“Use Kalonji regularly, because it is a cure for every disease, except death.”
These words of the Prophet, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) and preserved by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari & Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj clearly indicate that Nigella sativa (Kalonji), commonly referred to as the black seed (Kalonji) can actually be called ‘one remedy for everything’.
Muslims have been using the black seed since the time of the prophet’s life. Islam’s expansion East and West allowed the herb become profound throughout the world. The seed got its unique recognition as the ‘medicine of the prophet’ (Tib-e-Nabvi). As a matter of fact, most herbal remedies and medications have high intake of the prophet’s teachings.
Prior to Tib – e – Nabvi, the black seed was not a top used herb and its importance was only known by a few, like Hippocrates, Galen or the 1st century, greek physician, Dioscoredes. They too, considered it as a remedy for general health issues like toothaches, headaches or mainly as a dietary supplement.
Present day medical researchers have shown that black seed is superior to almost any other natural remedy with the widest range of healing capabilities and is among the best natural remedy – with a plus of no known side effect under administrated normal dosage.
Black Seed has been proven effective and is used by medical practitioners for cure of:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Helicobacter Pylori Infection
- Epilepsy
- High Blood pressure
- Asthma
- Acute tonsillopharyngitis
- Chemical Weapons Injury
- Colon Cancer
- MRSA
- Opiate Addiction
But the story does not end here. Science has proven the words of the prophet, starting with the researches in the mid 20th century. Nigella sativa, Kalonji or the black seed, whatever we may call it has be proven to be:
- Immunomodulator: Balances immune system activity for optimum role.
- Analgesic: Reduces the sensation of pain.
- Anti-bacterial: Stops the escalation of harmful bacteria.
- Anthelmintic: Eliminates and ejects intestinal worms.
- Antioxidant: Stops or suspends the destructive oxidisation of the body’s cells.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Decreases inflammation.
- Carminative: Encourages digestion and gas expulsion.
- Anti-Microbial: Kills or blocks the escalation of harmful microorganisms.
- Anti-tumour: Fights the development of tumours.
- Anti-Pyretic: Cools body – useful in fever reduction.
- Diaphoretic: Stimulates sweat to release toxins in fever.
- Anti-spasmodic: Stops or relaxes cramps and spasms.
- Hypotensive: Lowers excessive blood pressure.
- Emmenagogue: Help develop menstrual activity.
- Diuretic: Relieves bloats by stimulating urination and getting rid of excess water.
- Digestive: Encourages the digestive process.
- Galactogogue: Increases milk output in new breastfeeding mothers.
- Laxative: Relaxes bowels.
Some Researches On Black Seed or Kalonji
Strengthen immune system
Black Seed acts as an active component in strengthen immune system. A research by Drs. El Kadi and Kandil in 1986, revealed that black seed can play a vital role in enhancing human immunity and help immunocompromise patients fight Cancer and AIDS. Volunteers in the research which took 1 gram capsule of black seed displayed a 72% increase in T-cells and strengthen natural killer cell functional activity (body defense system).
Another research on AIDS showed that black Seed improved the ratio between T – cells by 55% and enhanced the natural killer cell activity by 30%.
Anti – Histamine
A research conducted by scientists Badr-El-Din and Mahfouz showed that a specific component, ‘Nigellone’, derived from black seed’s oil suppressed the symptoms of allergy and Bronchial Asthma. When the study was actually administrated onto patients, an effective result was seen, but the response of the black seed oil component showed a delayed reaction.
Further research by Nirmal Chakravarty, M.D., in 1993, showed that the reaction was held back due to Histamine. It is a chemical released by human body tissues and can cause reactions like allergy; it is also associated with Bronchial Asthma. These results enabled a new way of fighting allergic diseases by taking crystalline Nigellone.
Anti – Tumor
Black Seed is a powerful anti-tumor fighting force. A research on Black seed as an anti – tumor agent at the Amala Research Center proved that black seed does not just fight Cancer but also slows and helps fight tumor formation.
The study showed that fatty acids derived from Black Seed could completely stall the formation of cancer cells, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA). Results showed that black seed reduced formation of tumors by a 100% in EAC cancer cells and reduced the formation of tumors by 50% in DLA cancer cells.
Anti – Bacterial
Homeopaths, for a long time, have been using the black seed to fight bacterial diseases. They had been using it for digestive and bowel complaints; it is used in helping ease vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and effects of excessive laxative consumption.
As per a research conducted by the University of Dhaka in 1992, black seed’s antibacterial activity was compared to antibiotics such as Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Gentamicin, Tetracycline and Nalidixic Acid. The prophetic herb proved to be more effective against majority of the bacteria including V. Cholera, E. Coli, a common bacteria found in undercooked meat.
Promotes lactation
Multiple researches have proved black seed as a component that promotes lactation. A study conducted in 1979 by Agarwhal and by University of Potchefstroom in 1989 revealed that black seed and its oil increases milk output in breastfeeding women.
To sum up, I would end at the point where I start,
“Use this Black Seed regularly, because it is a cure for every disease, except death.”
