The LONG history of fans
It’s been said that Black cumin seed was the cure for everything except death!
With a reputation like that, I had to learn more. As it turns out, this little black seed has been around for a long time and referenced by many famous people from the past.
Thousands of years ago, black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa oil, was used by ancient Egyptian royalty like Nefertiti and Cleopatra for medicinal purposes and to keep their skin healthy and beautiful. The seeds were also found in the Egyptian Pharoah, King Tut’s Tomb.
There is even a reference to scattering and harvesting black cumin seeds in Isaiah 28:25. My translation says cumin which is not the same as black cumin but apparently the Hebrew text is more specific in naming it as a curative black cumin seed.
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician who is considered the father of early medicine, loved pure black seed oil and recommended it as a remedy for several ailments.
If something has that much history, I suspect there is some legitimate value to learning more.
What’s so special about Black Cumin Seed?
Black seed oil contains the powerful antioxidants thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone that work synergistically to eliminate harmful free radicals Black seed oil also contains natural polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (including linoleic, oleic, and palmitic), as well as natural plant sterols, in addition to several other vitamins and minerals.
Here are some of Nigella Sativa’s amazing properties that make it useful for medicinal purposes:
Anti-inflammatory: For rheumatoid arthritis. Researches in Jordan and the US have found the black seed oil to be anti-leukemic.
Analgesic: As a pain reliever for headaches and tooth aches
Anti-hypertensive: Lowers cholesterol
Hypoglycemic: Regulates blood sugar in diabetic patients
Anti-carcinogenic: prevents proliferation of cancer cells and promotes apoptosis or death of cancer cells
Antioxidant: Boosts immune system
Histamine release inhibitor: For treating asthma and respiratory problems as well as skin allergies. I can personally attest to the usefulness of this for allergies.
How to take it
Having a persistent allergy to ragweed, autumn can be one of the most beautiful and yet miserable times of the year for me, until I discovered Black Cumin Seed oil. If I take a teaspoon a day I’m fine and my allergies grow less and less the longer I use the oil.
If allergies aren’t a problem for you, you may still benefit from taking a teaspoon of the oil everyday. It can help with metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune health.
Beware though, this stuff tastes like nothing you have ever had before. It is spicy, it is gasoline-ish, it is cumin-sh and just overall strange. As long as you don’t take too much at one time, you will eventually get “more familiar” with the flavor. I don’t know if anyone actually likes the flavor but it’s tolerated because of all the amazing benefits.
Other Considerations
I like the brand Amazing Herbs for the oil, this is the one I have been using for years. I keep it in the fridge and it has lasted a long time. Fortunately, this is not something you are likely to binge on!
I have also tried the seeds, just to see how they compared to the oil. They also have the same flavor. I have tried a tablespoon of seeds mixed with honey and I didn’t entirely hate it. You might even find some recipes for using the seeds if you explore middle eastern recipes. A quick look turned up bread, salad dressing, and tea recipes.
Have you tried Black Cumin Seed Oil? What did you think of it and do you have any suggestions on how to make it more palatable?
