It is not new for the human civilization! Nigella Sativa- commonly known as Black Seed is being used as folk medicine for hundreds of years. From the tomb of Tutankhamun to the pages of Old Testament, Black Seed is mentioned everywhere in the Eastern civilisation. From allergies to Asthma, people believed that Black Seed is miraculous in treating many ailments. Researchers have found three chemicals namely Thymoquinone (TQ), Thymohydroquinone (THQ) and Thymol are responsible for the medicinal affects of Black Seeds. These three chemicals let Black Seeds fight against fungus, bacteria, inflammation, oxidants and even cancerous cells. More than 600 scientific articles were published to date to throw some light on Black Seeds. Numerous researches were made on the affect of these seeds over various ailments.

Nestle has even applied for a patent to use ‘Thymoquinone’ in treating food allergies. Black Seeds are seen as a hope for the future in treating Superbugs which are on rise. Superbugs are those residues of bacteria which develop resistance for antibiotic drugs. Patients of HIV, TB who undergo long term treatment could easily generate superbugs and get succumbed to them. - A study on mice showed that extract of Black Seeds was able to reduce tumour cells by more than 50 percent. - Black Seed was known to improve the functioning of liver and thereby helping it to get rid of toxins from the body. - Indian Council of Medical Research has found Black Seed extracts to be useful in both type I and type II diabetes.

The researchers have felt that the Black Seed extract is as effective as a drug named ‘Metformin’ which is the most common drug prescribed for type II diabetic patients. - Due to the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Black Seeds are believed to strengthen hair fossils and restore hair growth. Being anti fungal and anti bacterial Black Seed oil can be trusted as a natural skin cream. From headache to hypertension....from cough to conjunctivitis... from obesity to arthritis... Black seeds are known to be useful in numerous health disorders. Researches were indicating that Black Seed extracts were useful in conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, Parkinson’s... the treatment of which are not only complex but also expensive. As the popularity of Black Seed oil has been growing by leaps and bounds, many companies were offering it online. Have a chat with your doctor and try it! (Black Seeds are known as Kalonji in Hindi and Nalla Jeelakarra in Telugu)

- Nirjara