BLACK SEED: SEED OF BLESSING

Written by Ken Babal, C.N.

A seed that few people in the US have heard of is used by a large portion of the world's population and has a history that dates back 3,000 years. References to this seed can be found in some of the oldest religious and medical texts. It is called black cumin seed. Black cumin (Nigella sativa) (not to be confused with cumin, the common kitchen herb) is an herbaceous annual, which reaches a height of twelve to eighteen inches. It is believed to be indigenous to the Mediterranean but is cultivated in other parts of the world including Saudi Arabia, northern Africa and parts of Asia. The common English name for Nigella sativa is Love in a Mist.

History of Black Seed
Black cumin seed, or black seed for short, was found in Tutankhamen's tomb, implying that it played an important role in ancient Egyptian practices. Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is not known, we do know that items entombed with a king were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife. The earliest written reference to black seed is found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament (Isaiah 28:25,27 NK1V). Avicenna (Ibn Sina) (980-1037), the renowned Persian philosopher and physician who wrote the classic text.The Canon of Medicine, refers to black seed as the seed "that stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or dispiritedness." A saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is, "Hold onto the use of the black seed for in it is healing for every illness except death."
These passages are the inspiration for Islamic medicine, which recognizes black seed as a natural remedy for maintaining and storing body heat and dryness. It is believed that a reduced metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing energy, also loses its ability to dispose of toxins resulting in a greater chance of contracting illness. Many practitioners believe the modern Western diet tends to produce phlegm (wetness). The prophetic reference of black seed having "a remedy for every illness is not exaggerated as it first appears. Recent research has provided evidence, which indicates black seed, can significantly boost the immune system, especially if taken over time. The prophetic phrase "hold onto the use of the seed" also emphasizes consistent usage of the seed. Traditionally, black seed has been used in the Middle and Far East as a panacea for a variety of ailments including bronchitis, asthma, headache, rheumatism and related inflammatory conditions, increasing milk production in nursing mothers, digestive disturbances, parasite infection and supporting immunity. Its oil is used to treat skin condition such as eczema and boils, and is used topically to treat cold symptoms. The Arabic text Medicines of the Prophets lists as many as fifty illnesses for which black seed has effective healing qualities. Its many uses have earned it the Arabic approbation "Seed of Blessing."

Modern Research
Over 150 research papers have confirmed many of the healing properties attributed to black seed, especially in regard to allergies, asthma, fungal problems and immune disorders. Among the hundreds of biologically active compounds in black seed are the volatile oils of thymoquinoline and dithymoquinone. These phytochemicals strongly inhibit an enzyme that contributes to pain (called lipoxygenase) and prevent the release of histamine from mast cells. Histamine often causes allergic reactions and is associated with respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma. The compounds in black seed oil have also been demonstrated to inhibit tumor cells in laboratory experiments-even those resistant to anticancer drugs. One study showed that when incubated with black seed extract, cancer cells were unable to produce chemicals necessary for blood vessel growth. Without a blood supply, a tumor cannot grow. Human studies also verify the immune-boosting action of black seed. Subjects who took black seed capsules displayed a 72 percent increase in helper to suppressor T-cell ratio as well as an increase in NK (natural killer) cell functional activity. These findings suggest that black seed could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, AIDS and other immune deficiency states. According to USDA phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases compiled by lames Duke, Ph.D., black seed also contains limonene. Found in high amounts in lavender, limonene is being investigated for use as a treatment for some types of cancer. In Europe, ongoing scientific research has fueled immense public interest into the health benefits of black seed, particularly in Austria and Germany where black seed supplements are sold in most health food stores.

Suggestion for using black Seed
Whole black cumin seeds can be found in many Indian, Persian and Russian markets and can be used in baked goods and pickles. Crush the seeds to use in beverages, curries or as a pepper substitute. A tea is also available containing black seed and rooibos. Black seed also comes in honey syrup that can be added to beverages, cereal, yogurt, desserts and baked goods. Black seed oil extract is available as softgel capsules and pure oil. Either form may be taken preventively for immune support. For arthritis, swallow capsules and apply pure oil to affected area. For respiratory problems, dilute the oil (1 part black seed oil to 5 parts olive oil), rub on chest and back; heat a little oil and inhale the vapors. For head cold, rub forehead and sides of face close to the ears with black seed oil. As an energy tonic, take the oil in orange juice in the morning. In spite of it being used for energy, black seed also relieves insomnia. For sleep disturbances, take one teaspoon of the oil and one teaspoon of honey in warm milk. Rub the temples with the oil and turn off the lights. Black seed is not recommended during pregnancy. For more information visit your health food store retailer or go to www.blackseedusa.com.

Ken Babal is a nutritionist in private practice in Los Angeles and staff nutritionist for Erewhon Natural Foods Market. He is the author of Maitake: King of Mushrooms (Keats 1997) and Good Digestion: Your Key to Vibrant Health (Alive 2000). He appears ' The Discovery Health Channel documentary "Alternatives Uncovered."