There is much confusion about Black Cumin Seed Oil and Black Seed Oil. Many people use the names interchangeably, and in most cases, they refer to the same thing: the oil made from Nigella sativa seeds, i.e., from the flower, commonly referred to as love-in-a-mist. This name, however, is misleading as the true love-in-a-mist flower grows on Nigella damascene, a close cousin of Nigella sativa.
In practice, black seeds and black cumin seeds come from two entirely different plants. Furthermore, both these seeds are used in Indian and Middle Eastern Cooking and impart different flavors to food.
Similarly, while the oil of both these seeds has a place in Ayurvedic medicine, Black Seed Oil contains beneficial compounds that increasingly astound researchers with their possible applications.
Nigella Sativa – Black Seed Oil (Ranunculaceae family)
In Southeast Asia, people commonly refer to Nigella sativa seeds as kalonji. In the Middle East, the most common name for Nigella sativa is habbat us sauda.
The black cumin misconception came in when, in English, it was referred to as black cumin. This was because of the seeds’ having a similarity in taste with a spicy tang to black cumin, i.e., Bunium bulbocastanum.
Black Seed Oil is extracted from these seeds and used in cuisine or for medicinal purposes. These seeds have been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries and are mentioned in both Muslim and Christian religious texts.
Traditionally, the most common medicinal uses of Black Seed Oil include the treatment of inflammatory issues, chronic headache, chest congestion, cough, fever, bronchitis, asthma, and even back pain.
Modern science has caught up with the many benefits of Black Seed Oil. The extensive investigations conducted into the properties of Nigella sativa and its potential benefits confirm that it is effective in addressing a wide array of health conditions and disorders. This is because of its neuro-protective, immunomodulator, antitussive, spasmolytic, antioxidant, gastroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, bronchodilator, anticancer, and antidiabetic activity.
While Black Seed Oil contains many beneficial compounds, the one that excites most scientists is thymoquinone. Research proves that this compound has cytotoxic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activity. These properties supply support to its consideration as an emerging drug.
Nigella Sativa In Food And Personal Care Products
When used in cooking, Nigella sativa seeds imbue food with a combination of oregano, black pepper, and onion flavors. Some people comment that the food also has a slightly nutty flavor. Commonly used in savory dishes, it pairs well with curries, lentil dishes, with squash like butternut and stir-fries. It is also often used when making pickles.
The oil commonly used for its therapeutic properties can also be used in food and for skin care. The oil has a strong spicy taste that some people describe as bitter. This makes it perfect for adding to a salad dressing that contains honey and lemon. You can also add it to your curries or stir fries, or drizzle the oil over your vegetables.
The oil is often found in cosmetics and hair care products because of its beneficial properties, although you can massage the oil into your skin and hair as well.
Before using the oil directly on your skin, first do a skin patch test to determine whether you have any interactions with it.
If you use it on your hair, leave it in as a hair mask for 30 minutes to an hour. Then wash with shampoo to get rid of the oily residue. The oil will help address scalp issues while giving your hair a healthy shine.
Cumin
Black seeds are not a member of the cumin spices.
You have two types of cumin seeds, which in India are both referred to as jeera. The first is the common cumin seed called Cuminum cyminum. The second is kala jeera, i.e., black cumin, which has the scientific name of Bunium bulbocastanum. It is also known as black caraway.
Cuminum cyminum (Apiaceae family)
This is the common cumin used extensively in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern cooking. A member of the parsley family, it is used as a spice. It adds a hot, nutty flavor to any dish you use it in. Because of this, it is often used in various spice blends like Mexican chilli powder and garam masala. Cumin is also extensively used in the preparation of savory dishes, grilled meat or chicken, in pickles, soups, and stews.
In traditional medicine, cumin seeds have been used to address various ailments. These include fever, insomnia, digestion, bloating, and colic. Research indicates the seeds are a reliable source of antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and fight free radicals.
Bunium bulbocastanum (Apiaceae family)
Black cumin is grown for its seeds, flowers, leaves, and roots. The seeds resemble cumin but have a milder flavor.
The seeds and flowers considered a cumin substitute imbue food with a cumin flavor. The edible roots, consumed raw or cooked, have a sweet, nutty flavor. You can also use the flowers and leaves for cooking. The flowers also make a great cummin substitute, while you can chop up the leaves and use them as an herb or a garnish to your salads or cooked dishes.
In Ayurvedic medicine, all parts of this plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including cold, fever, hyperglycemia, and throat infections. Research indicates that the plant has antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetes properties.
When cooking with black cumin seeds, it is best to add them towards the end of the dish’s cooking time. This is because when you cook them for an extended period, it changes the flavor of the seed. This seed is best when you slightly roast it on a low heat for about half a minute before adding it to your dish.
Bunium bulbocastanum oil is unfortunately also referred to as black seed oil. This is where the confusion comes in. Similar to Nigella sativa black seed oil, it also contains various beneficial compounds.
Discerning The Difference: Black Cumin Oil vs Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)
While both these oils have beneficial properties, they are made from plants that belong to different plant species. Because of this, the two oils have different compositions.
Because both are sold as black seed oil, you need to check the packaging label for the botanical name. Nigella sativa oil is labelled as Black Seed Oil or Kalonji Oil. On the other hand, the packaging of black cumin oil will say black cumin or shahi jeera oil.
You can also look for thymoquinone on the label. This is the most volatile compound in Black Seed Nigella sativa oil. This oil is also more pungent and spicier with a bitter flavor. Bunium bulbocastanum oil, on the other hand, has a milder flavor with a nut-like undertone.
