The plant that produces black seeds or kalonji is the Nigella sativa. The oldest use known to man was when a Hittite flask with black seeds was discovered that dates to around 1650 BCE. The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was also known to use black seeds to enhance her beauty. Black seeds are commonly referred to as kalonji, black onion, of black cumin seeds. In Arabic, the seeds are known as ‘Habbatulbarakah” which literally means, “the seed of blessing”. The plant is considered sacred in Islamic culture. Prophet Muhammed is cited as saying: “Hold on to the use of the black seed oil for it has a remedy for every disease except death.”
Black seeds have been used in various cultures for centuries, including those of the Mediterranean region, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The seeds have been used in ayurvedic practices and as a household remedy for over 4,000 years. Its use in medications and in therapeutic practices are well documented. The seeds are also used in cooking and baking, with people in the Middle East and East Asia using the seeds in pickles and curries.
The seeds are widely used in beauty and hair treatments and are believed to enhance health on both the inside and outside. Kalonji is commonly used to treat numerous health conditions including high sugar levels, high cholesterol levels, and even certain cancers.
Kalonji is seldom used in seed form for medical purposes, however. Instead, the seeds are compressed and the oil extracted. The oil quality largely depends on the quality of the seed. The dosage recommended depends on the reason for its use. Certain health conditions favor using small doses over a long period of time, while others opt for larger doses and a different time frame. You need to be very careful when using black seed oil for medicinal purposes as side effects may occur. You, therefore, need to stick to the recommended dosage in order to prevent overdosing.
Incorporating black seed oil into your daily life in small doses as a natural remedy could help keep you fit and may improve your chances of not contracting certain health issues. You do, however, need to stick to the correct dosage.