Kalijira
or Nigella or কালিজিরা
Nigella
sativa (black-caraway, also known as nigella or kalonji), often called black
cumin, is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to
south and southwest Asia.
Nigella
sativa grows to 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) tall, with finely divided, linear (but
not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually colored pale
blue and white, with five to ten petals. Small, black nigella seeds are a
confusing spice to many people because of the many names they go by. In India
they are known as kalonjira and in the United States they are called
charnushka. They are also frequently (and mistakenly) called black onion seeds,
black cumin and black caraway.
The black
caraway fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of three to seven united
follicles, each . The genus name Nigella is a diminutive of the Latin niger (black),
referring to the seeds, containing numerous seeds which are used as spice,
sometimes as a replacement for black cumin. Nigella seeds have a mild, nutty
onion flavor, and they are used as a condiment in India and the Middle East on
flatbreads and vegetable dishes. Their shape has an interesting appeal, more
edgy than sesame, but they can be used in many of the same ways. Give them a
quick toast in a dry skillet to bring out the most flavor.
Plant
Description and Cultivation
An
herbaceous annual of the buttercup family, about 60 cm (2 ft) high. The
gray–green
Al-Bukhari
may Allah have mercy upon him reported 'A'isha may Allah be pleased with her as
having said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had said: "There is
healing in the black seed for every disease except death.” (Al-Bukhari and
Muslim)
The Prophet
(peace be upon him) told us about this effective medicine which can cure all
disease, (God willing). A remedy for all disease except death’. He was always
truthful, his revelations are not due to caprice, but revealed to him by Allah
(SWT). ’ Sahih Bukhari 7:591
In another
narration it was said, 'What is the black seed?' He said, 'Shoneez' (a name for
black seed; scientific name Nigella sativa). Someone then asked, 'How can I use
it?' to which he answered: You take twenty one grains (black seeds) and put
them in a piece of cloth then in water for one night. When you get up in the
following morning, you drop one drop in your right nostril and two in your left
nostril".
Al-Haafith
(Ibn Hajar may Allah have mercy upon him) said, "What is to be understood
from this Hadith about the black seed being a healing for every disease is that
it is not necessarily applied alone as a treatment procedure for every case.
Rather it may be used alone, in combination with something else, pulverized,
directly without pulverizing it, mixed with food and drink, or as dressing,
etc."
Allah Knows
best.
Nigella
Sativa for Weight-Loss
Prophet
Mohammad stated, "There is healing in Black Seed for all diseases except
death.” Although when most think of this
very important statement, few think of weight-loss as a disease, but it could
be and is for many.
Prophet
Isaiah compares the reaping of black cumin with wheat. “For the black cumin is
not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over the
cumin, but the black cumin is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a
rod.” (See Isaiah 28:25-27)
10 More
Health Benefits of Nigella :
1. High
blood pressure – Published in the journal Fundamentals of Clinical
Pharmacology, researchers found extract from black seed to cause a significant
2. Asthma –
Multiple studies, including this one published in the journal Phytomedicine,
has found Nigella sativa to possess anti-asthmatic effects. One even found it
superior to conventional drug treatment.
3. Sore
throat – Research indicates that Black seed is an effective treatment for acute
tonsillopharyngitis with tonsil or throat tissue inflammation. Basically, it
can relieve viral sore throats.
4. Radiation
Damage Control – The active compound thymoquinone has been found to protect
brain tissue from radiation-induced damage. Researchers say the substance is
able to “clearly protect brain tissue
5. Morphine
Addiction and Toxicity Prevention – A study published in Ancient Science of
Life found Nigella sativa to reduce the indications of morphine intoxication,
tolerance, and addiction. Could this seed be the answer to opiate dependence?
6.
Protection Against Chemical Weapons – Researchers from Mashhad University of
Medical Sciences in Iran found a tincture of Black seed able to reduce the
symptoms of chemical weapons exposure including wheezing, respiratory symptoms,
and even the need for drug treatment.
7.
Post-Surgical Scar Prevention – Tested on areas of post-operative trauma,
Nigella sativa was found to protect peritoneal surfaces from scarring or
adhesion formation.
8. Psoriasis
– Applied topically to psoriasis inflammation, black seed was able to increase
epidermal thickness and soothe eruptions.
9.
Parkinson’s Disease – An extract of thymoquinone, from black seed, was shown to
protect neurons from toxicity associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia
in a study published in Neuroscience Letters.
10. Cervical
Cancer – In a cervical cancer cell line, extracts of thymoquinone were able to
trigger apoptosis or cell death, slow cancer progression, and stop the spread of
the cancer.
You may or
may not have heard of Black seed (nigella sativa) before. It goes by many
names, including black caraway, Roman coriander, and black cumin, to name a
few. But no matter what you call it, these seeds are loaded with health
benefits that we are only beginning to understand. From eliminating harmful
bacteria to regenerating the body’s cells and tissues, here are 10 awesome
research-backed health benefits of black cumin.
1. Type 2
diabetes – Researchers found that just two grams daily of black seed could
result in reduced fasting blood sugar levels, along with decreased insulin
resistance, and increased beta-cell function in the pancreas.
2. Epilepsy
– Published in Medical Science Monitor,
one study found black seed to be effective at reducing the frequency of
seizures in children who resisted conventional treatment. Black seed indeed has
anti-convulsive properties.
3. Colon
Cancer – In cell studies, black seed has been found to have anti-cancer
properties, inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells specifically. In one
animal study, the seed was able to fight colon cancer in rats successfully with
no observable side effects. The same obviously can’t be said for conventional
cancer treatments.
4. MRSA –
The deadly and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection known commonly as MRSA
responded favorably to treatment with black seed in this study from the University
of Health Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan.
5.
Protection Against Heart Attack Damage – An extract from black seed has been
shown to possess heart-protective qualities, dampening damages associated with
heart attacks and boosting overall heart health.
6. Breast
Cancer – A few studies have linked a thymoquinone extract from nigella sativa
to reduced breast cancer tumor growth and increased apoptosis (cell death) in
breast cancer cells.
7. Brain
Cancer – A study published in the online journal PLoS One indicates
thymoquinone from black seed can induce cell death in glioblastoma cells.
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive brain tumors of all.
8. Leukemia
– As it’s been shown to do with other types of cancer, black seed compound
thymoquinone has also been shown to induce apoptosis in leukemia cells.
9. Brain
Damage from Lead – A study published in Experimental and Toxicologic
Pathology indicates black seed is able
to dampen and reverse damage to the brain sparked by lead toxicity.
10. Oral
Cancer – Research indicates thymoquinone from nigella sativa is able to induce
cell apoptosis in oral cancer cells.
These ten
benefits of nigella sativa are truly only the tip of the iceberg. Mounting
evidence indicates this seed is a powerful healer. Stay tuned for Part 2 of
this article where we’ll add to the list of benefits.
Health
benefits of nigella Black Seed oil
1. It can
reduce triglycerides and glucose when elevated and can normalize cholesterol
metabolism.
2. Black
seed oil has some anti-asthmatic effects and sometimes proven as more effective
treatment than conventional one.
3. Nigella
Black Seed oil is rich in unsaturated Omega 6 & 9 acids as well as the
phytosterols . These Fats come with amazing heart benefits and help to
reinforce the elasticity in your blood vessel walls.
4. Black
seed oil is good for Skin care as it helps to eliminate problems like eczema
and psoriasis. Regular usage will help to sooth out inflammation.
5. Fungus
and mold cannot co-exist with the compounds found in black seed oil, Which
makes it an excellent natural remedy for many Skin related diseases.
6. It helps
in digestion and also decrease bloating and stomach pain. Widely used in
remedies for intestinal parasites.
7.
Phytochemicals like thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone in black seed oil can
resulted in 52% decrease in tumor cells.As per the Research The proper
combination of thymoquinone and conventional cancer killing chemotherapeutic
drugs could produce greater therapeutic effect on the patient.
8. You can
use black seeds for allergies, sinus infections. This natural Remedy will boost
the weak immune system and you will get relief.
9. Black
seed oil benefits the function of the liver. Body organ liver is the key to
digesting fats and keeping your mind and This Natural thing helps to prevent
liver from damage and disease.
10. Fatty
acids, vitamins and antioxidants rich oil is a good skin moisturizer.
Anti-aging properties of Nigella oil also helps to remove wrinkles.
11. Black
seed improves glucose tolerance, So it is good for diabetic patients. Indian
Council of Medical Research establishes that black seed oil “causes gradual
partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells, increases the lowered serum
insulin concentrations and decreases the elevated serum glucose.”
12.
Anti-inflammatory properties of black seeds oil makes it a great remedy for
Acne.
13. Nigella
Sativa seeds have protective effect on the heart, promote healthy cholesterol
levels in the human body and helps to normalize blood pressure.
14. Black
seed oil is widely used in making remedies for cancer, promoting heart health,
eczema and skin issues and autoimmune disease.
Risks or
Side Effects of using Black Seed oil
As per
the research Contact dermatitis has been reported with topical application of
the seed oil.Nigella oil may possibly induce P-glycoprotein activity. There are
no major side Effects of Black Seed Oil, Therefore People are using it too much
with proper health benefits.
Note :
Always use Organic black seeds oil Pure pressed without chemical extraction
without containing any additives
Nigella
seeds can be sprinkled on all manner of vegetable dishes and salads, from a
simple stir fry to baked sweet potatoes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Brussels
Sprouts with Nigella and Za’atar
Ingredients
1 lb.
brussels sprouts
2
tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon
kosher salt
1 teaspoon
balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon
Israeli Za'atar
½ teaspoon
nigella seeds
freshly
ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven
to 425 degrees.
Trim the
stems on the brussels sprouts, remove the outer leaves and cut in half.
In a large
bowl, combine the brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and kosher
salt, and toss to coat.
Transfer the
brussels sprouts to a lightly oiled sheet pan and roast, stirring occasionally,
until they are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Return the
brussels sprouts to the bowl and add the balsamic vinegar and remaining 1
tablespoon olive oil, tossing again to coat. Sprinkle on the Israeli Za'atar
and season to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
Transfer the
roasted brussels sprouts to a serving dish and garnish with nigella seeds.
Makes 4 side
servings.
Five Seed
Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
2 lb. small
potatoes fingerling, red or yukon gold
2
tablespoons peanut oil
1 teaspoon
brown mustard seeds
1 teaspoon
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon
nigella seeds
1/2 teaspoon
ajwain seeds
1/2 teaspoon
fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon
Murray River flake salt
Instructions
Parboil
whole potatoes until just tender, drain and slice in halves.
In a small
heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat and add brown mustard seeds. When they
begn to pop, add fenugreek seeds and toast for a minute or two. Then add
remaining seeds and toast for a few minutes more until all are browned.
Toss toasted
seeds and oil with potatoes, add 1/2 tsp. salt and roast on a sheet pan at 425
degrees for 20-30 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with
another 1/2 tsp. of salt and serve.
Nigella
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
4 cups
watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup fresh
arugula
4 limes,
juiced
2 tsp.
Aleppo pepper
1½ tsp.
nigella seed
1 tsp. Black
lava flake salt
Instructions
In a large
bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix gently.
Enjoy...maybe
make a double batch...
potatoes
make a lovely side dish alongside roasted meats, breakfast eggs or just about
anything!
Baby
Brinjals Saute ~ with Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) and Fresh Ginger
Baby Green
Brinjals 250 grams,
stems removed and quartered
Onion 1
small, sliced (optional)
Green
Chilli
1, finely chopped or crushed with a mortar and pestle
Fresh
Ginger
1/2 inch piece, grated
Vegetable
Oil 1
teaspoon
Kalonji or
Nigella Seeds 1 teaspoon
Fresh
Coriander Leaves 1 small
bunch
Salt
to taste
In a pan,
heat the oil over medium heat till hot but not smoking. Make sure the oil is
not overheated, as the kalonji seeds will burn easily and become bitter.
Splutter the
kalonji seeds, add the onions and quartered brinjal together and saute for
about 3-4 minutes, till the vegetables begin to wilt.
Add the
crushed green chilli, grated ginger and salt to taste and stir. Cover and cook
on low heat for 8-9 minutes, checking to see that the vegetable doesn’t stick
to the pan.
Stir in the
fresh coriander leaves, remove from the heat and serve hot with rice or rotis.
This dish
cooks in the moisture from the brinjal, in steam because it is covered. If you
prefer open pan cooking, sprinkle a couple of teaspoons of water every few
minutes, till the vegetable is cooked.
Korala
(Bitter Melon) With Kalonji (Onion) Seeds
Ingrdients
:
3 Korala
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon kalonji seeds (available in Indian or Middle
Eastern Markets)
1/4 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
Method :
Prepare the caraili by trimming the stem ends and slicing
them lengthwise. If there are large, visible seeds, use a small teaspoon to
scrape down the middle of the caraili to remove them. Discard the seeds and
slice each half of the caraili into 1/4-inch slices. They will look like half
moons.
Heat the oil in a wok or large, wide frying pan. Add the
onion and saute until translucent. Add the garlic, frying until golden brown,
about 30 seconds.
Add the kalonji seeds and fry until they begin to pop, about
15 seconds. Add the caraili and stir well, frying for 1 to 2 minutes, or until
they begin to brown.
Stir in the salt and black pepper, reduce the heat to
medium-low, and cook until the caraili are soft, about 15 minutes. Serve with
rice or flat bread such as pita or roti.
Masala Chichinga or Zucchini
Ingredients
2 zucchini large size with skin, sliced in 1/2 inch thick.
This will make about 4 cups of sliced zucchini
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (Methi dana)
1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
1/4 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
2 whole red chilies
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
1/2 heaping teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Notes
First 5 spice mix cumin,
fenugreek, mustard, fennel, and nigella seeds known as Punch Poran. You can
make your own mix or buy the mix in Indian grocery store.
This recipe works best with large
and firm zucchini.
Method
Mix the first 5 spices to make Punch Poran cumin, fenugreek,
mustard, fennel, and nigella seeds. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a flat sauce pan over medium high heat. When
oil is moderately hot add the spice mix as cumin seeds and mustard seeds crack
add whole red chili stir for few seconds. Add turmeric, red chili powder and
salt stir and add zucchini.
Stir fry for about 1 minute lower the heat to low medium, and
cover the pen. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, doing this zucchini will
leave the moisture that will help to stir fry them.
Remove the cover bring the heat to medium high and stir fry
for about 3-4 minutes. Zucchini should be tender not mushy.
Add sugar, mango powder and lemon juice, stir and mix it
well. Turn off the heat Masala Zucchini
is ready to serve.
Serve Masala Zucchini with roti, paratha or any bread. This
also good with rice.
Variations
You can also use bottle gourd (in Hindi it is known as lauki,
or ghia) but do peel the skin before slicing and slice them about the same
size.
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