Nigella Sativa flowers

Mittwoch, 4. Mai 2011

What Is Black Nigella Sativa?



Olivia Silva began writing poems and short stories in 2002. She has written reviews for the book blog ieatbooks and also operates an organic gardening business. Silva holds an Associate of Arts from Seattle Central Community College and studied forestry at the University of Washington. By Olivia Silva, eHow Contributor updated: April 25, 2011



Nigella sativa seeds are commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes.

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seed, black cumin, karayal or small fennel, is an annual flowering plant of the buttercup family. Native to southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean region, Nigella sativa is now cultivated worldwide for culinary uses, its medicinal and ornamental properties and for dried flower arrangements. The black seeds of this plant were found in King Tutankhamen's tomb, indicating that they were high-valued items in ancient Egypt.



Plant Description

Nigella sativa exhibits a stiff, branching stem, gray-green, threadlike leaves and gray-blue or white flowers. The flower forms a small fruit, or seed capsule, which releases seeds when it dries and cracks open. The seeds become black when exposed to the air and self-seed naturally in adequate climate and growing conditions. The plant grows to between 16 and 24 inches in height and blooms during the summer, giving off a strong aroma similar to strawberry plants.

Growing Habit

Native to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern climates, Nigella sativa is now cultivated throughout northern Africa, the Middle East, and many parts of Europe. In the United States, it grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 2 through 10 and is tolerant of many growing conditions and soils. Nigella sativa requires full sun and decent drainage -- it will not grow well in boggy locations or consistently wet soil. These plants are drought-tolerant and, when cultivated, should be allowed to dry out between watering.

Culinary Uses

As a spice, Nigella sativa is used as dry, roasted whole seeds or ground into a powder to be mixed into curries and other dishes. Common names are black cumin and black caraway. These seeds are high in unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and arginine and carotene, which are converted by the body into vitamin A. The seeds are pressed into an oil for medicinal purposes, which may be used in healthful cooking.

Medicinal Uses

The black seeds of Nigella sativa have been used medicinally for centuries and are a central healing ingredient in Islamic tradition. The seeds and oil are valued for their anti-inflammatory properties and positive effect on respiratory problems, stomach and intestinal disorders as well as intestinal worms, kidney and liver function, improved circulation and immune system support. Modern medicine has shown Nigella sativa to contain anti-cancer properties and has been effective at suppressing tumor growth.


Read more: What Is Black Nigella Sativa?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8294448_black-nigella-sativa.html#ixzz1LPC1glhA

Where to buy Black seed oil


http://www.theblessedseed.com/

http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/

http://www.taylor-jackson.com//

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