Introduction

Nigella seeds or black cumin, also known as fennel flower, black seed, or kalonji, is a spice obtained from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. Nigella seeds can treat several health conditions, including issues related to the digestive tract, respiratory problems, insomnia, and excessive menstruation.

Blessed with a unique, distinctive aroma, a pungent, bitter flavour, and a peppery touch that is not too overpowering, Nigella seeds are an excellent addition to various cuisines. This globose seed belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is native to India and temperate regions, where it is used as a spice for its aromatic and slightly bitter flavour. In addition to being used as a spice, Nigella Sativa seeds and oil are also used in various traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Unani, because of their healing properties.

Health benefits

A significant amount of vegetable protein, fibre, minerals, and vitamins makes Nigella seeds nutritionally dense. It has a variety of beneficial nutritional compositions, such as 20-85% protein, 38.20% fat, 7-94% fibre, and 31.94% total carbohydrates.

Nigella seeds, a highly valued nutritional supplemental herb, have sparked the interest of health-conscious individuals because of their excellent health benefits. Including nigella seeds into the diet offers the following benefits:

1. Natural antioxidant: As a natural antioxidant, nigella seeds help maintain a balance between good and bad cholesterol levels. It is also a natural immune modulator.
2. Antibacterial & antifungal activity: Nigella seeds effectively prevent bacterial and fungal infections causing skin and hair issues, including boils, rashes, wrinkles, and hair loss.
3. Used in liver-disease therapy: The detoxifying and blood purifying action of Nigella seeds makes it effective in liver-disease therapy.
4. Promote healthy hair growth: Nigella seeds boost the production of keratin protein and collages that are considered building blocks of hair and help achieve strong, lustrous, and voluminous hair.
5. Antihistaminic effect: Nigella seeds have a negative effect on histamine release, which may help treat seasonal allergies, nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing, and running nose.
6. Improves metabolism: The high amount of fibre content in Nigella seeds aids in weight management by preventing excessive fat accumulation.
7. Carminative action: Nigella seeds improve the functioning of digestive fibres, thus helping in digestion and minimising complaints of gas and flatulence.
8. Anticancer action: Nigella seed's composition is effective in protecting the cells against cancer-causing agents such as some radiations. It may be responsible for killing cancer cells also.
9. Improves male sexual health: Nigella seeds contain essential amino acids, vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals that promote fertility. This composition also aids in increasing testosterone levels and sperm production.
10. Hypoglycemic action: Nigella seeds help in the proliferation of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which causes an increase in blood insulin level, thus keeping blood sugar levels in check. 

How to use nigella seeds?

If you're looking to add a little something extra to your next meal, try nigella seeds! Nigella seeds are generally toasted before being used. These wonder seeds can be used in various dishes, including curries, rice dishes, bread, and more. If you don't know how to prepare dishes with nigella seeds, don't worry - we've got you covered. Here's a quick guide on how to cook with nigella seeds:

1. Toasting: To bring out the flavour of nigella seeds, try toasting them in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes before using them in your recipe. Before toasting, you must separate the nigella seeds from their husks. The seeds may be soaked in water for 10-15 hours to facilitate the process.

2. Crushed: Another method of removing the husk involves rubbing dry nigella seeds against hard surfaces until the husk is removed. Crushing the seeds will help release their flavour and make them more readily usable in your recipe. You can use a mortar and pestle or simply crush them with the back of a spoon.

3. Whole: You can also use whole nigella seeds in recipes. They will retain their flavour and add a nice crunchy texture to your dish.

Precautions: 

• The overuse of nigella seeds can result in symptoms like allergy, stomach upset, constipation, vomiting, and seizure.
• The recommended dosage of nigella seed powder ranges from 1-3 grams orally for up to 12 months. 
• For therapeutic purposes, the black cumin seed oil is taken orally in doses of up to 5 mL or 40 mg per kg for up to 8 weeks.