Further Reading

Wednesday, 9 October 2024

Black cumin: The tiny seed with big healing powers

 In the world of natural remedies, few plants boast a history as revered and enduring as Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin or black seed. For over 2,500 years, this tiny seed has been a cornerstone of traditional medicine – with roots that trace back to ancient civilizations.

Even the Egyptians, famed for their advanced knowledge of medicine, valued black seed. Archaeological findings suggest its importance, with black cumin discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun – hinting at its role in ancient Egyptian healing practices.

References to black seed are also found in religious texts. The Old Testament's book of Isaiah mentions it and Easton's Bible Dictionary explains that the Hebrew word "ketsah" refers to N. sativa.

In the Islamic tradition, the seed also holds special significance. The Prophet Muhammad famously said: "The black seed can heal every disease, except death." This prophetic endorsement has made black seed an integral part of Islamic medicine for centuries, where it is revered not only for its therapeutic properties but also for its symbolic significance as part of the "Medicine of the Prophet." The black seed's association with religious teachings helped spread its use far and wide – especially with the rise of Islam in the 7th century. Its use has never been restricted throughout Islamic history – remaining a constant in treating illnesses.

Throughout history, black cumin has earned a reputation as a "panacea" – a remedy for nearly every ailment. Different medical traditions have used black cumin seed in various forms, such as extracts, oils, pastes and powders, to treat a broad spectrum of conditions.

These include back pain, headaches, inflammatory problems like arthritis and rheumatism, mental fatigue, respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, and skin disorders like acne and eczema. It has also been used to manage more severe ailments, such as amenorrhea, hypertension and even paralysis....<<<Read More>>>...