The Amazing Health Benefits of Egyptian Black Cumin
It is believed that prophet Mohammed said that the seeds of the black cumin plant could cure anything except death. Through the centuries, this plant has proven to hold significant healing and health properties which makes it one of the most potent medicinal plants known to humanity. Black cumin seeds have a particularly long and strong history use in Egypt. When archaeologists discovered and examined the tomb of Egyptian boy-king Tutankhamen they found a bottle of black cumin oil, which suggested that it was believed to be required in the afterlife.
The black cumin seeds have been extensively used in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions, as well as in India for culinary purposes due to its nutty flavor and easy access to it. Aromatic black seeds resemble fennel in aroma and taste something like peppery nutmeg. However, this seed is now more commonly used for its medicinal values as the black cumin plant contains over one hundred chemical compounds. These chemicals include thymoquinone, beta sitosterol, 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, and phosphorous.
Black cumin is commonly referred to as black seed oil, black onion seed, black caraway, black sesame seed, and Nigella. Here are some noteworthy health benefits of Black Cumin:
1. High blood pressure – it was found that the extract caused a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. It was proven to be used for hypertension.
2. Psoriasis – when grounded and mixed with oil, or purchasing it in oil form, it was known to increase epidermal thickness and soothes eruptions.
3. Type 2 Diabetics – only two grams of the seed can result in reduced fasting glucose, increased beta cell function and decreased insulin resistance.
4. Post surgical scar prevention – when tested on areas after intense surgery, it was found to protect the peritoneal surfaces from scarring.
5. Asthma – the seed contains chemicals or components that have anti-asthmatic effects.
6. Sore throat – it has proven to reduce inflammation that is associated with tonsillitis.
7. Radiation damage control – the black seed has proven to be so strong that people who have been exposed to radiation was treated with it and found that it protected the brain tissue of those persons. It was even found that children who were suffering after effects of chemical weapon attacks benefited from the use of the seeds in their treatments.
8. Epilepsy – as it has anticonvulsive properties, when diluted with water and given to children, their seizure activity was less intense.
9. Cancer – the seed is known to cause a slower progression and even stop the spread of cancer.
10. Parkinson’s Disease – it protects the neutrons from any toxicity that is associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
11. Immunity – taking in the extracts of these seeds on a regular basis can contribute to a stronger immune system and is also applied to AIDS patients who naturally suffer from a breakdown in their immune systems.
12. Dry Skin – by making a paste from the seed powder or making use of it in oil form, it can be applied to dry skin and a noticeable difference will be noticed within days.
Egyptian Black Cumin, which is native to Upper Egypt, also holds the following pharmaceutical actions, listed in alphabetical order:
- Analgesic (Pain-Killing)
- Anti-Bacterial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Anti-Ulcer
- Anti-Cholinergic
- Anti-Fungal
- Anti-Hypertensive
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic
- Antiviral
- Bronchodilator
- Gluconeogenesis Inhibitor (Anti-Diabetic)
- Hepatoprotective (Liver Protecting)
- Hypotensive
- Insulin Sensitizing
- Interferon Inducer
- Leukotriene Antagonist
- Renoprotective (Kidney Protecting)
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Inhibitor
Beauty benefits
People who make use of Egyptian Black Cumin as a vitamin supplement will notice increased hair growth, hair strength and also improvement in nail growth and nail strength. It will also result in clear skin and may even contribute to fighting acne.
Culinary Uses
The small seeds can be brewed and taken as a tea. Due to its nutty flavor, it makes for a refreshing drink on a cold day.
The seeds are added to casseroles and stews and in India especially, it is added to breads. When the seeds and grounded and mixed with honey and vinegar, it can be used as a salad dressing.
