Black cumin, or black seeds, are known by many names, and have just as many uses as they do monikers. Black seeds are native to Europe, parts of West Asia, and the Middle East and have been used in tribal and Eastern medicine for hundreds of years as a cure-all to help alleviate pain, fight parasites and infections, and more.
Precious tiny black seeds are harvested from the Nigella Sativa plant, where they are then pressed for their oils. The extracted oil is used to create many forms of medications and is known as “The Cure for Everything but Death.” Because it is so useful and versatile, this plant is spreading in popularity in the Western World.
The Power of Black Cumin
Black cumin has been extensively studied by researchers for its healing abilities. Since 1964, 458 published, peer-reviewed studies have referenced the seed (1).
Like most traditional plant medicines, black cumin contains plenty of natural compounds that work together to make it so incredibly healing. Here are just a few ways in which black seed can improve your health.
1. Helps Soothe Respiratory Problems and Asthma Symptoms
Black seeds were used in ancient Greece as the active ingredient in inhalers, which helped alleviate respiratory problems, such as asthma, chronic coughs, and acute allergies (2).
Though more studies must be performed, early data indicates that black seed oil may be even more effective at fighting asthma, coughs, and allergy attacks than conventional treatments used today. That’s because of Thymoquinone, an active compound in the seed that works better than the asthma drug fluticasone (3). Nigella Sativa is used very effectively in modern day inhalers in Marrakech. Drinking black cumin tea and inhaling the steam is a great way to get relief (4).