The so-called true black cumin (lat. Nigella sativa) belongs to the family of buttercups and, contrary to its name, has nothing to do with the well-known spice caraway or cumin. Black cumin is known especially in the Islamic cultural circle, as its health-promoting properties are already mentioned in the Koran.
Occurrence and cultivation of black cumin seeds.
The areas of origin of the plant are Iraq, Turkey and Western Asia. Botanically, black cumin is an annual plant with a height of about 15 to 50 cm. The plant is slightly hairy and has a stem that has a characteristic striation in the upper part. The leaves are pinnate and have pointed ends. Single row petals are found around the pistil. These are oval and short-lived. The plant has ten honey leaves and numerous stamens. The fruits are closed and inflated, the seeds are triangular and wrinkled. The areas of origin of the plant are Iraq, Turkey and Western Asia. However, occurrences are also found in India, Africa and Europe.
Effect and application
The products from black cumin are varied, as well as their application and effect. For thousands of years, black cumin has been used as a spice and as a remedy. In terms of taste, it is reminiscent of conventional caraway seeds. The black seeds, reminiscent of burnt sesame seeds, are often found on pita bread. The seeds are available pure or ground. The pressed oil is also one of the common forms of presentation. The excellent nutty flavor of black cumin makes it great for enhancing many salads and dishes, and it can also be enjoyed simply drizzled on bread as an alternative to spreadable fats. For the preparation of vegan dishes, black cumin powder is also used as an egg substitute. Products based on black cumin oil are also available in the cosmetic sector, for example for the skin and hair as creams and conditioners or as bath additives. The ingredients responsible for the effect are essential substances that have a balancing and stabilizing effect on the body. Furthermore, the squeezed mass of black cumin contains 21 percent high-quality protein (amino acids) and a fat content of 35 percent. These fats consist to a predominant part (60 %) of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are indispensable for the immune system. They also contain phytosterols and vitamins. The linoleic and gamma-linoleic acids contribute to the synthesis of immune-regulating substances such as prostaglandin. They stabilize the cell membranes. Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance that has an anti-inflammatory effect. Immune reactions, which can be the triggers of chronic diseases, can thus be prevented. The formation of healthy cells is also promoted by black cumin oil. In the Koran, black cumin is said to be a panacea, which only does not help against death, but otherwise against everything. For several decades, science has also been studying this interesting effect of black cumin on health. The effects attributed to black cumin could be partially proven, but not fully explained. Black cumin is said to be effective against pain, it is said to be able to inhibit inflammation due to its antibacterial effect, to fight fungi and viruses, to protect against oxidation and radiation, to relieve cramps, to induce interferon and to protect the liver and kidneys. It can also be used against diabetes and hypertension. Another area of use is said to be drug detoxification and to fight diseases caused by the Helicobacter pylori virus. Preventively, black cumin is said to help against epileptic seizures. And even an effect against cancer is attributed to him, because he should be able to inhibit a tumor necrosis factor.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
It has been shown in studies that the spread of cancer cells can be limited if the patient regularly consumes black seed. Medical researchers at the Cancer Immuno-Biology Lab in South Carolina (USA) were able to demonstrate that black cumin has a stimulating effect on neutrophil granulocytes. These are white blood cells that are responsible in the body for fighting any cancer cells that may appear. Black cumin stimulates the formation of bone marrow and supports the immune system. By increasing the levels of interferon, the cells are protected from harmful influences.Recommended dose is 1 teaspoon of black cumin oil 3 times a day. An improvement in the general condition should be noticeable after a few days. Also externally, the oil can help against skin diseases such as acne or psoriasis. Furthermore, a healing effect is shown in insomnia and even children with hyperactivity can benefit from black cumin. In veterinary medicine, black cumin is used for large and small animals. Cats, however, do not necessarily tolerate the oil when used internally. Dog lovers who do not want to treat their dogs with chemical means against parasites, however, swear by the effect of black cumin. Known is the black cumin oil especially for its effect against ticks, which is to unfold by a few drops in the fur. A few drops of the oil as a feed additive should cause that the skin of the dog no longer smells good for parasites and they subsequently avoid the dog. But the oil is also used for allergies to food components or environmental influences. The prostaglandins that the black cumin oil helps to produce in the body can lead to the reduction of allergic reactions. Applied externally, the oil is also said to be able to help with minor injuries. Horse lovers also use the oil for dental care of their animals, among other uses.
