Nigella Seed – Black Cumin

This small annual plant, native to the Mediterranean region, is widely cultivated for its culinary uses. Cumin seeds are a staple in cooking, distinguished by their dried, straight form and coarse taste and aroma, similar to but distinct from caraway seeds. Major producers of cumin seeds include Egypt, Iran, India, and Morocco, while the United States is a leading producer of cumin oil. It is important not to confuse this spice with sweet cumin, which is a common name for anise (Pimpinella anisum). Black cumin (Bunium persicum) has smaller, sweeter seeds than Cuminum cyminum, but it is not commercially significant. Another black cumin, Nigella sativa, is unrelated to cumin.

Black Cumin Seed, often referred to as the ‘seed of blessing,’ is considered one of the most powerful healing herbs throughout history. Known as Kalonji in India, these small black seeds are grown on Kalonji bushes, which are widely cultivated across the country. Kalonji is used both as a flavoring in various traditional dishes and as an herbal remedy, praised for its potential to address a range of ailments. The seeds are similar in size to sesame seeds but are more triangular in shape.

Uses of Black Cumin Seed Extract: Traditionally, cumin has been used to reduce inflammation, increase urination, relieve gas, and prevent muscle spasms. It has also been employed to aid digestion and treat conditions such as jaundice, diarrhea, and flatulence. Cumin powder has been used in various forms, including as a poultice, suppository, and even smoked in a pipe or taken orally.

Cumin is a key ingredient in curry and chili powders and is widely used to flavor a variety of commercial food products. The oil, extracted through steam distillation, is used to flavor alcoholic beverages, desserts, and condiments, and it also serves as a fragrant component in creams, lotions, and perfumes.

The health benefits of cumin, particularly for digestive disorders, have been recognized for centuries. It can help alleviate flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, morning sickness, and atonic dyspepsia. To prepare a simple remedy, the seeds are boiled in water to make a tea—using 1 teaspoon of seeds per glass of water—then mixed with salt and a teaspoon of coriander leaf juice.

Specifications of Black Cumin Seeds :