Kalonji – Nigella is a small black seed, grown on Kalonji bushes. This plant originated in Turkey and/or Italy and is widely grown throughout India. Nigella is an annual flowering plant which belongs to the family Ranunculaceae of the class Magoliopsida (dicot). It grows to 20-30 cm. tall, with finely divided linear leaves. The flowers are delicate and usually colored pale blue and white, with 5-10 petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule of 3-7 united follicles, each contain numerous seeds. Kalonji seeds are of the same size as sesame seeds, though they have more triangular shape than oval. In Islam, kalonji is regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. Prophet Mohammed mentioned its therapeutic efficacy and potential of cure, and said it is a cure for every disease but death. Avicenna, in his book ”The Cannon of Medicine”, refers to Nigella as the seed that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recover from fatigue and despiritidness. It is also included in the list of natural drugs of “Tibb-e-Nabvi” or “Medicine of the Prophet”.
Kalonji has been used for respiratory health, stomach and intestinal disorders, hair restoration, skin health, kidney and liver function, circulatory immune system support, increase in milk production in nursing mothers, and to improve overall health. Because of its powerful healing properties, in Middle East countries, it is known as “habbat al baraakah” or “the blessed seed”.
There is a good amount of quality research done on this plant in India, Pakistan, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. Not only in the Middle East, Kalonji is also being researched in England, United Sates and other western countries. Results are promising and soon we will find more use of Kalonji products in every day healing. Nigellone is a potent chemical found in the Nigella seed oil.
I take Kalonji ground with other seeds such as sesame, flax, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. One can mix it in cereal or mix it with salads at dinner or lunch time. There are many other ways to take kalonji and lots of information is available in the literature.
Keep reading and learning to promote better health for you and your family. Keep in touch with your physician and inform him of any changes you make in your daily life. He can be your best guide.
Take care of your health with knowledgeable decisions. My next article will be on another wonderful fruit – Mangoes.
Blessings always,
Ali M. Jafri, Ph.D.
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