A precious seed nicknamed "cure for all ills"

Considered a panacea in the Arab-Muslim tradition, black cumin seed is cited in many ancient medicinal treatises. Its properties are linked to the presence of thymoquinone, nigelline, and essential fatty acids, which make it a functional plant of first choice in herbal medicine.

Description

Small, angular, black seeds with a characteristic spicy aroma, peppery and bitter taste, slightly hot.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Nigella, Black cumin
• Latin name: Nigella sativa
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Part used: Seed
• Form: Whole seeds
• Origin: North Africa, Middle East, India
• English name: Black cumin seed
• Name in German: Schwarzkümmelsamen
• Name in Spanish: Semilla de comino negro
• Name in Italian: Semi di cumino nero
• Name in Arabic: حبة البركة

Main virtues

Immune stimulant, carminative, antioxidant, digestive tonic, mild anti-inflammatory.

Main constituents

Thymoquinone, nigellone, fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid), proteins, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins.

Traditional use and dosage

• As an infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons of lightly crushed seeds per 250 ml of boiling water. Infuse for 10 minutes. Up to 2 cups per day.
• In powder form: up to 2 g per day for immune or digestive support treatments.
• Culinary use: as a spice in oriental or Ayurvedic cuisine.
• Oily or cosmetic macerate: traditional ingredient for skin or scalp care.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not recommended for pregnant women (slightly uterotonic effect).
• Avoid in case of immunosuppressive or anticoagulant treatment without medical advice.
• Do not exceed the recommended doses for prolonged internal use.

History and use

Used in prophetic medicine, black cumin seed is nicknamed "blessed seed." It is found in Ayurvedic medicine, Persian tradition, and Arab-Muslim pharmacopoeia. It was also present in North African folk remedies to strengthen vitality and relieve respiratory and skin ailments.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or opaque pot.
• Storage: away from light, humidity and heat.
• Shelf life: 18 to 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Arabic Pharmacopoeia and Unani Medicine
• Traditional herbal medicine books and studies on thymoquinone

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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