Black Cumin Seeds for Cancer, Autoimmune Disorders, Asthma, and More

[Guest guest]

(NaturalNews) Black Cumin, or Nigella sativa, is one the most revered medicinal

seeds in history. Black cumin seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and

they are mentioned in the Bible as well as in the words of the Prophet Mohammed.

Today they are used for a wide variety of conditions including cancer, immune

disorders, asthma, digestive disorders and much more.

 

The famous Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to treat headaches

and toothaches. Mohammed said that black cumin cures every disease but death

itself. The reason might be found in the complex chemical structure of the

seeds. These little seeds have over one hundred different chemical constituents,

including abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids. It is the oil that

is most often used medicinally, but the whole seeds, which are a bit spicy, are

often used whole in cooking-curries, pastries, and Mediterranean cheeses.

 

Although black cumin seed has been used medicinally for at least 3,000 years,

until about 40 years ago it was not well understood and lightly researched.

Since that time, more than 200 studies have been conducted in universities and

other research facilities which have shown that compounds from the seeds show

that they boost the production of bone marrow, natural interferon, and immune

cells, helping to fight off diseases. Several of the studies have shown that

black cumin seed extract could assist individuals with autoimmune disorders, and

could possibly help to fight cancer as well.

 

The first major study of Nigella sativa in cancer prevention and treatment was

performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory of Hilton Head

Island, South Carolina. They concluded that a healthy immune systemwill detect

and destroy cancer cells before the cancer endangers the patient. The immune

system does this by supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow

cells, and B-cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin stimulates neutrophil

activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone

marrow but mobilized into action when there is a bacterial infection. Extracts

of black cumin have also been shown to modulate production of interleukins, a

quality it shares with some other highly revered herbs: ginseng, astragalus,

mistletoe, garlic, and cat's claw.

 

In animal studies, while none of the subjects in the control group survived,

two-thirds of the mice that had been given black cumin seed oil were still alive

30 days after deliberate efforts to cause cancer in the subject groups. Black

cumin is particularly useful in aggressive cancers whose growth depends on

angiogenesis.

 

In vitro studies performed in Jordan and the United States have determined that

the volatile oil is anti-leukemic. Studies performed in Spain as well as England

found that the fixed oil is useful in the treatment of rheumatism and other

inflammatory diseases. This property is attributed to thymoquinone which is as

high as 25% in the Egyptian seed and missing entirely is some seeds.

 

One of the more recent studies on black cumin seed oil demonstrated that it was

effective against the very difficult pancreatic cancer - one of a very few

botanicals that have shown such effectiveness (the other most notable one is

oleander extract).

 

See: www.naturalnews.com/023348.html

 

In 1996, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a

medicine incorporating an extract of black cumin seeds for immune system

support. Naturopaths sometimes recommend regular doses of black cumin seeds to

patients with weakened immune systems, as the whole seeds have been shown to

boost the immune system.

 

Black cumin extract has a reputation for exceptional results in treating

allergies and asthma. These two ailments are known to react to the extract

rather speedily unless there is an infection, in which case, the infection

should be done away with before treatment. If the black cumin seed is used

regularly for a period of six months or more, the typical results are obvious.

The extract has also been shown to regulate the production of lymphokines that

play a role in cell-mediated immunity. Black cumin seeds mixed with honey and

garlic are excellent tonics for people with asthma or coughs as well as those

who want to enhance their immunity during cold and flu season or when an

infection is setting in.

 

Black cumin seeds have been used for centuries in the Middle East,

Mediterranean, and India to treat a variety of ailments, and have been adopted

for homeopathic use in Europe and other nations as well. Both the seeds and

potent extracts can be found for sale in natural food stores, and doctors who

practice complementary alternative medicine may prescribe them for a wide

variety of conditions. The unique nutritional composition of black cumin seeds,

which includes numerous essential fatty acids, appears to support the immune

system, improve the skin, help with respiratory ailments, and address digestive

conditions.

 

The seeds of the black cumin plant have very little aroma but are carminative,

meaning they tend to aid digestion and relieve gases in the stomach and

intestines. They aid peristalsis and elimination. The essential oil of black

cumin is antimicrobial and helps to rid the intestines of worms. The plant on

which black cumin seeds grow is a member of the buttercup family. They are not

related to the common cooking herb, cumin, from the Cuminum cyminum plant,

although the two look similar. Black cumin seeds are very dark, thin, and

crescent shaped when whole. They are available for cooking use in many Middle

Eastern and Indian supply stores, but seeds designated for cooking may not be as

potent or as pure as seeds intended for medicinal use. In some regional

cuisines, they are also used in cooking, as they add a unique nutty flavor to

food and appear to have health benefits.

 

Black cumin seeds are small. They can be used to make tea by simply pouring hot

water over the seeds and letting the brew steep for 10 minutes, about a

tablespoon makes a nice cup of tea, but it is better to keep the cup covered

until ready to drink so as to prevent the aroma from escaping. Some people add a

few seeds to their favorite tea or coffee and allow their imaginations to

conjure up images of camels and nomads. The seeds can also be added to

casseroles or breads, used in canning, or extracted in wine or vinegar. Some

people grind the seeds and mix them with honey or sprinkle them on salads. They

make a nice addition to salad dressings and even stir fry dishes, especially

when combined with lemon, cilantro, and tahini.

 

Black cumin plants are native to the western parts of Asia. It is grown both in

the wild and cultivated on farms. Egypt, India and the Middle East also produce

this medicinally revered herb. The best seeds come from Egypt where they grow

under almost perfect conditions in oases where they are watered until the seed

pods form. Other names for black cumin extract are nigella, Black Caraway, Black

Cumin, Damascena, Devil in-the-bush, Fennel flower, Melanthion, Nutmeg Flower,

Roman Coriander, and Wild Onion Seed. (Note: Some of those same names are also

used for other plants. This article refers ONLY to Nigella sativa black cumin.)

 

Most people seeking the benefits of black cumin take the oil in capsule form.

Over a period of time, usually a few months, the hair and fingernails are

strengthened and have more luster. However, some people use the oil externally,

for beauty as well as for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

One can buy a ready-made cream, add some oil to a favorite cream, or make one's

own cream from scratch by warming equal parts (by volume) of black cumin seeds

and a nice carrier oil, like shea butter or jojoba. It's best to use a double

boiler or be lazy (like me) and use a yogurt maker because the temperature is

very even so you can safely ignore the process for hours. The oil will darken.

When you feel this has been warmed long enough, melt a little beeswax into the

warm oil. Stir it with a glass rod or new chopstick. If you like, you can add an

essential oil or combination of oils just before the beeswax stiffens. Choose

this for aesthetic or

health reasons. Some people use such mixtures on burns or skin infections; some

just use these creams to feel good, moisturize the skin, relieve joint or pain,

or make wrinkles vanish.

 

Many combine vinegar and oil. In this case, mix one cup of black cumin seeds in

organic apple cider vinegar. Let this sit anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

Then, strain the mixture, first through a conventional strainer, then through a

finer filter, like cheesecloth or a chemical-free coffee filter or tea bag. Mix

the remainder with equal parts black cumin vinegar and black cumin oil. Heat

this for a few minutes and then put into a mason jar and refrigerate. Apply this

to problem skin such as areas with acne or take one tablespoon before meals for

flatulence and digestive problems.

 

With a seed containing so many constituents and having such a long

ethnobotanical history, it is not surprising that many throughout the

Mediterranean and Asia believe that black cumin is basically good for all that

ails us. However, the claims are not outrageously far-fetched if one considers

how complete the seeds are in terms of their many chemical constituents,

especially the major essential acids which make up the bulk of black cumin seed

oil.

 

Black Cumin Seed Oil Composition:

oleic acid - 49%

linoleic acid - 38%

linolenic acid - 2%

 

Since black cumin is regarded by many as a virtual cure-all, it may not be taken

seriously by some, but for those inclined to dismiss folklore, it should be

noted that these humble seeds have been found superior to almost every other

natural remedy when used for autoimmune disorders, conditions in which patients

suffer greatly because their own systems attack their bodies. Black cumin,

especially when combined with garlic, is regarded as a harmonizer of the

imbalance which allows immune cells to destroy healthy cells. The technical

language to describe this property is " immunomodulatory action. " The difference

between black cumin and interferon is that there are no known side effects with

black cumin when administered in normal dosages. The saying goes that the beauty

of black cumin is their capacity to restore harmony.

 

NOTE: More than one plant is often called " Black Cumin " . Only the genuine

Nigella sativa is referred to in this article.

[Guest guest]

A little bit on the more side I found a study published this month

January. Has anyone used this and gotten any results?

 

Nigella sativa inhibits intestinal glucose absorption and improves

glucose tolerance in rats.

 

Meddah B, Ducroc R, El Abbes Faouzi M, Eto B, Mahraoui L, Benhaddou-

Andaloussi A, Martineau LC, Cherrah Y, Haddad PS.

 

Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and

Pharmacy, Université Mohammed V-Souissi, Rabat, Morocco; TBC France,

TransCell-Lab Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine Xavier Bichat,

Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7, Paris, France.

 

AIM OF THE STUDY: Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) seeds have been

used traditionally for centuries, notably for treating diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the effects of the crude aqueous

extract of Nigella sativa seeds on intestinal glucose absorption in

vitro using a short-circuit current technique and in vivo using an

oral glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of Nigella

sativa (0.1pg/ml to 100ng/ml) exerted dose-dependent inhibition of

sodium-dependent glucose transport across isolated rat jejunum.

Maximal inhibition exceeded 80% and IC(50) was close to 10pg/ml. An

oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in rats after the initial

dose and after a 6-week treatment of Nigella sativa (2g/(kgday)), and

compared to metformin (300mg/(kgday)). Chronic Nigella sativa

treatment improved glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin.

Nigella sativa and metformin also reduced body weight without any

toxic effect. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first

demonstration that Nigella sativa directly inhibits the electrogenic

intestinal absorption of glucose in vitro. Together with the observed

improvement of glucose tolerance and body weight in rats after

chronic oral administration in vivo, these effects further validate

the traditional use of Nigella sativa seeds against diabetes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

, Muhammad Masry

<massrii wrote:

>

> (NaturalNews) Black Cumin, or Nigella sativa, is one the most

revered medicinal seeds in history. Black cumin seeds were found in

the tomb of Tutankhamun, and they are mentioned in the Bible as well

as in the words of the Prophet Mohammed. Today they are used for a

wide variety of conditions including cancer, immune disorders,

asthma, digestive disorders and much more.

>

> The famous Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to

treat headaches and toothaches. Mohammed said that black cumin cures

every disease but death itself. The reason might be found in the

complex chemical structure of the seeds. These little seeds have over

one hundred different chemical constituents, including abundant

sources of all the essential fatty acids. It is the oil that is most

often used medicinally, but the whole seeds, which are a bit spicy,

are often used whole in cooking-curries, pastries, and Mediterranean

cheeses.

>

> Although black cumin seed has been used medicinally for at least

3,000 years, until about 40 years ago it was not well understood and

lightly researched. Since that time, more than 200 studies have been

conducted in universities and other research facilities which have

shown that compounds from the seeds show that they boost the

production of bone marrow, natural interferon, and immune cells,

helping to fight off diseases. Several of the studies have shown that

black cumin seed extract could assist individuals with autoimmune

disorders, and could possibly help to fight cancer as well.

>

> The first major study of Nigella sativa in cancer prevention and

treatment was performed by scientists at Cancer Immuno-Biology

Laboratory of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They concluded that

a healthy immune systemwill detect and destroy cancer cells before

the cancer endangers the patient. The immune system does this by

supporting increased production of immune cells, bone marrow cells,

and B-cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin stimulates

neutrophil activity. These are the short-lived immune cells that are

normally found in bone marrow but mobilized into action when there is

a bacterial infection. Extracts of black cumin have also been shown

to modulate production of interleukins, a quality it shares with some

other highly revered herbs: ginseng, astragalus, mistletoe, garlic,

and cat's claw.

>

> In animal studies, while none of the subjects in the control group

survived, two-thirds of the mice that had been given black cumin seed

oil were still alive 30 days after deliberate efforts to cause cancer

in the subject groups. Black cumin is particularly useful in

aggressive cancers whose growth depends on angiogenesis.

>

> In vitro studies performed in Jordan and the United States have

determined that the volatile oil is anti-leukemic. Studies performed

in Spain as well as England found that the fixed oil is useful in the

treatment of rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases. This

property is attributed to thymoquinone which is as high as 25% in the

Egyptian seed and missing entirely is some seeds.

>

> One of the more recent studies on black cumin seed oil demonstrated

that it was effective against the very difficult pancreatic cancer -

one of a very few botanicals that have shown such effectiveness (the

other most notable one is oleander extract).

>

> See: www.naturalnews.com/023348.html

>

> In 1996, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved

the use of a medicine incorporating an extract of black cumin seeds

for immune system support. Naturopaths sometimes recommend regular

doses of black cumin seeds to patients with weakened immune systems,

as the whole seeds have been shown to boost the immune system.

>

> Black cumin extract has a reputation for exceptional results in

treating allergies and asthma. These two ailments are known to react

to the extract rather speedily unless there is an infection, in which

case, the infection should be done away with before treatment. If the

black cumin seed is used regularly for a period of six months or

more, the typical results are obvious. The extract has also been

shown to regulate the production of lymphokines that play a role in

cell-mediated immunity. Black cumin seeds mixed with honey and garlic

are excellent tonics for people with asthma or coughs as well as

those who want to enhance their immunity during cold and flu season

or when an infection is setting in.

>

> Black cumin seeds have been used for centuries in the Middle East,

Mediterranean, and India to treat a variety of ailments, and have

been adopted for homeopathic use in Europe and other nations as well.

Both the seeds and potent extracts can be found for sale in natural

food stores, and doctors who practice complementary alternative

medicine may prescribe them for a wide variety of conditions. The

unique nutritional composition of black cumin seeds, which includes

numerous essential fatty acids, appears to support the immune system,

improve the skin, help with respiratory ailments, and address

digestive conditions.

>

> The seeds of the black cumin plant have very little aroma but are

carminative, meaning they tend to aid digestion and relieve gases in

the stomach and intestines. They aid peristalsis and elimination. The

essential oil of black cumin is antimicrobial and helps to rid the

intestines of worms. The plant on which black cumin seeds grow is a

member of the buttercup family. They are not related to the common

cooking herb, cumin, from the Cuminum cyminum plant, although the two

look similar. Black cumin seeds are very dark, thin, and crescent

shaped when whole. They are available for cooking use in many Middle

Eastern and Indian supply stores, but seeds designated for cooking

may not be as potent or as pure as seeds intended for medicinal use.

In some regional cuisines, they are also used in cooking, as they add

a unique nutty flavor to food and appear to have health benefits.

>

> Black cumin seeds are small. They can be used to make tea by simply

pouring hot water over the seeds and letting the brew steep for 10

minutes, about a tablespoon makes a nice cup of tea, but it is better

to keep the cup covered until ready to drink so as to prevent the

aroma from escaping. Some people add a few seeds to their favorite

tea or coffee and allow their imaginations to conjure up images of

camels and nomads. The seeds can also be added to casseroles or

breads, used in canning, or extracted in wine or vinegar. Some people

grind the seeds and mix them with honey or sprinkle them on salads.

They make a nice addition to salad dressings and even stir fry

dishes, especially when combined with lemon, cilantro, and tahini.

>

> Black cumin plants are native to the western parts of Asia. It is

grown both in the wild and cultivated on farms. Egypt, India and the

Middle East also produce this medicinally revered herb. The best

seeds come from Egypt where they grow under almost perfect conditions

in oases where they are watered until the seed pods form. Other names

for black cumin extract are nigella, Black Caraway, Black Cumin,

Damascena, Devil in-the-bush, Fennel flower, Melanthion, Nutmeg

Flower, Roman Coriander, and Wild Onion Seed. (Note: Some of those

same names are also used for other plants. This article refers ONLY

to Nigella sativa black cumin.)

>

> Most people seeking the benefits of black cumin take the oil in

capsule form. Over a period of time, usually a few months, the hair

and fingernails are strengthened and have more luster. However, some

people use the oil externally, for beauty as well as for treating

skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. One can buy a ready-

made cream, add some oil to a favorite cream, or make one's own cream

from scratch by warming equal parts (by volume) of black cumin seeds

and a nice carrier oil, like shea butter or jojoba. It's best to use

a double boiler or be lazy (like me) and use a yogurt maker because

the temperature is very even so you can safely ignore the process for

hours. The oil will darken. When you feel this has been warmed long

enough, melt a little beeswax into the warm oil. Stir it with a glass

rod or new chopstick. If you like, you can add an essential oil or

combination of oils just before the beeswax stiffens. Choose this for

aesthetic or

> health reasons. Some people use such mixtures on burns or skin

infections; some just use these creams to feel good, moisturize the

skin, relieve joint or pain, or make wrinkles vanish.

>

> Many combine vinegar and oil. In this case, mix one cup of black

cumin seeds in organic apple cider vinegar. Let this sit anywhere

from a few days to two weeks. Then, strain the mixture, first through

a conventional strainer, then through a finer filter, like

cheesecloth or a chemical-free coffee filter or tea bag. Mix the

remainder with equal parts black cumin vinegar and black cumin oil.

Heat this for a few minutes and then put into a mason jar and

refrigerate. Apply this to problem skin such as areas with acne or

take one tablespoon before meals for flatulence and digestive

problems.

>

> With a seed containing so many constituents and having such a long

ethnobotanical history, it is not surprising that many throughout the

Mediterranean and Asia believe that black cumin is basically good for

all that ails us. However, the claims are not outrageously far-

fetched if one considers how complete the seeds are in terms of their

many chemical constituents, especially the major essential acids

which make up the bulk of black cumin seed oil.

>

> Black Cumin Seed Oil Composition:

> oleic acid - 49%

> linoleic acid - 38%

> linolenic acid - 2%

>

> Since black cumin is regarded by many as a virtual cure-all, it may

not be taken seriously by some, but for those inclined to dismiss

folklore, it should be noted that these humble seeds have been found

superior to almost every other natural remedy when used for

autoimmune disorders, conditions in which patients suffer greatly

because their own systems attack their bodies. Black cumin,

especially when combined with garlic, is regarded as a harmonizer of

the imbalance which allows immune cells to destroy healthy cells. The

technical language to describe this property is " immunomodulatory

action. " The difference between black cumin and interferon is that

there are no known side effects with black cumin when administered in

normal dosages. The saying goes that the beauty of black cumin is

their capacity to restore harmony.

>

> NOTE: More than one plant is often called " Black Cumin " . Only the

genuine Nigella sativa is referred to in this article.

>

[Guest guest]

Excellent! I have two packages of seeds and plan to start a number of

plants. My favorite source for herb seeds is http://richters.com

 

 

Ien in the Kootenays

http://freegreenliving.com