Black Seed Health Benefits
Nigella Sativa, a domestic herbaceous plant is generally known as the fennel flower plant or black seed. It is an excellent spice, known to add aroma to the dishes and add flavour to dal, curries, stir-fried vegetables.
It is a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which plays a key role in daily health and wellness. The presence of bioactive compounds like thymoquinone in black seeds helps regulate the immune system better. It contains about 15 amino acids and consists of almost all the essential amino acids.
What health significance does it hold?
The aqueous and oil extracts of the seeds have shown to possess the following therapeutic properties to improve disease conditions.
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
- Analgesic
- Antimicrobial activities
Helpful in the following conditions:-
- Cough and bronchial asthma
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Toothaches
- Intestinal worm
- Menstrual disorder
- Digestive abnormalities:- diarrhoea, colitis, bloating
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
Advised dosages as per Ayurveda:-
- Cancers and tumours: One tbsp black seed oil mixed with honey, to be taken on an empty stomach.
- Diabetes: 1 tsp oil with the same amount of honey twice a day. Also, the diet should be managed to get effective results.
- Dry Cough: Enjoy your coffee with half a tsp of the oil mixed, taken twice a day.
- Cold and Flu: 1 tsp of the oil mixed with honey twice a day.
- Rheumatic and back pain: Heat some of the black seed oil and massage on the affected area.
- Cardiovascular problems: Consume 1/2 teaspoon of the oil infused with hot water. But it should be kept in mind that patients who are on blood thinners should consult with health professionals before consuming.
- High blood pressure: Take half a teaspoon of the black seed oil combined in some hot water.
To conclude, black seeds can be a vital component of your diet with including it in your dishes for health reasons. It can be used as per suggested dosage by Ayurveda to improve the medical conditions.
REFERENCES
– The Health Benefits of Black Seed (Nigella sativa). Pharmacological and Medicinal Properties of Nigella sativa.ISSN: 0975-8585
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