The blessed seed

Greetings my friends in the Blogosphere!

Today I would like to talk to you about Nigella ... No, not Nigella Lawson (thou I do like her) today I would like to talk the Nigella stavia seed.

This funny roughly triangular tiny little bitter smelling and tasting seed are really gems in deguise. This seeds has many aliases, some of you which you may know. Black Onion Seeds Black Seeds, Black Cumin Seeds, Cheveux de Venus, Damascena, Devil in-the-bush, Fennel flower, Melanthion, Nutmeg Flower, Roman Coriander, Wild Onion Seed, Black Caraway, Sanoudj (locally here in Algeria) and finally Habbet el-baraka which means 'seed of blessing' in Arabe.

Nigella seeds are small, matte-black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior. They are roughly triangulate, 1 1/2 - 3 mm (1/16 to 1/8 in ) long. They are similar to onion seeds in their look.

Bouquet: The seeds have little bouquet, though when they are rubbed they give off an aroma reminiscent of oregano.

Flavour: Slightly bitter and peppery with a crunchy texture.

This ancient healing remedy comes from the Middle East and is 1400 year old spiritual tradition. The Black Seed, one remedy from this spiritual healing tradition, is the only remedy used successfully for over 1400 years. This ancient healing secret emerges from the rich tradition of Prophetic Medicine. Prophetic Medicine is the folk wisdom, home remedies and healing prayers that have been passed down from generation to generation by the followers of the Prophet Mohammad(saw).

The oil of nigella sativa is so beneficial due to its content of over 100 components such as aromatic oils, trace elements, vitamins and enzymes. It contains 58% essential fatty acids, including omega 6 and omega 3. These balance and strengthen the immune system giving it the power to prevent infections and allergies, and control chronic illnesses.

Nigella sativa oil was found in Tutankhamen's tomb. It is known to have been used by Cleopatra for it's health and beauty giving qualities.

The Greek physician Dioskorides used black seed to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal parasites.

Hippocrates, the grandfather of today's scientific medicine regarded nigella sativa as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders.

These seeds been widely used as a natural remedy, either alone or in combination with bee products, for the treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions for centuries, especially in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. In consideration of potential utilization, in recent years the seeds have been extensively studied in terms of pharmacological effects. It has been shown that the seeds have significant effects on multiple biological systems. In addition, the protective roles of the seeds with bee products (honey and wax) have been recently proved.

Black seed contains eight of the nine essential amino acids. It is high in carotene, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. It is rich in linoleic and linolenic acid. It is anti-pyretic, a tonic and anti-bacterial.

There is a Hadith (story) that says:'In the black cumin seeds there is a healing for every illness except death'
as reported by Abu Hurayrah (A.S.)

In the world of religion:

Nigella black seeds are one of the 125 healing plants mentioned in the Bible and one of the 20 mentioned in the Qu'ran. Relatively few plants are put in the context of medicines in the Bible. Most of these would be found in the first five books of the Bible, "The Books of Moses" where only ceremonial cleansing is discussed.

Perhaps no plant is receiving as much current research attention as black cumin seed. It is finding use in cancer research and even birth control!
Black cumin seed is planted in the winter, produces attractive flowers in the spring and is harvested in the early summer for its jet-black seeds. These have a very distinct flavor are used to flavor bread and other baked goods. The seeds are still threshed from the fruits by beating the dried plants with a stick (as can be read in the Bible Isaiah 28:28).
Abu Hurayra also reported:

The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said: "Take care of yourself by using the black cumin seed is a remedy against all evils except death."

Here is an overview of the qualities and virtues of black cumin seeds are a sure sign, among others, the prophecy of our Prophet (peace be upon him) in the medical field. The prophet has indeed taught for over fourteen centuries as "black cumin seed" was a remedy against all evils.

The 'blessed seed' is a cotyledonous seed, black and spicy and is often used as a spice to improve the food's taste.

This Prophetic hadith has urged many Muslim scholars and physicians throughout the ages to carry out research about the possibility of making use of this blessed seed in the treatment of some diseases, as the word

"Heal" is mentioned in these Hadith in an indefinite form. Some scholars assert that it is not meant to heal any disease and that the expected percentage of cure varies according to the type of disease and its intensity.

It is also given a very important place in the list of natural drugs of ?Tibb-e-Nabavi?, Islamic Medicine (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71: 592).

The Cannon of Medicine by Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 980 ? 1037), considered by many as the greatest book in the history of ancient medicine refers to black cumin seed as ?that which stimulates the body?s energy and helps recover from fatigue or dispiritedness.?

The Unani Tibb system of medicine also mentions Black Cumin Seed as an important remedy for a large number of aliments.

Nevertheless, Dr. Ahmad Ahmad al-Qadi, a Muslim Egyptian scientist who immigrated to the USA, checked all of the Hadith related to the black cumin seed, with a critical medical investigation.

He said:
?A seed that is a healing for every illness except death, must have a close relationship to the immune system employed by Allah to defend the human body against invaders causing disease?
This scientist carried out a study on the relation between this seed and the immune system on several patients who suffer from AIDS. He actually proved that there is a remarkable increase in the number of cells responsible for defending the body (active lymphatic cells T4-T8 cells) after taking regular doses of the black cumin seed. Thus, Dr. Ahmad made capsules, which contain garlic and the black cumin seed mixed with honey, in precise calculated amounts.

He called these capsules "Conigar" (Combined Nigella sative and Garlic). Authorities in the USA actually agreed to issue a permission to produce this drug as it proved its effectiveness in healing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (whether congenital or acquired) , even though they hardly ever approve of such drugs with natural ingredients , and only on a very limited basis .

The black cumin seed was known by ancient Egyptians, Arabs and Persians, who realized its several advantages in treating many diseases including, respiratory system infections such as: common colds, infections of the trachea and bronchitis, urinary and reproductive system infections, and some skin diseases such as warts and hair loss.

Moreover, it has been proven lately that it has an effective role in treating other diseases such as asthma, high blood pressure, some digestive system infections (like chronic colon diseases) and some other viral diseases such as epidemic hepatitis, and others.

No one ever thought that the black cumin seed has any relation whatsoever to the immune system of the human body, but this is explicitly stated in the Hadith of the Prophet (saw), when he said that in it: ?There is a healing for every illness except death?.

That is why people have kept on using the black cumin seed for many centuries just to enhance the food taste, by adding it to pies and pickles. But recently, there is a trend to use it as a successful drug for many so-called ?incurable diseases?. It has been proven lately, that the seeds of the black cumin contain 33% fixed oils and 1.5% volatile oils.

An active substance has been discovered in the oils of this seed, which is effective in increasing the efficiency of the immune system. This substance is called Nigellone. Its name is derived from the scientific name for the black cumin i.e. "Nigella sativa". Experiments proved that Nigellone constitutes a mainstay of the immune system in the human body.

The black cumin seed is composed of active elements with good taste and have a miraculous effect. It contains phosphates, iron, phosphorus, carbo-hydrate, species that form the bulk of its power. It contains antibiotics that can destroy viruses, bacteria or germ, carotene to power anti-cancer, sex hormones and fertilizers exciting, it also has the power to facilitate the elimination of urine and contains enzymes antacids, sedatives but also stimulating the development components of intelligence. These are just a few among many other virtues that applied research may discover one day that could provide medical and other pharmaceuticals, in particular oil, which contains its power.

Since the Prophet (peace be upon him) informed his companions of the wonderful medicinal powers of black cumin seed, the traditionalists were employed, each according to his knowledge, trying to prove that every ailment.

The results of the good doctor's experiments were presented to the union of American associations biologico experimental science which has recognized the correctness of the results and forwarded them to various news agencies in the world providing a wide renowned doctor.

Some remedies

-Headache: Ibn al-Qayyim said in the chapter "The prophetic medicine" of his book "The background for the hereafter": "The application of black cumin oil in dressing eliminates pain head unaccompanied by fever.

A second mode of use: Apply the black cumin oil on the painful area and massage.
A third, mix the crushed seeds of black cumin in the olive oil and administered nasally few drops of the resulting product.

- Migraine hemi cephalic: Take a small quantity of seed cloves crushed, powdered seeds of black cumin and crushed barley, mix well and knead with honey bee. A Apply the mixture on the suffering part in the evening until morning, accompanying the process of taking a teaspoon of cumin oil, and this fasting for three days.

- The toothache, gums, uvula and throat: Ibn al-Qayyim said: "If the black cumin seed is cooked with vinegar and the patient used in the preparation of mouthwash, the toothache patient produced by sensitivity to cold disappears. Autre préparation : Faire bouillir de la graine de nigelle et utiliser l'eau de la bouillie dans des bains de bouche et des gargarismes. Alternate preparation: Boil the black cumin seed and use the water boiled in mouthwashes and gargles. Etaler de l'huile de nigelle sur le cou et des bords du maxillaire supérieur du côté des dents en prenant une cuillerée d'huile de nigelle à jeun tous les matins. Spread the cumin oil on the neck and sides of the maxillary teeth side by taking a spoonful of cumin oil on an empty stomach every morning.

- Dizziness, ear and hearing disorders: Against the dizziness, it is advisable to massage the temples and nape of cumin oil. Against the ear, it is advisable to put a few drops of oil of black cumin well filtered into the ear.
- The deformation of the casual facies:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:
'The black cumin oil also corrects deformities of the chin (where the latter tends to lean to one side of the face) application and massage of the nose.'- In the treatment of insomnia: Take a spoonful of cumin oil mixed with hot milk sweetened with honey.

- Treatment of breathlessness and respiratory failure:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:

'The making of a quantity of black cumin seeds mixed with water eliminates the breathlessness and respiratory disorders.'

- Asthma: Boil cumin oil and deep breathing in steam from morning and evening by adding a teaspoon of cumin oil crushing and swallowing morning and evening as well, provided this is done before meals. It is generally advised to consume a lot of black cumin oil because it contains black cumin whose properties promotes good breathing are known to treat asthma and cough.

- Protection of the mouth and throat: Gargling with water from boiling black seed will. Boil 2 oz. of the seed in 6 oz. water for ten minutes.

- Heart problems and blood pressure: It is advisable to drink cumin oil quantity with any hot drink because of its absorption of fat and its power to widen arteries and veins.

- Hypertension: Add a few drops to any hot drink and eat.

- Lung diseases due to cold: Take a large spoon of cumin oil, mix with water, bring to a boil, inspiring fumes by putting a towel on his head parallel to the infusion of thyme mixed with the powder of black cumin seed where its oil.

- The ills of the stomach and intestines:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:
'The seed of black cumin oil reduces the pain of the stomach.'- Ulcers: Take a spoonful of cumin oil, mixed with a mug of honey bees, add a tablespoon of pomegranate peels gentle mixing consume daily fasting in the forwarding of a glass Unsweetened milk and this for two months.

- The ills of the pancreas: Make a compress of jammy black cumin seed steeped in olive oil heated on the left side before bedtime. Consuming alongside a glass of Fenugreek tea sweetened with honey and added a spoon of cumin oil and this fortnight

- The bloating and gas expulsion:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:
"Black cumin seed eliminates bloating, relieve clogged ducts and dissolved gases'

Put three drops of oil of black cumin in a cup of coffee or tea and eat.

- Nausea and vomiting: A spoonful of pounded cloves, a teaspoon of cumin oil, mixed with mint tea for three days. Alternate method: Boil the black cumin seeds and cloves and eat three times a day without sugar.

- Diarrhea: Mix a tablespoon of cumin oil in a glass of yogurt and eat. R Reiterate the process until no diarrhea.

- Problems related to the elimination of urine, rules and promote breastmilk:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:
"Crushed, kneaded with honey and eaten with hot water, seed ... nigella facilitates the elimination of urine, rules and overcomes the problems of secretion of milk if the mixture is consumed regularly."

Another way to massage the part above the bladder with cumin oil consuming parallel infusion of black cumin seed sweetened with honey every night before bed.

- Inadequate sexual energy: Take 200 grams of black cumin seeds well mashed, add 100 grams of crushed male incense, 50 grams of black cumin oil, 50 grams of arugula oil 50 grams of olive oil, 200 grams of pure honey bee. Mix together and use a spoon with every meal.

- Back pains and joints (arthritis): Reheat slightly from cumin oil and massage the painful area vigorously. . Also consume a tablespoon of cumin oil three times a day.

- Treatment of sprains and bruises: Boil a handful of nigella seeds, immerse the affected limb in water boiled during the quarter hours in trying to articulate gently member. Masser ensuite le membre d'huile de nigelle. Masser then a member of cumin oil. Do not bend or shake or wear anything and prior to sleep.

- The absorption of fractures: Take a soup of lentils, onions and boiled eggs. Consommer avec une cuillère bien remplie d'huile de nigelle. Eat well with a spoon filled with black cumin oil. Massage oil nigella locations near the fracture. . Upon removal of the plaster, gently massage the cumin oil heated.

- The fragility of the bones and the problem of paralysis in children: After removal of the child's clothing in a hot room, rub with black seed oil. Administer three times daily to the patient a teaspoon of fish oil.

- The fight against hair loss: Although massage the scalp with lemon and let sit for fifteen minutes. Then apply the black cumin oil on the entire scalp for a week and hair loss will disappear completely if God wills it.

- Treatment of partial and total baldness: A spoon of black cumin seed crushed, a coffee cup diluted vinegar, a teaspoon of garlic juice. Mix well and apply on the affected part after removal of hairs and scrapings of the affected part. Cover with gauze and leave on all day. Masser then cumin oil for a week.

- The treatment of various manifestations of dermal fungi: Take a glass of crushed black cumin seeds, a glass of apple essence, a glass of cumin oil. Boil the essence of apple and pour succession of black cumin seed oil and crushed. Apply to the affected part for a week.

- The treatment of warts: massage oil of black cumin for a fortnight in applying to take a spoonful of cumin oil three times a day.

- Treatment of depigmentation of the skin and crusts:
Ibn al-Qayyim reported:
"Crushed and mixed with vinegar and then spread over affected areas of depigmentation or crusts or films, black cumin seed eradicate evil."
- The elimination of acne: Add a glass of black cumin seeds half a glass of pomegranate peels. Malaxer le tout avec un verre d'essence de pomme. Mix the whole with a glass of apple essence. Warm temperature bearable and mix the same amount of cumin oil. Appliquer sur les boutons et les tubérosités. Apply on pimples and tuberosities.

- Treatment of skin diseases in general: Prepare a mixture of cumin oil, gasoline rose and wheat flour proportions 2-1-1, respectively.. Wipe the patient by a cotton soaked in diluted vinegar, smooth it and expose the patient to place the early morning sun. It is advisable to avoid foods causing allergic effects of eggs, fish, mango etc..

- Treatment of Eczema: Apply oil on the warm nigella irritated parts.

- Treatment of depression: Add five drops of oil of black cumin in a cup of coffee or tea.

- Treatment of Diabetes: A glass of crushed black cumin seeds mixed with a tablespoon of finely ground myrrh, half a glass of Cardamine seeds, a glass of pomegranate peel crushed with a glass of crushed seeds of cabbage, a spoonful of ferule mixed with cumin oil; Eat fasting.

- Treatment of throat soreness due to colds and influenza: Adminster one small tablespoon of black seed oil, add1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 3 to 4 times a day, depending how severity of the illnesses . And decrease it when they get better. so for instance, 4 times a day for 2 days, 3 times a day for the next 2 days, 2 times a day for 2 days, and then 1 time a day for 2 days. I only give my children black seed oil when they are sick.

- Treatment of obstetric and gynecological problems: Take a spoonful of cumin oil and mix with an infusion of anise sweetened with honey, five times a day for forty days. . It is advisable to use oil of black cumin with all hot drinks cons obstetric diseases.

- Development of intelligence and memory enhancement: Put one teaspoon of cumin oil in a sweet mint tea with honey. . Eat warm.

- Treatment of statements of general fatigue: Take daily fasting and a glass of orange juice mixed with a spoon average cumin oil for ten days.

The black cumin oil is particularly suitable for dry sensitive or irritated skin and is an excellent remedy in cases of skin infections include:

- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Burns
- Cracks
- Mushrooms dermal
- Sunburn

The black cumin oil does not cause undesirable side effects.

The black cumin oil may only be used directly on the skin, so that facial or body hair. It is not greasy and penetrates the skin. Its smell, cons, is quite strong: the characteristic odor of cumin (the smell of cumin crackers auu !!!). . Because of this odor, it is often applied to a more neutral vegetable oil. . Personally, the smell does not bother me and I use cumin oil alone on my face as moisturizer contractor as carefully in the evening.

For myself, I am currently taking orally black seed oil for kidney stone problems. I have started this regime about 2 weeks now, after several ultrasounds have confirmed that I do have several small stones. Not only is the herb amazing, but it has other wondrous properties that many can benefit from including ending constipation, and clearing up sore throats, etc. I have used black seed for all three of these ailments and found great success on myself and my children. Black seed truly is the Blessed Seed, and has been praised in many religions including Islam and Christianity for its outstanding healing attributes.

In the cooking world, the Nigella seed is used mainly in the Middle Eastern and Southern Asian kitchen for both sweet and savoury purposes.

Whole Black Cumin Seeds: The cleaned and dried seeds of the black cumin are available in a variety of package sizes, ranging from a couple of ounces to many kilograms. These seeds are used in a number of ways.

Used whole as a spice in the preparation of curries, pastries and cheese. It is often used as a substitute for pepper. In India it one of the spices in ?panch phoran?, a popular spice combination.The seeds can be used to prepare tea by boiling a tablespoon-full in water for over ten minutes.Powdered black cumin seeds can be mixed with honey and garlic powder and can be used as a beauty mask.
Whole seeds are used for garnishing breads, nans and salads. In fact, here in Algeria most bakeries mix this seed into the dough or top the bread with before baking. Traditionally all breads have these seeds in the month of Ramadan.
Can also be eaten whole by chewing the seeds (although a little bitter and spicy)
Elhamdulillahillazee at 'amanaa wa saqaanaa wa kafaa naa wa awaa naa

I pray to you all bon appetite and always warmth of blessings around your table!


heni