All About Black Cumin
The significance and effectiveness of the black cumin seed has been recognized for centuries. King Tutankhamen's tomb had a bottle of black cumin oil inside and Queen Nefertiti was also known to use black seed oil. Record of this miraculous seed date back as far as the Bible and even the prophet Mohammad made reference to black cumin. However, the true effectiveness of black cumin was not thoroughly researched until the last forty to fifty years. Today, studies continue to support the vast medicinal capabilities and health benefits of black cumin. Read on to learn about the origin of this extraordinary seed and discover how it may be used to benefit your health.
What Is Black Cumin
The black cumin seed is native to western Asia, the Middle East and southeastern Europe so it tend to grow best in very dry and warm conditions. As a member of the buttercup family, the black cumin seeds are dark, thin and have a crescent shape when they are whole. These seeds have been used for thousands of years in the Mediterranean, Middle East, India and Egypt for both culinary and medicinal purposes. While these seeds are not particularly aromatic, they do have a nice spice that mingles well with honey, lemon, cilantro and tahini. Common dishes that feature black cumin include stir fries, salad dressings and teas.
How Black Cumin Promotes Good Health
Black cumin may be a tiny seed however it is made up of over 100 compounds and many of these compounds are still being discovered. Scientists believe a large contribution to the effectiveness of this seed is due to its combination of fatty acids, volatile oils and trace elements. The volatile oils of black cumin have been proven to boost immunity by increasing bone marrow production as well as interleukins, neutrophil activity. In addition to bolstering your immune system, black cumin is also used for aesthetic purposes. Extended consumption of black cumin oil in capsule form been proven to strengthen nails and hair follicles. Black cumin can be implemented into creams for the skin to moisturize, reduce wrinkles and even clear acne.
The Many Cures of Black Cumin
Black cumin has a reputation of being able to cure any ailment and with all the results of these latest studies, that reputation has proven to be pretty accurate. Skin irritations, insect stings, headaches, tooth aches, allergies, infections, milk production and even sperm production are all examples of black cumin's vast healing powers. These seeds have proven effective on the digestive system by relieving gas in the stomach and intestines. Peristalsis and elimination are also aided by the consumption of this seed and antimicrobial essential oils of black cumin help rid worms from the intestines. The respiratory system is especially responsive to black cumin and conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough can be treated through its properties. Research also confirms that black cumin can be effective in treating cancer and autoimmune disorders because of its anti-leukemic and immunity boosting properties. Like the prophet Mohammad said, black cumin may cure every disease but death itself.
