The Rediscovery of an Ancient Super Herb
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa), from the buttercup family is beginning to get rave reviews from health professionals. The Ancient Egyptians were very aware of its healing and purificatory qualities. Even Tutankhamun had it buried in his tomb.
Avicenna (980-1037AD) the Persian-born, philosopher who wrote the medieval medical text known as the Canon of Medicine, also extolled black seed oil’s recuperative and regenerative powers.
This super herb, pressed from the seeds of the plant, is said to have an astonishing array of benefits,
some of which are:
And the list goes on.
The good news for those advancing in years and indeed anyone who is concerned about free radical damage, is that research indicates that black seed oil is a powerful free radical scavenger. Free radicals can quicken the ageing process and cause all kinds of diseases by destroying healthy cells.
Free radical damage may lead to, heart problems, diabetes, or cancer, all major diseases in the West.
It is a rich source of essential fatty acids which are the building blocks of cells and help the body produce Prostaglandin E1.
When analysed it was found that Black seed oil,contains the following Essential fatty acids:
Myristic Acid(0.5%), Palmitic Acid (13.7%), Palmitoleic Acid (0.1%), Stearic Acid (2.6%), Oleic Acid (23.7%), Linoleic Acid [Omega-6] (57.9%), Linolenic Acid [Omega-3] (0.2%), Arachidic Acid (1.3%) – and the following nutrient components Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Niacin, Folacin, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus.
It contains more than a hundred natural plant chemicals including powerful antioxidants, carotenes, carbohydrates, vitamins, 15 amino acids of which 8 are essential amino acids, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Nigellone is one of the volatile oils present in the black seed herb.
As an anti-histamine, it helps fight allergies and hay fever. Its bronchi dilating effect is helpful in treating respiratory problems.
A study done at the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia to determine the effects of black seeds on pancreatic cancer cells showed that the seed extract was able to inhibit the activation and synthesis of NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB is a protein that is associated with pancreatic cancer and other inflammation associated cancer. These two results suggest that black seeds have the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
What scientific research has there been to date?
Since 1959, there have been over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals showing remarkable results supporting some of its traditional use. The studies continue and everyday new benefits are discovered.