[by Mutmaina]
[05/02/03]
[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]

The black seed (also known as Nigella sativa), is known by a variety of different names; the Black caraway, Black cumin, Kalonji, Schwarzcummel, sinouj, Nutmeg flower, Shonaiz, Habba sowda, fennel flower or Habbatul Barakah (in Arabic appropriately meaning the seed of blessing).
Black seed has been used for centuries, by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to promote health and fight disease, and is still known as one of all-time greatest source of natural medicines.

The nutrients found in black seed are numerous; 15 Amino acid, proteins, carbohydrates, oils (both fixed and volatile), alkaloids, saponins, crude fibres and traces of minerals including; calcium, potassium, iron, and sodium.

Besides its capacity to reduce inflammation, improve kidney functions, improve milk production in nursing mothers, strengthen the liver, and increase the body's resistance against diseases, more recent benefits of the black seed includes its potential for the treatment of the bronchial asthma, bronchitis and other respirotory ailments, its capacity to lower excess blood pressure and improve the heart conditions and its antimicrobial activity against a host of alot of disease causing organisms like E.Coli and Staphylococcus etc.

In a famous tradition by Muhammad Black seed is a cure for every disease except death.
The actual Nigella sativa plant reproduces with itself and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds).

In English, the Nigella sativa plant is commonly referred to as "Love in a Mist". Black seed is effective at treating the body as a whole and fights the actual cause of the symptoms. Black seed regulates too weak or too strong reactions of the immune system and is excellent for treating chronic, allergic and hormonal diseases.
It uses are many as well as its benefit. Black seed support metabolism, improve digestion, and lowers blood sugar levels. It is used to dispel worms and parasites from intestinal track. It is useful in soothing bronchitis and coughs,increase body tone, stimulates menstrual periods, increases the flow of breast milk, provides quick energy, increases sperm count, calms the nervous system, encourages hair growth and retards hair fall out, prevents skin wrinkling, and much more.
Modern scientific studies have proven the immune enhancing effect of this blessed seed. It improves the natural defense and repair mechanisms of the body. It improves healing after surgery with less complications and faster recovery. It regulates blood pressure, enhances bile and breast milk production, stimulates sperm producing tissue. It is also known to be an effective antimicrobial agent and broncho-dilator.



Recipes from the Foods menioned in the Qur'an

Fig Recipes

Olive Recipes

Honey Recipes

 

 

 

Dates
Dates are also low in fat, high in fibre and are an extremely good source of potassium. They also provide some iron. Optimise the absorption of iron from dates (and figs) by eating a satsuma, which provides vitamin C, at the same time.