When compared to every other natural remedy for auto-immune disorders, black cumin is the most effective.
It has the power to restore harmony.
Doctors to the Egyptian pharaohs used the seeds to calm upset stomachs after extravagant feasts. They also used them as a remedy for headaches, toothaches, colds, and infections.
The seeds are also known to strengthen and bring luster to hair and nails. Queen Nefertiti, renowned for her stunning beauty, used black seed oil.
The most dramatic healing, however, is achieved with asthma and allergies. Middle Easterners use it to treat bronchitis.
Grind up black cumin seeds and mix with honey and garlic to get rid of a cough. This tonic is an excellent defense against colds and flu. Use it as a natural immunity booster in winter.
Researchers conducted the first study of black cumin seed at the Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory in S. Carolina. Black cumin, they concluded, stimulates immune cells in bone marrow to fight bacterial infections.
Experts agree that the seeds contain over 100 chemical compounds, many of which are unknown. The primary active ingredient is crystalline nigellone. Other important ones are the fatty acids and trace elements.
Black seed contains
myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorous
Scientific research
Nigella sativa oil (black cumin seed oil) contains nigellone, which protects guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchial spasms1(perhaps explaining its use to relieve the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and coughing). The presence of the sterol beta-sitosterol lends credence to its traditional use to treat abscesses and tumors of the abdomen, eyes, and liver.2 N. sativa oil has been reported to be effective in treating opioid dependence.3 N. sativa also has been reported to reduce calculi formation in rats' kidneys.4 The oil contains melanthin, nigilline, damascene and tannins. Melanthin is toxic in large doses and nigelline is paralytic, so this spice must be used in moderation.
Thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer treatment
Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone from an extract of N. sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis) acting as an HDAC inhibitor. While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest thymoquinone may eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.5
1 Effect of Nigella Sativa on Isolated Guinea Pig Trachea - PDF
2 Look for sterols at http://glycoscience.org/glycoscience/linksPage/links.html Click on the 4th listing for the GlycoScience link. (Link is dead of 2008-1-12)
3 Role Of Nigella Sativa In Opioid Dependence
4 http://www.sid.ir/En/VEWSSID/J_pdf/83020070206.pdf
5"Traditional herbal medicine kills pancreatic cancer cells, researchers report.". May 19, 2008. http://www.physorg.com/news130410814.html.
BACK TO TOP
