Black cumin (nigella, nigella, kalindzhi)

Black cumin is an annual plant that came to us from the mysterious East. It is there that it is traditionally used in the treatment of various diseases. The Latin name for black cumin is Nigella Sativa.

In Russia, it was dubbed "chernushka" or kalindzhi, and in English-speaking countries - a black grain. Nigella is called "love in the mist" in the UK because the bluish-green flowers have an aroma that is not inferior to the most exquisite perfume. This is perhaps the most beautiful plant name.

Titles in other languages:

• English blackseed;
• German Echter Schwarzkümmel;
• fr. nigelle.

Plant height is about 30 cm. The stem is straight and branched. The leaves are long (2-3 cm) and small, as if collected in a bunch of three. The flower forms a box, which opens into five sectors by autumn. They drop seeds.

• Nigella sativa (common black cumin). Plant height ranges from 30 to 50 cm. Leaves and branches are located on a straight stem. The shape of the leaves, as in umbrella plants. After the plant fades, instead of flowers, ball boxes remain. 5 spikes protrude from the top of such a box. During growth, the seeds smell like anise or dill.
• Nigella damascena (Turkish black cumin). The name is derived from the city of Damascus. It has a very beautiful appearance, so it is often grown as an ornamental plant.The flowers of Turkish black cumin are similar to a rich blue rose, and the leaves are thin, dark green. Plant height 75 cm. A cup of five leaves surrounds the inflorescence. The sepals are painted milky white, turning into blue to its tops. The Swiss call Nigella damascena "spider flower", emphasizing the resemblance to an insect.
• Nigella arvensis (field black cumin). It is also called wild, oatmeal. Perhaps the shortest among all types of cumin - 20 cm. It has many branches extending in different directions. And that makes it look like a bush. The flower of this type of black cumin consists of five light blue petals that have light green stripes on the outside. Seeds do not ripen in a spherical box, as in the species described above, but in a long one with small horns on top. The color of the seeds is black, the shape is a triangle, the smell (pungent and sharp) is not as charming as that of Nigella damascena.

The area of ​​\u200b\u200bgrowth of black cumin is the Mediterranean. Found in southern Europe and western Asia.

Ripe nigella seeds are ground and used as a spicy addition to various dishes. The oil is obtained by distillation.

• Nigella seeds are shaped like small black pyramids.
• The taste of seeds is a bouquet of sweet with bitterness, spicy and tart components.
• The smell of seeds is a synthesis of nutmeg, pepper and strawberry aromas.

Oil. 100 grams of black cumin oil contains 99.9 grams of fat. There are no proteins or carbohydrates. Calorie content - 896 kcal.

Seeds. 100 grams of crushed seeds contain 17.81 g of protein, 22.27 g of fat, 33.74 g of carbohydrates. Calorie content - 375 kcal.

Oil:

• 95% is formed by fatty acids (26 types, of which 8 are saturated, 18 are unsaturated): linoleic, linolenic, oleic, palmitic, arachidonic.
• Squirrels.
• The vitamin composition of the oil is formed by B (B1, B2, B3), E.
• Folic acid.
• The component of trace elements is represented by the presence of Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, Zn, Cu, P

Seeds:

• Amino acids.
• Fatty acid.
• Rough fibre.
• Vitamins: E, group B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9).
• Trace elements (K, Na, Ca).
• Essential oil.

The composition of nigella seeds is very useful for our body:

• It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Acts as an immune system stimulant.
• Fights external infections: parasites, fungi.
• Painkiller.
• Antispasmodic.
• Useful for strengthening blood vessels, maintaining their elasticity.
• Stimulates appetite.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• It has a bronchodilatory effect, facilitates the separation of sputum.
• With a hormonal disorder, it leads to a state of balance in the level of testosterone.

Despite the fact that nigella has many healing properties, it, like any other medicinal substance, has contraindications.

• It is strictly forbidden to use the drug for coronary heart disease.
• Thrombophlebitis in active form.
• postinfarction condition.
• Gastritis with high acidity in an acute form.
• Cholelithiasis.
• Pregnancy.
• Operations related to organ transplantation.

The essential oil from the seeds of Nigella damascena has a golden color. It seems to be illuminated with a bluish tint. The seed powder of this species of nigella glows blue when exposed to ultraviolet light. Seeds of other species do not behave this way.

• Nigella seeds are added as a fragrant seasoning in the preparation of various dishes.
• Add to bakery and confectionery products.
• It is used in the preparation of marinades, in vegetable preservation and sauerkraut.
• Additive to salads.
• Seasoning fatty and hard-to-digest dishes.

Nigella is a favorite spice among Hindus and Arabs. They add it to almost all dishes. Europeans prefer to put nigella in pastries and marinades.

In the countries of the East they say that nigella cures all diseases, only death is not subject to her. Indeed, nigella is a cure for many diseases. At the same time, it can be used as an independent remedy, and in combination with other components, as well as for prevention purposes. Medicine uses black cumin oil and seed. The seed for the preparation of the infusion is mixed with oregano herb, chamomile, valerian.

• Possessing antispasmodic properties, it is used to treat a sick stomach. At the same time, the microflora does not change and its imbalance does not threaten you.
• Relieves headaches.
• Relieves pain caused by inflammation of the gums.
• It is used in the prevention of blood clots, prevents fragility and damage to blood vessels.
• Remedy for hypertension.
• In combination with concomitant drugs, it is used in the treatment of hypertension.
• It is used to treat vegetovascular dystonia.
• Used for dysbacteriosis.
• It is used for kidney diseases.
• Treats various skin lesions.
• Ingestion relieves the human body of parasites that live in the intestines.
• Acts as a factor in lowering blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Useful in the fight against viral infections that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract.
• A good remedy if the reproductive system fails. Another plus of the treatment is the suppression of inflammatory processes in this area.
• Heals the urinary system. Indispensable for cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• The seeds are effective in the treatment of periodontal disease.

In cosmetology, nigella is a component of masks, creams, ointments.

• Flour made from the seeds of the plant is a remedy that cleanses the skin of the face, gives it a healthy look. Useful for keeping fit, youthful and toned. Making a mask is easy. Flour and water are mixed to a mushy state. Apply the mixture on the face. Pay attention to your skin type. Dry skin - pour in a little vegetable oil. The mask is removed with warm water.
• The seeds ground into flour have a positive effect on the process of hair growth. By mixing a handful of flour and warm olive oil to a paste, we get a simple and effective remedy that strengthens the hair. This composition is applied for half an hour.
• Removes stretch marks caused by pregnancy.
• Eliminates the condition of skin peeling.
• Removes blackheads.
• Strengthens nails. It is enough to add a few drops of oil to the liquid soap with which you usually wash your hands. You can enrich them with hand cream.
• Additive to massage oils.

In the East, the beneficial properties of black cumin have long been known, but only recently have they begun to talk about its benefits for combating extra pounds. Indeed, black cumin seeds can contribute to the process of losing weight, but you should not expect special miracles. Official medicine is at the stage of clinical trials of the effects of black cumin seeds on the body and its effectiveness for weight loss.

It has already been proven that regular consumption of seeds helps to remove excess fluid from the body and pacify appetite. The greatest efficiency can be achieved by using black cumin seeds with other biologically active spices and honey.

In a glass of warm water, you need to take three-quarters of a teaspoon of ground black cumin seeds, half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one dessert spoon of honey. Dilute all ingredients in warm water and drink on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast.

Everyone knows about the effectiveness of a glass of warm water with lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach. However, if you use, after drinking a glass of diluted lemon juice, 3-4 black cumin seeds and a teaspoon of honey, the benefits for the body will be much greater.

You can prepare the following elixir, which will greatly help to lose weight. It will take 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed black cumin seeds and 400-500 ml of boiling water. After ten minutes of infusion, tea for weight loss is ready. It will be a little bitter, so you can add natural honey. The aroma of this tea is indescribable.

• Used to keep clothes from being damaged by moths (dry bouquets are hidden in clothes).
• Means of struggle against mosquitoes and snakes.

• There is a very beautiful legend about Turkish black cumin about how the German emperor Frederick I died. The trip to the Holy Land ended tragically for him. Having settled down at a night halt near the lake, Friedrich went for a night walk. He heard a beautiful song. It was a river nymph. It was impossible to resist the singing and the image of the river nymph. Delicate blue attire and a beautiful face framed by green hair did their job.When the emperor approached the nymph, she took him underwater with her. At the site of Frederick's disappearance, Richard the Lionheart found a marvelous flower resembling a green-haired mermaid in blue clothes.
• The Germans gave the species Nigella arvensis a name that means “get lost” in translation, since it was the German girls who gave it to the guys they didn’t like.