Black Seeds
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 Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, black seed
originates from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup
(Ranunculaceae) family. Nigella sativa is sometimes mistakenly confused with
the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare).The plant reproduces with itself and
forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the
fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed
to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds).
Commonly known as the "seed of blessing," it has been used as a natural
remedy in the Middle and Far East for more than 2000 years. Black seed provides
nutritional support for the body's defense system. In 1959, the active ingredient
in black seed, crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as
providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of
black seed in promoting health and wellness.
The most pertinent point to be made about black seed is that it should be
regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be
incorporated into one's everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional
and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body's immune
system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help
prevent and fight illness.
USING THE BLACK SEED
Black seed as a daily health supplement
Most medicines work best when given a chance to run their full course, and
this too, is the case with black seed. In cognizance of its substantial
nutritional components, as well as its specific medicinal properties, the body's
ability to maintain health and promote healing of a lasting nature is best
increased through regular use of black seed.
Black seed as an energy source
Ibn Sina (980-1037), in describing the black seed as that which "stimulates
the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or disspiritedness," still
holds true for Tibb (Islamic Medicine) health practitioners today. The rich
nutritional value contained in black seed as outlined by scientific analysis of
black seed, also points to it as a great source of energy.
From the Tibb health perspective, the black seed has an ability to maintain
and restore body heat. Our Western diet, predominantly made up of cold foods
-- ice in our drinks, yogurt, pizza, cheese -- all deplete the innate heat our
body requires in order to optimally function. Tibb holds the view that a reduced
metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing
energy, also loses its ability to fight off toxins, resulting in a greater
chance of contracting illness.
Black seed and other medication
Black seed may be used in conjunction with conventional or other forms of
natural medicine. It is not recommended that black seed be used exclusively in
the treatment of serious medical complaints which may require more immediate
action. For example, conditions like bronchitis sometimes require conventional
antibiotics to prevent the condition from becoming more severe. However, black
seed may be used as a therapeutic aid together with this and other forms of
treatment to help counteract any side effects experienced from the use of
antibiotics or other potent, chemically based medicines.
Pregnancy and lactation
The black seed is not recommended during pregnancy, however during lactation.
It is an excellent form of added nutrition for both mother and the growing child
while its immune system boosting properties serve as a natural, safe way to build
resistance against illness. In addition, as studies have shown, black seed helps
increase milk production during breastfeeding.
Initial trials have shown that black seed may have an ability to increase the
male sperm count.
Babies and toddlers
In addition to its many nutritional components, black seed contains carotene,
which is essential for infant growth. During the toddler years, black seed
provides children with all the energy they require for this active stage of life.
Regular usage of black seed, which increases its immune system strengthening
effect on the body, will decrease the length and severity of natural childhood
illnesses, particularly during winter when children are most susceptible to
contracting colds and flu.
Black seed for the elderly person
Which its rich nutritional, energy-giving value, in combination with immune
system strengthening properties, black seed is an ideal health supplement for the
elderly person.
HOW DOES BLACK SEED BENEFIT?
The majority of our health problems have the same causes- infection by
micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When using
clinical (allopathic medicines) each symptom is treated individually and usually
with synthetic chemically manufactured medicines that contain alcohol and other
harmful ingredients.
Black seed is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the
actual cause of the symptoms.
Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system,
is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases, black seed
support metabolism, improve digestion, helps to lowers blood sugar levels. It is
used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in
soothing bronchitis and coughs, increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods,
increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count,
calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, and
prevents skin wrinkling.
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