Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The magical black seeds

The nature has blessed the humans with countless herbs that not only cure diseases, but are also source of ingredients much needed for a healthy body. Of the many herbs and seeds, there are tiny unimpressive black seeds with rather pungent smell that are considered by doctors as the magical seeds for their contribution in medicine and treatment of many a disease. Basically originating from Turkey and Italy, these black seeds, locally known as “Kalonji” or Shoneez (Persian) contain 1.5% volatile and 37.5% non volatile oil, besides substances like albumen, sugar, glycoside malanthin, metabrin, organic acids and sugar (though the sugar doesn’t not make it sweet to taste). These seeds are also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the black seeds, including eight of the nine essential amino acids, the main source of Omega 3.

The usage of black seeds is attributed by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon Him) as a complete cure for every disease except death. So is the value and nutritious value and ability of the seeds to cure diseases. The seeds help in removing any obstruction of blood expels the gases and strengthens the stomach. However, there is a caution here: the glycoside content of the black seeds is toxic; hence these seeds should not be used over a prolonged period as it may be harmful for health.

The Oil also extracted from the black seeds helps in curing or aiding in curing diseases like migraine, facial palsy, amnesia, palpitation, epilepsy and paralysis. It can also cure pain in the ears, activate weak memory, deafness, nakseer (nose bleeding), nausea, asthma, cough and congestion in chest, stomach pain. When taken with honey, it helps in dissolving stones in kidney and bladder. There is also some hope for the bald and those suffering from falling / thinning of hair. Its usage is attributed to cure disease of scalp and hair. For those suffering from diabetes, it normalizes the secretions of stomach and pancreas. Those suffering from jaundice are treated with the black seeds and milk diet. When these seeds are boiled in vinegar, the solution is best for treatment of tooth infections and gum pain.

These are only a few of the so many listed benefits of Kalongi, Shoneez or simply the black seeds. We need to know more about such herbs and seeds, that are helpful in treating at least many common diseases with no side effects. However, care should be taken while taking such medication as their over dosage may be harmful. Therefore, seek expert advice before using black seeds in raw form or oil extracted from it. The black seed oil is highly concentrated as for one drop of oil, hundreds of seeds may be required.

Related Reading:
Black Seeds (Health Vitamin Guide)

2 comments:

Asghar Javed said...

Wonder seeds?

Jalal HB said...

Yes no doubt about it - ask any hakeem and you would agree.