Black Seed
With it (water) He produces for you corn, olives,
date palms, and grapes and every kind of fruit: Verily in this is a sign for
those who give thought (Surat: An-Nahl: 16:11).
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying
"There is healing in Black Cumin for all diseases except death."
Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the
"Black Seed" or "Al-habbat ul Sawda" for hundreds of years Black seed has also been in use
worldwide for over 3,000 years. However, many Muslims do not realize that black
seed is not only a prophetic herb, but it also holds a unique place in the
medicine of the Prophet.
Black seed is mentioned along with many other
natural cures in the Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH]) and in the
Qur'an. However, many herbs and natural cures in the Hadith and Qur'an are
simply "mentioned" briefly, leaving the bulk of the descriptive
narrative up to later Islamic scholars such as Ibn Sina or Ibn Rushd.
Black seed is one of the few that is said to
"cure all diseases except death." It is unique in that it was not
used profusely before the Prophet Mohammad who made its use popular, and it is
one of the few herbs that is described in great detail in the Hadith with
recipes and instructions on usage actually being found in the Hadith
themselves. Last, but not least, black seed has been studied by Muslims and
non-Muslims alike.
Although
there were more than 400 herbs in use before the Prophet Mohammad and recorded
in the herbals of Galen and Hippocrates, black seed was not one of the most
popular remedies of the time. Because of the way Islam has spread, the usage
and popularity of black seed is widely known as a "remedy of the
Prophet".
In fact, a large part of this herbal preparation's
popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet. The Prophet not only
mentioned the usefulness of black seed in his teachings, but also gave specific
instructions on how to prepare the seed for medical use.
"The Prophet's Medicine" is a collection
of Hadith that instruct Muslims on the subject of sickness or medical
treatment. Since the black seed is mentioned so prominently in these writings,
all eminent and famous hakims of the past and present have written on the
medicinal benefits and healing properties of "kulunji."
In reality, since it was made popular in the 7th
Century, there has not been a period in Muslim history when the use of it was
ever stopped. At all times the seed was utilized with the belief and faith that
benefits will be derived from practicing the Holy Prophet's Sunnah (Hana,
2001).
The black seed (nigella sativa) is an example of a
prophetic remedy that has been studied extensively by both Muslims and non-
Muslims. Nigella sativa has been used since antiquity by Asian herbalists and
pharmacists, and was used by the Romans for culinary purposes.
The name nigella comes from the Latin word nigellus,
meaning black. Nigella sativa are small matte black grains with a rough surface
and an oily white interior, similar to onion seeds. The seeds have little
bouquet, though when rubbed, their aroma resembles oregano.
They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and a
crunchy texture. The seeds may be used whole or ground and are usually fried or
roasted before use (they are easily crushed in a mortar). However, although the
seeds have been used for thousands of years in the kitchen, they have also been
useful in the pharmacy.
Modern Studies
Ahmad Akhtar studied the effects of the black seed
on nematoce worm infections in children (Akhtar, 1999). The black seeds contain
over 100 valuable components. Black seed is also a significant source of fatty
acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals.
The seeds are rich in sterols, especially beta-
sitosterol, which is known to have anti carcinogenic activity (Tierra). The
seeds are also known to repel certain insects and can be used in the same way
as mothballs.
Black seed is also used in India as a spice and
condiment and occasionally in Europe as both a pepper substitute and a spice.
It is widely used in Indian cuisine, particularly in mildly braised lamb dishes
such as korma. It is also added to vegetables and dhal dishes as well as to
chutneys. The seeds are sprinkled on naan (bread) before baking and to some
Garam Masala and Panch Phoran mixtures.
The Indians also use black seed medicinally as a
carminative and stimulant, and to treat indigestion and bowel complaints. It is
also used to induce post uterine contractions and promote lactation.
Despite the cure-all benefits of black seed, it must
still be used with wisdom and caution. "The seed yields a volatile oil
containing melanthin, nigilline, damascene and tannin. Melanthin is toxic in
large dosages and nigilline is paralytic, so the spice must be used in
moderation (the epicenter).
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