GUIDANCE ON BLACK SEED

Nigella Sativa commonly known as the blackseed or black cumin originates from the western Asia. It is also known as habbatul sawdah (blackseed) or habbatul barakaah (blessed seed) in the Arabic language.  Black seed contains over 100 valuable nutrients and chemical components. From its most affective ingredients is the nigella and melatin which are active ingredients that provide digestive benefits, promote cleansing and assist with overall eliminating action.

The one who is fully aware of the affairs of His creation decreed that trials and tribulations would affect us, and from these trials are some which may affect our health and wellbeing. Therefore from His bounty He made for every ailment a cure and from these cures He made the blackseed. This is supported by the prophetic narration on the authority of Abu Hurairah that the prophet (saw) said “Use the black seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment except death.” (Sahihayn, Ibn Hibban,  at-tirmidhi and others)

Application

The black seed can be used in various medical formulas to cure numerous ailments. From its usage is a list below of simple remedies for common nuisances and illnesses, bear in mind that an alternative formula can be used to achieve similar results (as are found in various books on the black seed).

 

1.         Curing dandruff- crush black seed with vinegar and apply to the sculp this should relieve the ailment (for acne, mix the black seed with a little vinegar to form a paste and apply to the affected region)

2.         Improving memory- take a teaspoon of blacked oil with a glass of pure orange juice every morning for a period of 10 days

3.         backache and muscular pains- mildly heat a little black seed oil and then massage into the affected area alternatively powder equal quantities of asparagus seeds, black cumin, fenugreek and caraway. Take ¼ teaspoon of powder every morning with a glass of water.

4.         sleeping disorder- mix a teaspoon of black seed with some honey and water and drink before retiring to bed

5.         Asthma and bronchial and respiratory problems- mix a teaspoon of black seed oil in coffee, and take twice a day. Also rub the chest with black seed every night and inhale the vapour of black seed in hot water

6.         Hair loss- massage lemon juice into the hair and leave for 15-20 minutes, wash out thoroughly with shampoo, then aply black seed oil into the sculp and continue for a period of 20 days

7.         eye infection, pain and weak sight- apply the oil around the eyes and on the eyelids before retiring to bed, and take ½ a teaspoon of black seed oil mixed with carrot juice, for weak sight continue this treatment until there is improvement

8.         flu and nasal congestion- insert four drops of black seed into each nostrils to relieve from nasal congestion and head cold distress

9.         Toothache and gum- cook some black seeds in vinegar then add black seed oil. Rinse the mouth with this combination to ease toothache and help gums (or even simpler mix a half a teaspoon of black seed oil with warm water and gargle in the mouth, apply oil on the affected tooth for quick relief)

10.       healthy complexion- mix black seed oil with an equal amount of olive oil, massage into the face and leave for an hour, then wash out with soap and water

11.       Diabetes- grind together equal amounts of black seed and watercress (or mustard seed as an alternative) with half its amount of pomegranate peal and fumitory. Take ½ a teaspoon of the mixture together with a teaspoon of black seed oil daily before breakfast, continue treatment for a period of one month.

12.       increase in flow of breast milk- mix together 250 grams of black seed with 250grams of pure honey, stir and take one tablespoon with black seed oil twice a day

13.       vomiting- take half a teaspoon of fresh ginger juice mixed with equal amount of black seed oil, twice a day

Cautions

Although there are not many sources that speak about the side affects of the black seed it is advised that one does not exceed more than 25g as excessive dosage may be harmful (healing with the medicine of the prophet). Pregnant women are not advised to take the black seed and patients with major illnesses such as liver and kidney disease should consult a doctor as it can cause a drop in blood pressure. Diabetic patience are advised to consult a physician before using the black seed.