Nigella sativa is a powerful medicinal plant that is native to Bulgaria and Romania in Eastern Europe and Cyprus, Turkey, Iran and Iraq in Western Asia. The name refers to the Latin niger, meaning black from the seed colour, and it has been called by many names such as black cumin, black caraway, nigella, Roman coriander, black seed and fennel flower among others.
The plant itself is an annual flowering plant growing to 30cm, with finely divided leaves and blue or white delicate flowers. The earliest records of nigella cultivation date back three millennia, where the seeds have been found in various sites in ancient Egypt, including in Tutankhamun's tomb and a Hittite flask in ancient Turkey. The Persian physician Avicenna prescribed nigella seeds to treat digestive and respiratory symptoms in his ancient text The Canon of Medicine. Nigella seeds have been a major remedy in many ancient systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Persian, Unani, Chinese and Arabic medicines.
Active ingredients Thirty to 40 per cent of the seeds comprise an essential oil containing linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids and anethole, along with aromatics such as thymoquinone la major therapeutic ingredient), carvacrol, thujene, thymol and pinene. Proteins and alkaloids are also present in the seeds.
Therapeutic uses
Overall, the seeds are a potent medicine with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, hypoglycaemic and antineoplastic properties. The seed oil decreases blood pressure and increases respiration.
Cardiovascular
This story is from the Issue 204 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 204 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SKY WALKING
Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.
Plyometric tennis flow
Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.
ANCIENT wayfinders
Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.
On the men you
Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues