Many claims are made nowadays for any number of foods from lemons and watermelons to chia seeds which are claimed to have life-giving properties. However, over 1000 years ago the prophet Muhammed said that the black seeds of the nigella family were ‘The cure for all diseases except death’. These seeds go under a variety of names: Ajenuz, Aranuel, Baraka, Black Cumin, Black Caraway, Charnuska, Cheveux de Vénus, Cominho Negro, Comino Negro, Cumin Noir, Fennel Flower, Fitch, Graine de Nigelle, Graine Noire, Kalajaji, Kalajira, Kalonji, La Grainer Noire, Love in a Mist, Mugrela, Nielle, Nigella sativa, Nigelle de Crête, Nigelle Cultivée, Nutmeg Flower, Poivrette, Roman-Coriander, Schwarzkummel, Small Fennel, Toute Épice or Upakuncika. However, it is usually referred to as Black Seed. Some information on the seed is available here. For most people, however, it is more convenient to use black seed oil (available here). Here’s a method of taking the black seed oil that is healthy and pleasant as a breakfast in the morning
- Warm 1 tablespoon of honey so that it is runny. A good method is to put the honey into a bowel and float it in hot water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of black seed oil and mix.
- Add 1 or more tablespoons of yoghurt and mix.
- Pour over fruit
Do this daily for 40 days. There are different strengths of black seed oil and you may want to start on a low strength and build up. As well as on the web black seed oil is easily available from most stores that provide Middle East or Indian produce but be aware that it may be sold under a different name. I have no problems in purchasing either black seed or the oil in Melbourne, Australia and I would think it is easily available in most cosmopolitan cities.
