Natural Remedies

(DISCLAIMER: Please note that these applications are taken from traditional and modern applications. In the case of illness one should always contact a physician to be absolutely sure. The statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA, and as such, shall not be construed as medical advice, implied or otherwise.)
Black seed can be used for:
Weak
Immune System (chronic
reoccurring illness, AIDS).
Cancer
Diabetes
Over
reactive Immune System (allergies, rheumatism, M.S., leukaemia, hayfever and
asthma)
Hormone System (P.M.S.)
Allergic Skin Diseases (inflammations, edemas, nettle rash, acne &
eczema)
Neurodermitis
Digestive Problems
Cough, Colds &
Flu
Intestinal Parasites (worms; amoeba)
Liver and Gall bladder
complaints
Kidney and Bladder problems
Bladder inflammation
Rheumatic
and Arthritic pain
Bruises and injuries
Weak concentration, mental
exhaustion, lethargy, confusion
High Blood Pressure
Colic in
babies
Sinusitis
Modern
research
has confirmed the traditional uses of black seed for the
following:
- Analgesic:
Relieves or dampens sensation of pain.
- Anthelmintic:
(Also know as vermicide or vermifuge.) Destroys and expels intestinal worms.
- Anti-bacterial:
Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive bacteria.
- Anti-Inflammatory:
Reduces inflammation.
- Anti-Microbial:
Destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive microorganisms.
- Antioxidant:
Prevents or delays the damaging oxidisation of the body’s cells - particularly
useful against free radicals.
- Anti-Pyretic:
(Also known as ferbrifuge.) Exhibits a ‘cooling action’, useful in fever
reduction.
- Anti-spasmodic:
Prevents or eases muscle spasms and cramps.
- Anti-tumour:
Counteracts or prevents the formation of malignant tumours.
- Carminative:
Stimulates digestion and induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach and the
intestines.
- Diaphoretic:
Induces perspiration during fever to cool and stimulate the release of toxins.
- Diuretic:
Stimulates urination to relieve bloating and rid the body of any excess water.
- Digestive:
Stimulates bile and aids in the digestive process.
- Emmenagogue:
Stimulates menstrual flow and activity.
- Galactogogue:
Stimulates the action of milk in new mothers.
- Hypotensive:
Reduces excess blood pressure.
- Immunomodulator:
Suppresses or strengthens immune system activity as needed for optimum
balance.
- Laxative:
Causes looseness or relaxation of the bowels.
This
is an extensive list and explains the popularity of this product in the Orient.
Not only used by the populace but also by the Ayurvedic system of medicine and
the Unani Tibb. Research has also confirmed why this herb has been held with so
much respect.
Prevention
is better than cure
This
is a natural remedy and only for digestive complaints, minor skin problems and
simple illnesses, e.g. colds, basic allergies etc. will the effects of the oil
be quickly felt. My sister who was in stress and had no appetite soon retained
her interest in eating after a spoonful of the oil.
For
acute symptoms the oil can be slow and should be taken over a long term. Acute
symptoms often result from the body being rundown due to stess, bad diet etc. We
need to build our body back to be able to support itself.
Black
seed oil finds the problems in the body (mainly by strengthening and rebalancing
the immune system) and solves them giving the body the strength to defend and
fight against disease. Generally the oil should be taken to support severe
problems from at least 3 months to even 6 months.
Dosage
For
those just beginning to take the oil initially one should take: 1 teaspoon 3
times daily for 2-3 weeks
and
thereafter a teaspoon 2 times daily.
This
dosage may be increased when illness falls upon us. As much as it is advisable
to take it continually, it is also advisable to sometimes not take it for a
couple of weeks so the body doesn’t take it for granted.
For
those taking capsules (some people find the oil far too pungent) the equivalent
of 2 capsules amounts to one teaspoon of oil.
Of
course we are all different, some of us can take lots more than others. John
Claydon who runs a health food supplements mail catalogue describes his first
experience with the blessed seed oil.
Description
“I
had been searching this oil for a long time after hearing so much about it. I
took the oil for 3 days. Now I take a lot of supplements already but I didn't
know how much rubbish I had left in me.
I
started taking about 2-3 desert spoons a day. Within 48 hours the cleaning
process was very deep, it cleared out the kidneys and the liver, it went really
deep. It went straight to the liver, it is an excellent liver
flush.
It
is a fantastic product, we are very happy with it here. I have been on it ever
since, I take a maintenance dose of 1 teaspoon a day.”
Regenerative
Nutrition
Children
aged 12 and under should take half the suggested dose for adults and infants
half of the children’s dose.
During food allergies the dosage should be
taken cautiously so as not to cause over powerful reactions. Everyone’s
susceptibility to the oil is different and one should be sensitive to what one
feels is good for oneself and use the above as a general
guideline.
Black
seed oil has proved to be an excellent healer, and its areas of application
range from external skin care (psoriasis, eczema, acne, dry skin, joints &
scalp massage) and to internal use as a treatment for various complaints
(asthma, arthritis, immune system).
Research
Researchers
are constantly examining the benefits of black seed oil and other herbal
remedies in the treatment of many ailments for two main reasons.
One
is to conclude that who use these alternative medicines will not be at risk of
detrimental side effects.
The
other is to prove the effectiveness of natural remedies, because available
pharmaceutical remedies are for certain ailments limited, may have bad side
effects and can even be ineffective in the long term.
Research
on the benefits of black seed oil is considered preliminary, as most studies
have been carried out on animals, but the results are promising. Indeed the FDA
have patented extracts of black seed in 3 separate cases and in 2 other separate
cases they have patented it in combination with other
herbs.
Black
seed has also been patented in the UK.
Cancer
Herbal
remedies and alternative medicine are becoming redicovered as a real solution to
restore and sustain good health. Research
has identified black seed as being highly beneficial in the treatment of cancer.
Black
seed has been treated as serious remedy for cancer and has been patented by the
FDA in USA in 2 separate cases for the
treatment of cancer and other conditions and the prevention of the side affects
of anti cancer chemo-therapy and to support the immune
system.
In
other studies made it was found that this herb diminishes toxic side effects
caused by several other chemotherapeutic drugs. Extracts
from the seeds were toxic to cancer cells and prevent blood cell toxicity caused
by the anti-cancer drug cisplatin.
The
active components of black seed, thymoquinoline and dithymoquinone have been
shown to inhibit tumour cells, even tumour cells resistant to anti-cancer drugs.
Asthma
The concept of black seed being used to assist sufferers of asthma is
indeed an interesting possibility. The
fact that it took Germany by storm after curing a famous racehorse certainly
empowered the notion of how well herbal remedies can work.
Dr.
Peter Schleicher a top Immunologist in Munich, Germany saw that his daughter´s
famous show horse, “Baronesse” was dramatically cured from serious asthma by
black seed. He then applied black seed to a prominent German politician. When he
was also completely cured the Dr. took the seed to serious study and was the
head of 5 major research studies on this ancient herb.
The
Dr. took oil capsules of black seed into a trial of 600 patients who were
suffering from allergies. 70% of patients with allergies such as pollen and dust
allergies, asthma and neuro-dermitis were cured.
Diabetes
Diabetes
is the number one nutritional problem in US. This is mainly caused by bad diet
which creates excess fat. Being obese or overweight is the main cause of
Diabetes Type II.
There
have been numerous research papers confirming the benefits of black seed for
diabetes. The
well known physician and herbalist Muhammed Salim Khan confirmed the benefits of
Black seed with human subjects. The best results with diabetes may be obtained
by combining black seed oil with a good diet. One should contact ones physician
as studies have shown that black seed oil reduces blood glucose levels
significantly. One should avoid over fatty foods and add fresh fruits in the
diet.
Colon
Cleanse
A
colon
cleanse is a special issue for black seed oil. A blocked intestinal tract can
lead to many other illnesses, as Paracelsus said, "Death is found in the
intestines."
Due
to our intake of more and more processed foods, fast foods etc, we subject our
intestines to
foods that are difficult to breakdown. On top of this with the addition of
chemicals in foods, in the air and in tap water we overload ourselves leading to
toxin bulid up.
Black
seed oil can be used as a therapy due to its anti bacterial quality and because
of its content of volatile oil (anti microbial) which cleans the intestinal
tract due to nigellin and saponin
melathin.
Candida
Candida is becoming more and more common. This may well have something to do with the fashion of ladies not wearing sufficient clothing. Consequently they are exposed to the cold air which can create infection. Studies with black seed have shown it to be a healthy remedy against this ailment.
In studies of black seed against candida it was confirmed that Black seed extracts produce antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microbes and especially on multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Horses
and Pets
One
should not be too surprised to find nigella sativa as an animal health
supplement. Presently in Germany, Switzerland and Austria there are numerous
companies specialising in nigella sativa products especially for horses.
Horses
and pets, like ourselves are open to sickness. By administering black seed into
the feed one stabilises and strengthens the all important immune
system.
Presently
there is a major company in the UK which supplies an ayurvedic formula with a
20% content of black seed. This is for the treatment of horses with Laminitis,
Equine
Cushings Disease, Diabetes and Insulin resistance.
The
Benefits of Antioxidants In Black Seed
Many
studies have displayed the antioxidant activity of Black seed. Antioxidants are
substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules
known as free radicals.
Free
radical damage may lead to cancer. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals
preventing the beginning of many illnesses. Black seed is also known to
stabilise superoxide which is one of the stronger free
radicals.
Healthy
Recipes
Black seed is commonly used in the kitchen in the orient because of it’s
peppery and onion taste and when heated, it imparts an aroma strong, yet
pleasing, like oregano or cumin, this is combined with the healing effects of
the seed.
Weakened Immune System (chronic illnesses, AIDS)
A
weak immune system can result in a state of lowered resistance which can result
in general fatigue, susceptibility to illness with the tendency to create a
ground for stronger infection. An imbalance in the immune system is associated
with weakened resistance to disease.
This
means a greater susceptibility to influenzal infections and viral infections of
the skin and mucous membranes by herpes viruses. The body’s own resistance to
bacteria is diminished.
Direction:
0.5 – 1 teaspoon of black seed oil taken 2-3 times a day for 20 days thereafter
1 teaspoon daily for 3 – 6 months.
Over
reactive immune system
This
can lead to allergic reactions and rheumatic diseases. Black
seed has powerful anti-inflammatory, bronchial-dilating and anti-histamine
properties, and as such is an excellent agent against allergic reactions and
states.
In
allergic conditions, the excessive T cell function and the excessive humoral
immune reaction of the B cells is largely stabilised.
The
hypersensitivity (excessive immune reaction) to protein components of pollen is
reduced.
The
active substance, nigellon, is vasodilative and stimulates
secretion.
Asthmatics
achieve a significantly improved lung volume, have fewer problems with shortness
of breath and secretion is improved.
Also
chronic disease like multiple sclerosis and leukemia can be
relieved.
Direction:
0.5 – 1 teaspoon of black seed oil taken 2-3 times a day for 20 days thereafter
1 teaspoon daily for 3 – 6 months.
Infection
of the respiratory system. Cough, asthma, hayfever, sinusitus,
colds
Because
of black seed oil’s contents nigellone and thymiquinone it has a
secretion-dissolving and vasodilating effect therefore strongly relaxing the
respiratory system.
It’s
bronchodilating effect opens passageways in the lungs allowing more oxygen to
pass through. This can be amazing when one has been blocked
up.
Combined
with it’s supportive role of the immune system black seed oil has been very
beneficial in these applications.
Direction:Apply
black seed oil to the chest and back. Mix a teaspoon of black seed oil in
boiling water and inhale the vapour twice a day. Take a teaspoon of black seed
oil in the morning and in the evening.
For
hay fever begin taking a teaspoon of black seed oil in the morning and in the
evening 3-4 weeks prior to the pollen season.
Flu
& nasal congestion
Placing
three to four drops of black seed oil in each nostril can relieve nasal
congestion and head cold distress.
During
infection take 2-3 teaspoons a day.
Liver and Gall bladder problems
The
warming and bitter principles seem to penetrate into blockages in the body and
rapidly instigate normalisation. Also saponins strengthen the liver function and
promote bile secretion.
Take
2-3 teaspoons of black seed oil for 2 weeks.
Gall stones & kidney stones
The
component nigellin promotes the function of the liver and kidneys
(gallbladder)
Their
anti spasmodic effects are said to be useful in the case of gallstones,
excessive acids are broken down due to increased kidney activity and bile
secretion which helps relieve inflammation.
Prepare
a formulation of 250g of ground black seed & 250g pure honey, stir
thoroughly before use. Take two tablespoons of this formulation and mix
thoroughly with half a cup of hot water. Finally add one teaspoon of black seed
oil. This mixture should be taken every morning before consuming any food.
For
Hypertension
Black
seed helps lower blood pressure; it releases excess fluid and relieves arterial
pressure. Thymoquinone contains strong anti oxidant properties which benefit
cardiovascular complaints. Prostoglandin E1 (black seed stimulates its
production in the body) has been proven to lower blood
pressure.
Take
half teaspoon of Black seed oil with any hot drink at any time. Take 2 lobes of
garlic on empty stomach. Apply Black seed oil to your whole body and expose it
to the sun every three days where possible. (This is a typical remedy in Middle
Eastern countries)
For Backache and Rheumatic pains.
Many types of rheumatism belong to the auto-immune group of diseases and indicate a deficient immune system.
Rheumatics
often suffer from intestinal mycosis and the formation of too many acid toxins.
Black seed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces crystallisation and
improves blood circulation in the painful areas of the body.
Warm
the oil slightly and apply to the area thoroughly and massage into the affected
area and drink 1 teaspoon oil twice daily.
Diarrhoea
Eat
white boiled rice with a cup of yoghurt. Drink 2 teaspoons of black
seed oil
until the problem ceases.
Gatrointestinal Complaints
Flatulence,
heartburn, constipation, intestinal fungi.Black seed oil contains saponin melanthin and the bitter principle
nigellin, both having strong eliminating qualities cleaning the intestines and
also increasing urine secretion therefore releasing more toxins.
It has been proven to be Anthelmintic, an agent that destroys or causes the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms.
Stomach
complaints
Black
seed oil has digestive and flatulence inhibiting effects. It may also be used in
cases of heartburn.
Take
1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day. Drink mint tea with lemon. For children, 1 cup of
hot milk sweetened with honey and 1 teaspoon of black seed
oil.
Vomiting
In
Ayurveda black seeds are roasted and taken in a mixture with
molasses.
Dry
Cough
Rub
the chest and back with the blessed seed oil.
For
Heart complaints & Constriction of Veins
Take
1 teaspoon of the oil mixed with any hot drink in the mornings and in the
evenings, this has been known to break down the fats and widen the veins and
arteries.
Inflammation
of the Nose and Throat
Put
a few drops of oil in to a cup of boiling water and inhale the vapour. Take half
a teaspoon of oil with lemon juice daily.
Neurodermatitis,
Eczema and Psoriasis
The
ingredients of black seed oil heal inflammation of the skin and alleviate
itching. Sebaceous glands and sweat glands are able to work better again.
The
balance is restored to the immune system. Heartburn is usually reduced to a
minimum within 10 days or disappears altogether. The active ingredient
thymoquinone encourages the bile flow and increases toxins to be released.
Direction:
0.5 – 1 teaspoon of black seed oil taken 2-3 times a day for 20 days thereafter
1 teaspoon daily for 3 – 6 months.
For
Headache
Black
seed oil is confirmed to ease headaches by regulating the hormonal system,
promoting prostaglandin effect and increasing elimination of uric acid.
Apply
black seed oil to the forehead and the temples, because of essential oils
detoxification occurs creating better circulation. Take 1 teaspoon of black seed
oil daily and continue until symptoms diminish.
Mix ½ teaspoon of oil with ½ teaspoon of olive oil, warm and then drip into the ear and cover with a shawl or a woolen hat.
Colic in Babies
Warm
oil in hand, massage the whole abdomen with it stroking
clockwise.
Lack of concentration, weak spirit
This can apply to simple disspiritidness but can also be the beginning of senile dementia. Black seed oil’s stimulation of prostaglandin E1 activity has a regulating effect on the brain and in older people is a useful tonic to take daily.
To
increase lactation in mothers
– increasing the milk flow
– has been verified on a study using rats whilst a study on humans has yielded positive results on its immunopotentiating role.
For
menopause
Drink
nigella tea regularly. Steep the seeds in very hot (not boiling) water for 5
minutes. Take 2-3 teaspoons of black seed oil daily.
Gum
inflammation and Toothache
Black
seeds anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain killing effect helps in these
symptoms.
Rub
infected area with black seed oil.2, take 1 teaspoon as a mouth rinse, rinse
through the teeth and mouth for 3-5 minutes then spit out and thoroughly clean
mouth as the oil will be full of toxins.
Haemorrhoids
Usually
arise from poor diets and intestinal toxins.
Direction:
0.5 – 1 teaspoon of black seed oil taken 2-3 times a day for 20 days thereafter
1 teaspoon daily for 3 – 6 months.
Bruises
and injuries
Black
seed oil when applied externally creates detoxification and better circulation
because of essential oils. Also penetrates into deeper tissue and accelerates
healing.
Massage
into affected area and take 1 teaspoon 2-3 times daily.
Beauty
Care
Naturally
for care of beauty we must primarily take care of health. Black seed oil has
been used by Cleopatra and Queen Nefertete (who was famous for her bronze like
complexion) and was also administered by Pliny for restoring and maintaining
beauty.
The
essential oil of black seed provides cleansing and purifying qualities while the
EFA content make it a wonderful moisturiser for both skin and hair. Black seed
supports cell renewal, connective tissues are strengthened, blood supply to the
skin is stimulated and the skin is revitalised.
Mix
½ teaspoon of black seed oil with ½ teaspoon of olive oil and apply to the face
avoiding eyes. Leave for 15 minutes and then wash off with warm
water.
Hair
Care
Black
seed strengthens the scalp and hair follicles. Apply black seed oil to the scalp
(for problem hair can also massage into the hair.) and leave for ½ hour. Then
wash out thoroughly.
Animal
Care
Black
seed oil is a famous product in Germany, Switzerland and Austria for animal
health care especially horses. Black seed oil is said to have the following
properties for treating animals; Improves circulation, digestion, flatulence,
purifying, cellulite, euphoric, relieves fatigue & pain. Analgesic,
Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic,
Antitoxic, Aperitif, Aphrodisiac, Emmenagogue.
For
cats and dogs administer ½-1 teaspoon of oil to food, for horses 2-3 teaspoons.
This relieves respiratory ailments, allergic reactions and parasites of all
kinds. Also the animals skin should begin to shine with
health.
External
application, steep black seed in water for 1 hour then spray on coat before
grooming for gleaming hair and skin, improved circulation and to protect from or
dispel fleas. 20-30 drops may be directly applied to ease hoof
inflammations.
DISCLAIMER:
Please
note that these applications are taken from traditional and modern applications.
In the case of illness one should always contact a physician to be absolutely
sure. The statements made here have not
been evaluated by the FDA, and as such, shall not be construed as medical
advice, implied or otherwise.