective in Jaundice also if taken with milk.
- It’s powder if taken with water is effective in Hemorrhoids
- It is Emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual bleeding), Lactogogue (stimulates lactation) and Diuretic.
- It expels the kidney and urinary bladder stones, if taken with the syrup of honey.
- Strengthens a mother after Childbirth;
- Stimulate menstruation, urination and liver functions
- Relieves General fatigue,
- Relieves Rheumatism,
- Treats Skin diseases and Cancer.
- Black seed is used to beautify skin, nourish hair and stimulate hair growth.
- It is an Anti-Helminthic, if taken with vinegar.
- Diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps.
- Continuous use of Kalonji is effective in Rabid dog bites.
- Effects of Black Seed and Prostaglandin E1 on the Immune System
Through the formation of Protaglandin E1, the complete immune system is harmonized and the body’s over-reactive allergic reactions are stabilized. By also inhibiting infection, the immune system is able to prevent and control chronic illnesses. Healthy cells are protected from the damaging effects of viruses, inhibiting tumors. As a result Interferon cell protein is formed, inhibiting growth of damaging micro-organisms. Recently independent clinical studies in the Archives of Aids described the possible effects of Black Seed on the defense system by improving the ratio between helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells by a significant amount while also enhancing the natural killer cell activity.
What is more effective, Black Seed herb or oil?
Both are equally effective, but Black Seed oil is more concentrated and contains greater amounts of essential fatty acids.
Blackseed dosage:
To make 1kg Blackseed oil you need 7-11 kg seeds depending on quality of seeds.
So Blackseed oil is highly concentrated It cannot be taken dlaily in high doses for long periods
It has cure for all illness but cannot be taken in excess
If you want to take Blackseed daily ,
you can take 3-7 Seeds , mix with honey
3 or 5 or 7 seeds dly, not more
Blackseed oil dosage
1tsp dly for max 10 days Or
3 drops 3xs dly for max 10 days
Blackseed is a bit hot in nature Some people can tolerate high doses for long periods. These are usually those who tend to have more cold in their body.
But high doses are not suitable for all.
Rather take 3-7seeds max if you want to take daily.
