Black cumin

Black Cumin or kala jeera

Black Cumin or Kala jeera is an ancient spice of India. The seeds of a plant called Nigella Sativa, which were traditionally used for the treatment of several diseases. These seeds are also known by different names like Kalonji, Himali Jira or Kala jeera. Indian cuisines are using this seeds as a spice. The seed has to heat before consumption, it also has a slight pungent aroma when it is roasted.

Karimjeerakam is sprinkled on naan breads before baking and is also used in vegetable and dal recipes. The seeds can be used whole or ground and are usually fried or roasted before use.

There are lots of health benefits for black cumin. Some of them are listed below.

• Black cumin has antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, astringent, and sedative properties.
• Used as a natural herbal remedy for hair problems.
• Oil extracted from these seeds is used for treating skin diseases such as eczema, dry skin and psoriasis.
• Black cumin increases body metabolism
• Helps to improve memory by including this in daily food
• controlling diabetes by reducing blood sugar level.
• Reduces inflammation of the uterus.
• It is helpful in improving prenatal health in pregnant women.
• It is helpful for lactating mothers by providing high iron content and milk production.
• Useful for cancer treatment due to its powerful activities in radical scavenging, by slowing down development of colon and breast cancer cells.
• Cures mouth ulcers