Black cumin or Nigella sativa is an herb or spice that is most often associated with the culinary, medicinal and Biblical antiquity of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. According to an Arab proverb by the Prophet Muhammad, black cumin was described as the “Muslim Miracle Herb“, quote; “In the black seed is the medicine for every disease except death“. Nigella sativa is from the Ranunculaceae botanical family, and is not to be confused with cumin or Cuminum cyminum, which is from the Umbelliferae or Apiaceae plant species. In terms of appearance, Nigella sativa bears no resemblance to Cuminum cyminum, but looks almost identical to a popular, inedible, garden plant, to which it is often confused, called love-in-the-mist or Nigella damascena.
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Ask it in the Herbs & Herbal Supplements forumBlack cumin is a half-hardy annual plant with small white or light blue flowers in summer. After the flowers, seeds pods appear filled with tiny black seeds. Other names for this herb are black fennel, nutmeg flower, black caraway, damascena and wild onion seed.
The History of Black Cumin: Archeological evidence points to the region of what is now Syria and Jordan from the 2nd millennium BC as the origin of black cumin. Although, a plant called fitch is mentioned in the Old Testament which seems to be very similar to black cumin. Some experts believe that fitch and black cumin could be one and the same. If this is so it could date the cultivation of black cumin to well over two thousand years ago. In the ancient world the herb was used to produce black seed oil or black cumin essential oil by crushing the seed pods and straining out the seeds. The seeds were then sun dried and their oil extracted for medicinal and culinary purposes. A practice that continues to this day from Egypt to India.
Black cumin seeds were found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun; Black cumin has antibacterial properties and the ancient Egyptians were known to mummify their diseased with cumin. Seeds was also found in the tomb of Kha, the architect of the 18th dynasty Pharaoh Amenophis III.
Another name for black cumin is Roman coriander and the ancient Greeks and Romans valued black cumin seeds both for flavor and for medicinal purposes. Around 65 BC, Dioscorides included black cumin seeds, amongst other spices and herbs, in the recipe for his cure all ointments. Black cumin seeds were included in many culinary recipes of the ancient world such as those of Apicius the epicure. The Greek’s taste in spices influenced the Romans and as a result cumin was cultivated in Egypt and sent to Imperial Rome. Egypt is still the world’s best source of quality black cumin. For the Romans, black cumin was not only used as a condiment and flavoring in baking, but also to preserve and flavor meat.
The Culinary Uses of Black Cumin: In India where black cumin (Nigella sativa) is known as kalonji, the herb is used as a topping for the traditional flat breads of northern India and Pakistan, such as the Peshawari naan. When roasted, cumin seeds add an aromatic flavor to curries, biryani, garam masalas and chutneys. Black cumin seeds also feature in the cuisine of Kashmir and its rich creamy, spicy sauces.
In North Africa, black cumin seeds are used in tagines, couscous and ground meat dishes such as kibbeh or koubeiba. In Middle Eastern cuisine, particually in Saudi Arabia, black cumin seeds are used in the spice blend known as baharat. They are also a popular flavoring with lamb dishes in Iran. Throughout the Middle East they are added to cakes, confections, alcoholic beverages, scents and candles. Black cumin seeds are also ground and used to make cooking oil. An excellent herbal tea, good for gastro-intestinal problems, can be made by crushing the seeds and steeping them in boiling water.
Black Cumin and Nutrition: Historically black cumin seeds have been used to treat inflammation, respiratory conditions and infections including, asthma, flu, allergies and emphysema. Modern research has isolated several compounds thought to have health benefits. Nigellone is an alkaloid, which is though could be beneficial as a treatment for patients with mild hypertension. Another important component of black cumin seeds is a phytochemical known as thymoquinone. Thymoquinone has reduced the size of cancerous tumors in lab rats and may also be a possible treatment for epileptic children with refractory seizures. Thymoquinone has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties.
Numerous studies suggest that the essential oil of Nigella sativa inhibits the grow of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer. Other studies have demonstrated that this herb can help boost the immune system and helps the body fight harmful free radicals. As a result black cumin has become a popular herbal supplement.
Black cumin seeds or supplements are generally not considered toxic but excessive consumption of Nigella sativa essential oil, sometimes taken for medicinal reasons, has been know to cause liver damage. Some studies recommend that black cumin seeds be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing.
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