Many of us know about caraway seeds from Soviet childhood. Then buns with caraway seeds, cereals with its oil were so popular. Today, caraway seeds are undeservedly forgotten. As well as the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds.
This spice not only improves the taste of dishes, gives them originality. It can scare away insects-uninvited guests from your kitchen, without harming the person himself. But in the article we will analyze in detail what is useful black cumin for our health. How can it be taken for these purposes. Are there any side effects and contraindications? What say people who have already tried such a remedy for herbal medicine.
What is this plant?
Black cumin was known to the first civilizations. Its "official" name is Carumcarvi. Black cumin is a herbaceous plant, rarely a perennial. Its maximum height is not more than 70 cm. The plant is widespread in Asian countries, on the territories of Russian Siberia. European breeders breed caraway seeds artificially.
Basically black cumin is known as a decorative planting. Its beautiful openwork leaves are appreciated in the design of flower beds, zones of suburban areas. And in July-August, small white or pink flowers showered the plant. It is often sown in the fields near the apiary, as it relates to honey plants.
As for the seeds of black caraway seeds, the beneficial properties of which we will analyze today, they are usually collected in late August. It is necessary that they mature and properly dry in natural conditions.
In addition to seeds, they are also suitable for food and leaf parts of a plant. They are added to salads, sauces or soups. As for the leaves, it is better to collect and dry them in early summer - so they will retain their original flavor longer.
About seasoning
Black cumin has many names:
- Nigella.
- Roman coriander.
- Sowing chernushka.
- Black seed.
- Sedan
- Kaliningi.
As a spice, plant seeds are common. They are appreciated for the peculiar bitter aroma and taste. Therefore, often black pepper is replaced with the usual pepper. Why? Cumin, unlike pepper, does not irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach. Dishes, slightly seasoned with it, get an unusual exotic taste.
The use of caraway seeds as a seasoning is very wide:
- Dough.
- Marinades.
- Soups
- Vegetable side dishes.
- Sweet mousses and puddings.
- Cheeses
- Dairy products.
Spice goes well with the following products:
- Carrot.
- Rye flour.
- Legumes
- Potatoes.
- Fig.
- Pumpkin.
- Black currant.
- Celery.
- Strawberry.
- Cardamom.
- Ginger.
Caraway in History
Our distant ancestors knew about the beneficial use of caraway seeds. He was especially appreciated in Asia and the Middle East. Here, people were among the first to use it as a medicine.
It is known that the prophet Muhammad claimed that black cumin will relieve any ailment. He is powerless just before his death. Muslims, following this advice, regularly added cumin to their food.
If we turn to the more ancient history of mankind, we will see that the Egyptians honored black cumin. So much so that his seeds were placed in the tombs of the pharaohs.
What is contained?
What is the use of black cumin? You can answer this question by learning what trace elements, vitamins and important substances are contained in the seeds of this plant:
- Vitamins B. It is they who are “responsible” for the state of both the nervous system and the skin of a person.
- Vitamins of groups E and K.
- Beta carotene.
- Essential oils.
- Trace complex: manganese, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium.
- Vitamin C.
What is the effect on the human body?
Let's find out how black cumin is useful for the health of each of us. Periodic eating of supplements in the form of leaves, fruits and seeds of this plant helps to achieve the following positive effect:
- Weakening of fermentation in the digestive tract.
- Elimination of flatulence, colic.
- Improving the condition of the oral cavity. In particular, the risk of tooth decay and progression is reduced. This is due to the fact that cumin increases the body's production of saliva, is characterized by anti-inflammatory effects.
- The acceleration of digestion.
- Natural rejuvenation of the body due to the regulation of cell mass activity.
- Decrease in the level of both nervousness and anxiety.
- Increased immunity.
- An antibacterial effect that helps the body's defenses fight microbes and viruses. Destroys many famous fungi and viruses, among which can be noted Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori.
- Stimulates the processes of skin regeneration, thereby prolonging its youth.
- It disrupts the formation of free radicals, and also protects the body from the effects of the latter.
- Stimulating the work of the brain, improving memory.
- Promotes an optimistic mood, relieving tension, smoothing out the emotional effects of stress.
- Helps to become more attentive, better concentrate on the thought process.
- Stimulation of bile secretion, decreased gastric acidity.
- Pressure reduction in the first stages of hypertension.
- Protection of the liver, as well as assistance in its restoration.
- Hair restoration.
- Fighting the effects of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
- Decreased childhood hyperactivity.
Speaking about what is useful black cumin, it should be noted that it is effective when used as a cough suppressant. At the same time, its effectiveness (as adjuvant therapy) is noted even with bronchitis and pneumonia.
What are the benefits of black cumin seeds? They are often used to cleanse, detoxify the body. They contribute to the removal of toxins along with metabolic products.
What diseases are treated?
Here we get acquainted with useful properties and contraindications, reviews about black caraway seeds. It's time to find out what diseases he is able to fight against.
In general, black cumin is a highly versatile natural remedy. Due to the many useful properties, the features of its components have a beneficial effect on the complex of vital processes in the body.
In particular, black cumin seeds are widely used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gall bladder, intestines, liver, stomach. Products based on them eliminate increased fermentation in the intestinal tract, bloating and diarrhea. It is noted that they contribute to better healing of ulcers in diseases of the stomach. Eating food seasoned with black caraway seeds, you help the process of digestion and assimilation of food in your body.
Black cumin is also known as an anesthetic. It is an assistant against headaches and joint pain. It also helps to relieve pain with colds, acute infections that affect the upper respiratory tract.
Is black cumin useful for skin? Yes, its properties allow the use of plant seeds for the treatment of a number of skin diseases:
- Psoriasis.
- Eczema
- Dermatitis.
- Ringworm.
- Boils.
- Acne
- Warts.
- Leukoderma.
- Non-healing wounds and sores.
It is also used in the treatment of oral problems - periodontal disease, chronic gum disease, stomatitis and toothache.
Great value of black cumin seeds for the heart and vascular system:
- Increasing the elasticity of the walls of the capillaries.
- Relieving vasospasm.
- Normalization of blood pressure.
- Improvement of blood circulation.
- Prevention of blood clots.
Note the following properties of caraway seeds:
- Decreased blood sugar.
- Additional treatment for dissolving kidney stones, urinary and gall bladder.
These are the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds. The use of the plant is not at all limited to home treatment and folk remedies. The product is widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetology. Especially valuable here is the oil obtained from caraway seeds. It is added to all kinds of creams, balms, shampoos, masks, including those known for their anti-aging effect. Why exactly oil? It has the highest concentration of useful elements of caraway seeds.
Properties for female and male health
Consider in detail what is useful black cumin for women. If there are problems with the menstrual cycle, then phytotherapy in the form of drinks or dishes with the inclusion of black cumin is recommended. This is also useful for hormones - it allows you to extend sexual activity.
The beneficial properties of black cumin for men are similar - eating a plant as a food also allows you to extend an intimate life. With the help of spices, potency problems are effectively resolved without harming other organ systems.
Black cumin has also proved its effectiveness in the case of problems in the premenstrual period, various manifestations of menopause. If mother will consume black cumin during lactation, the volume of milk will increase. It does not bring any harm to the infant. Moreover, the use of spices by mom practically does not affect the taste of milk.
Seed intake is shown both in the last stages of pregnancy and in case of kidney problems. Cumin helps to remove excess fluid from the body without any health consequences. It is also used as an additional treatment for a group of endocrine diseases.
What is useful black cumin for men and women who want to lose weight? It helps to cleanse the body, normalize metabolic processes in it. And often the cause of obesity is precisely in impaired metabolism, "cluttering" of the body with toxins and slag.
Cumin is also useful as a component of homemade cosmetic masks. It allows you to restore the skin, restore youthful elasticity to it, and even get rid of fine wrinkles.
Negative health effects
We examined the beneficial properties of black cumin. Contraindications to its use are also available. The first here is the individual intolerance of greens, seeds or plant oil. But judging by the reviews, black cumin allergy causes only in rare cases. Sometimes, when applied externally, redness appears on the skin.
Speaking about the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds, contraindications to their addition to food, we also outline health problems in which spice will negatively affect the body:
- Low blood pressure
- Digestive tract problems. In particular, a tendency to constipation.
- Hypotonic musculature.
- Excessive blood coagulation.
- Chronic kidney disease.
If red spots suddenly appeared on your skin after the introduction of caraway seeds into the diet, then the use of seasoning should be suspended until the causes of an allergic reaction are clarified. If it was called cumin, it should be abandoned.
It is also not recommended to use components whose storage period already exceeds 8-10 months. In this case, the product practically does not contain its valuable components. But on the taste of caraway seeds as a seasoning, such a shelf life is not reflected.
How to eat for food?
If you get acquainted with the beneficial properties of black cumin, contraindications to its use, then you probably want to know how to take this plant, add it to food.
The first method is decoctions. Both from the leaves and from the seeds of the plant. For the best effect, they should be crushed before brewing. A similar "flour" can also be added to your favorite dishes, pastries. In addition to nutrition, it can also be included in creams, ointments for joints - this will make drugs more effective.
It is difficult to independently extract oil from caraway seeds at home. But you can buy caraway oil in a pharmacy, supermarkets, order in online health food stores. It is ideal for salads, cereals, side dishes.
We know the beneficial properties of black cumin seeds (and contraindications to their use). The most successful is their addition to baking. Steam the seeds beforehand: add them to the dough or sprinkle on top of the finished product.
As a seasoning, black cumin is good for sweet and sour vegetables. Perfectly complements the taste of the whole range of legumes. But in order not to spoil the taste of the dish, it is important not to miss the amount of spice. Just one pinch of seeds or crushed leaves of the plant is enough.
Allowable dosage
In the article we get acquainted with useful properties, reviews about black caraway seeds. If you are interested in this natural medicine, then you need to know about its acceptable dosages:
- Adults. The maximum allowable portion is one teaspoon of seeds, both whole and ground (in one day).
- Children over three years old. Half of the adult dose is 1/2 teaspoon. To improve the taste of the seasoning for your child, mix it with honey.
Use for health problems
Now we will analyze the specific use of caraway seeds in various conditions and diseases:
- Lowering blood pressure. Wipe the seeds of the plant into a fine powder. Pour the resulting flour with a glass of boiling water. Let the drink brew. Take every morning on an empty stomach before breakfast. Some folk tips recommend adding a couple of mashed garlic cloves. But it depends on your taste preferences, sensitivity of the digestive tract to garlic, gastrointestinal diseases.
- Nausea and vomiting. Take one tablespoon of menthol and 1/2 tablespoon of caraway seeds. Pour a glass of boiling water. Drink on an empty stomach 3 times a day.
- Improving memory, concentration, stimulating cerebral circulation. 1/2 tablespoon of black cumin seeds and 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves pour a glass of water in a small bucket. Place the container on the stove, bring the contents to a boil. Pour the broth immediately, without cooling, into a thermos. Let it brew for 1 hour. Drink the infusion during the day, replacing them with the usual tea and coffee.
- Helminthiasis. Pre-fry the seeds of black caraway seeds in a pan. Grate grated onions. Mix 10 g of fried tin with 15 g of onions. Take every day about half an hour before breakfast.
- Toothache. Rub the cumin seeds into a fine powder. Add olive oil - you should get a thick paste-like mass. Apply this composition to a diseased tooth.
- Sinusitis. Rub black caraway seeds into flour. Mix with olive oil. Drip this solution into the nasal passages.
- Headache. Black cumin here is good in combination with other natural medicines. In equal quantities, mix anise seeds, cloves and black cumin seeds. Rub them to a powdery substance. Take the mixture one teaspoon before bedtime, and immediately after waking up.
- Kidney stones and gall bladder. Daily consume one teaspoon of black cumin seeds mixed with honey.
- Diseases of the skin. You will need black cumin oil. Daily, at least 3 times a day, treat them with affected areas of the skin. It is also recommended that in parallel with this treatment, periodically use an infusion of black caraway seeds, sweetened with natural honey.
- Cough (help better sputum discharge). One tablespoon of seeds is poured with a glass of boiling water in a small bucket. Place the container on the stove - boil it for 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth. Drink a drink before each meal, 100 ml, at least three times a day.
- Sore throat. Pour a teaspoon of caraway seeds with boiling water, let it brew, then strain, cool to room temperature. With this solution periodically gargle.
- Cold. It is recommended to do inhalation with black caraway seeds. Pre-grind the seeds, pour boiling water. Let it brew for about 10 minutes. After that, remove the lid, bend over the container, cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapor for 15 minutes.
- Otitis. Take the onion, on its top make a small indentation with a knife. Gently pour one teaspoon of caraway seeds into it, then place the cut top back. Bake the onion in the oven. Squeeze the juice from a still hot onion. After cooling, drip it into the sore ear at least three times a day.
- Insomnia. Another useful use of black cumin. Here it is recommended to prepare such a drink: for one cup of milk 1 teaspoon of mashed black cumin seed and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix well. Drink the product shortly before dinner.
- Elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol. Pound to a state of powder 1 teaspoon of black cumin and 1 tablespoon of dried yarrow. Pour in one glass of liquid honey. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate. Such a remedy is taken 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach, before breakfast.
Reviews
In conclusion, we present useful reviews about black caraway seeds. Most of all, it is valued as a folk remedy for improving the digestive tract. Those who have tried this method note that problems such as bloating, flatulence, and stomach discomfort are gone. They periodically drank infusions of black caraway seeds, added it to food instead of pepper.
Black cumin is also noted as an excellent remedy for colds and colds. In particular, inhalations, gargles, drops with caraway seeds and vegetable oil. They are very effective at the first sign of illness.
A lot of reviews in which black cumin oil is noted. First of all, for an excellent cosmetic effect. It makes the skin more elastic, velvety.
As for black cumin as a remedy for male and female diseases, there is no clear opinion. Most of those who wrote reviews used it in combination with medicines, therefore they can’t judge what exactly helped them to improve their condition.
Black cumin is not only a kind of seasoning, but also a universal remedy for auxiliary, home treatment. Many of its uses are simply explained: cumin is rich in a whole complex of vitamins, trace elements, minerals.