In the Spring of 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a patent for drug use as an immune system stimulant. The drug is based on extracts of 'nigella sativa', more commonly known as the black seed to Muslims or black cumin. The patent was based on 'a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract of the plant Nigella sativa … for treated cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune function in humans.'

Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the 'black seed' or 'al-habbastus-sawdaa' for hundreds of years. The black seed has become very popular in recent years and is marketed and sold by many Muslim and non-Muslim businesses. A large part of this herbal preparation's popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet. Bukhari reported that the Prophet [Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] said, 'There is a healing in the black seed for all diseases except death.' However, the many products that are presently sold as the 'black seed' may be black cumin, black caraway, and even coriander. As-Suyuti's Medicine of the Prophet, has the black seed listed as coriander seeds, with arguments presented for black cumin, terebinth, and even mustard. However, research seems to favour 'black cumin' or Nigella Sativa as the black seed. Black cumin may be referred to as nutmeg flower or roman coriander, and even fennel flower by gardeners.

Black cumin has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand years. These uses range from stomach aches to asthma, cancer to coughs, and the traditional use as a spice. Black cumin is also used as a carminative (rids the body of gas from the intestines), a digestive (aids in the digestion of foods), a diuretic (increases urine flow by ridding the body of excess water), an emmenagogue (promotes and regulates menstruation), a galactagogue (increases the production of milk), a resolvent (dissolves boils and swelling), a stimulant (increases the flow of adrenaline and energy), a stomachic (relieves stomach disorders), a sudorific (increases perspiration), a tonic (improves bodily functions), and a vermifuge (expels worms). Caution should be taken when using the black seed by pregnant or potentially pregnant women, as high doses of this product could induce spontaneous abortions.

There are several beneficial uses for the black seed. However, to insure that you are taking the black seed look for the words Nigella sativa. Only this plant, as opposed to true cumin or coriander has the ability to 'heal all diseases'. Research suggests that the black seed is an effective antitumor treatment for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. The black seed may also be of possible benefit in treating high blood pressure. Except its potential to cause spontaneous abortion (and only at high dosages), there may be little if any toxic side effects to using the black seed. There is even some research on the possible contraceptive abilities of the black seed.

More research is being done on the effectiveness of the black seed. Research trials are also being planned in various countries to study its actual effects on humans. However, we don't need to look any further than the Prophet's words that tell us there is healing in this plant. As long as we trust in Allah and take the prescription His Prophet has given us, we will all be evidence of this magnificent plant's abilities to heal all diseases. Nonetheless, more needs to be learned about the appropriate doses of this herb for various medical problems. I pray that Allah may guide Muslim physicians to take a close look at this plant and begin prescribing it for all of our physical ailments.

Viviant bin Vondal Taylor

Black Seed (Habba-tu Sawda)

Black cumin; fennel flower



Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), narrated that Allah’s Messenger ( peace be upon him) said: “Use this black seed regularly, because it has a cure for every disease except death.” (Reported by Bukhari.)

The Black seed is the common fennel flower plant (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup family. This herb grows to about 16-24 inches and has finely divided foliage with blue flowers. From this plant, comes a small black seed, which is also known as the blessed seed or black seed, and some call it the Arabian seed because of its habitat. The Black Seed plant is also known by other names, and they vary between places. The Black Seed has been used for over two thousand years. It has been said that the Black Seed should be used regularly because it has a cure for every disease except death.

A special oil is extracted from the seed which is used in the preparation of various medical formulas. It has been used to treat bronchitis and coughs. Also it has been used to help increase body tone, as a digestive tonic, to quell belching, stimulates excretion of urine, dissolves wind, quells colic pain and stomach-gas colic, expels worms, benefits some skin allergies, stimulates menstrual period, and increases the flow of breast milk. If you add a few drops to coffee or tea it can help calm the nervous system, help pertussis, dry cough, asthma, and bronchial respiratory complaints. If you take the Black Seed oil unmixed or undiluted it can produce gripe, and irritate the digestive system. The Black Seed acts as an expectorant by stimulating the body's energy and helping it to recover from fatigue and dispirtedness. (Medicine of the Prophet)

SIDE EFFECTS

Black seed is a safe and effective herb that can be used by almost anyone. No irritations or side effects are caused when the right dose is correctly applied. Its benefits are obtained through consistent use, the effects are medium to long term. Black seed can be used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus or diabetes caused by an allergy, but it is recommended that the treatment be supervised because Black seed lowers blood sugar levels. Black seed should not be taken by pregnant women.

NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS

Black seed contains over 100 valuable nutrients. It is comprised of approximately 21% protein, 38% carbohydrates, and 35% plant fats and oils. The active ingredients of black seed are nigellone, thymoquinone, and fixed oils. Black seed also contains significant proportions of protein, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. Other ingredients include linoleic acid, oleic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C.

The black seed is known in Arabic as the habbutual barakah (the seed of blessing).

TIBB-AL-NABVI (PROPHET'S MEDICINE)

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Kalonji (Nigella sativa)


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Kalonji (Nigella sativa)
By Dr. M. Laiq Ali Khan
The plants of Kalonji are found throughout India in the form of bushes. The height of the plant is approximately half a meter. It possesses blue flowers. It is originated from Turkey and Italy. Later on, it was brought to Asia by physicians and cultivated in India. Now a days, it is cultivated throughout India, whereas it is wildly grown too. Seeds are triangular in shape, black in colour and possess a severe pungent smell, contain a considerable amount of oil. It is incorrect that Arabs learnt its use from Greeks, because before the advent of Islam in middle east no description is found on record about it’s use. It’s therapeutic use was initiated after the advent of Islam, since, Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) mentioned its therapeutic efficacy and potential of cure.

Hazrat Abu Hurairah States - “I have heard from Rasool Allah (Pbuh) that there is cure for every disease in black seeds except death and black seeds are shooneez.”

Salim Bin Abdullah narrates with reference to his father Hazrat Abdullah Bin Omar that Rasool Allah (Pbuh) said, “Let fall these black seeds upon you, these contain cure for all diseases except death.”

The same narration is found in Sanad-e-Ahmed from Hazrat Aisha (t) and in Ibn-al-Jozi and Trimizi from Abu Huraira. Hazrat Buraida narrates that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) stated - “Shooneez is cure for all ailments except death.”

It is stated in the books of seerat that Nabi-e-Akram (Pbuh) himself used to take these seeds for therapeutic purpose but with the syrup of Honey.

Khalid Bin Saad states that he was travelling with Ghalib Bin Jabr, when fell ill during the journey. Ibn Abi Ateeq (nephew of Hazrat Aisha) Came to meet us. On seeing the patient, he took 5 or 7 seeds of Kalonji and ground it, mixed it in olive oil and dropped in both nostrils, Hazrat Aisha told us that Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) stated that there was cure in black seeds for all ailments except sam. I asked him, what was sam? he told “Death”. Ghalib Bin Jabr became healthy with that treatment. Observations of the scholars of Hadith reveal that shooneez is equally effective for the diseases due to heat and cold. Zahbi states that kalonji removes the obstruction of any part of the body, expels the gases and strengthens the stomach. It is Emmenagogue, Lactogogue and Diuretic. It is an Anti-Helminthic, if taken with vinegar. It is useful in chronic cold. Inhalation of its smell is useful in common cold. The oil of Kalonji is effective in Alopecia. Half tea-spoonful, if boiled in water and taken, is helpful in Asthma and diffuses the toxic effects of Bee and Wasps. Continuous use of kalonji is effective in mad dog biting. Fumigation of kalonji is useful in respiratory diseases. It is useful in paralysis, Facial Palsy, Migraine, Amnesia and Palpitation. It is also an expectorant and antipyretic. It mormalises the secretions of stomach and pancreas. This phenomenon is very much effective and significant in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It expels the kidney and urinary bladder stones, if taken with the syrup of honey. It is effective in jaundice also if taken with milk. It’s powder if taken with water is effective in Haemorrhoids. If Kalonji seeds are boiled in vinegar and this solution is applied on Gums and Teeth, it removes the inflammation of the gums and relieves the pain also. It is also reported that its fine powder is effective if applied in early stages of cataract. Kalonji is also used in skin disorders. The oil of the seeds is also effective in earache.

Chemical Composition - seeds contain 1.5% volatile oil, while 37.5% Non volatile oil. In addition to this Albumen, Sugar, Organic acids, Glucoside Melanthin Metarbin and bitter substances are also found. The Glucoside is toxic in nature, hence the use of Kalonji in large doses and prolonged use might be harmful.

If it is taken with Qust Sheering after breakfast and Dinner, it is effective in chronic dysentery and Asthma. Qust Sheering is a good medicine for sexual debility, but if it is taken with Kalonji seeds and Habburrashad, it becomes more fortified. Modern upto date trials have proved that Kalonji seeds alone or in combination with other drugs are highly effective in Diabetes Mellitus, vitiligo and other skin ailments.

(* Director, Shah Faisal Institute of Hadith & Medical Sciences, Kasganj-207123 ,UP)