For centuries, black cumin has been valued for its healing properties. In the modern world, it is used not only as a seasoning, but also for the treatment of various diseases, including exclusively female ones.
Consider the benefits of this plant for the female body, under what diseases it can help, how to store it.
Description and characteristics of the plant
Black cumin (Nigella sativa) has nothing to do with the Cmin genus. This is an annual herb from the family of buttercups, and the only representative of this family used in cooking. The plant has many other names, the most common of which is nipper, nigella, kalengi, sedan, etc.
This grass grows to a height of 10-40 cm, has an erect stem, which branches well. Leaves pinnate, 2-3 cm long, greenish-gray. The plant blooms from May to August with regular single-spaced flowers in white or blue and odorless.
After flowering in August, a multi-leaf fruit up to 1.5 cm in size is formed, consisting of 3-7 leaflets. Inside it are small black seeds, very similar to onion seeds. The plant is common in the Mediterranean and Asian countries as a weed. Cultivated around the world.
Vitamin composition and calorie content
In 100 g of seeds Chernushka sowing is 333 kcal.
The following vitamins are in the same amount of product:
- A - 0.18 mg;
- beta carotene - 0.189 mg;
- B1 - 0.383 mg;
- B2 - 0.379 mg;
- B6 - 0.36 mg;
- B9 - 0.01 mg;
- C - 21 mg;
- E - 2.5 mg;
- PP - 3.606 mg;
- Choline - 24.7 mg.
In addition to vitamins, there are in black cumin and minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium and zinc.
Did you know? In Muslim countries, black cumin is considered the sacred plant of the Prophet Muhammad, because it was he who discovered the beneficial qualities of this herb and believed that it can cure almost any disease.
Properties of black cumin for women
Studies have confirmed that black cumin oil is superior to many popular antibiotics (for example, tetracycline and ampicillin). This plant can be used for many women's problems.
What is useful
Black cumin has the following beneficial properties:
- has anti-inflammatory effect;
- fights fungi and bacteria;
- relieves pain;
- fights helminths;
- is a choleretic and diuretic agent;
- boosts immunity;
- prevents the appearance of cancer cells;
- excellent antispasmodic;
- tones and strengthens the body.
Did you know? The healing properties of nigella were known 8 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by the plant seeds found in the excavations of the Neolithic and Mesolithic.
Typically, this tool is used to treat the following ailments:
- diseases of the respiratory system;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- diseases of the digestive tract;
- kidney and liver problems.
Black cumin helps women in solving the following problems:
- Gynecological diseases. For the treatment of a wide range of inflammation of the female organs and their tumors in gynecology, fruit oil in the form of tampons is used. In most cases, the internal technique will also be useful, since the oil destroys pathogenic microflora, increases the body's defenses and normalizes the production of hormones, is a preventive measure for cancer. This is important, because fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, cervical erosion may precede cancer, and if they exist, you must be vigilant and use the anti-cancer properties of this plant.
- Painful menstruation. A positive effect on the course of menstruation is due to the ability of nigella to relieve spasms, anesthetize and improve hormonal levels.
- For hormonal balance. The ability to stimulate the glands helps the woman with a variety of female problems, menopause, removes old age.
- With infertility. Many of the above processes, which are positively affected by the use of black cumin, affect the successful conception. This plant is very useful when planning a child, not only for women, but also for men.
- Lack of milk in lactating mothers. Seeds of black cumin cause milk rush. It is especially useful to use milk boiled together with seeds.
- With mastitis. Used as an aid. You can put a few days cakes of rye flour, mint and ground nigella seeds.
- After cesarean section and operations. Promotes healing of seams and restoration of the body.
- Improves appearance. Externally, the oil is used to solve various skin problems: from warts to psoriasis, as well as for hair (with baldness, gray hair, dandruff). Cumin seeds, eaten on an empty stomach, help to lose weight, improve complexion and cleanse the skin.
Important! When using Nigella oil externally and for tampons, it is necessary to choose certain types of oil, since a product is available for sale that can only be used in cooking.
Contraindications and possible harm
Despite the great benefits, there are contraindications for the use of black cumin:
- individual intolerance of the product;
- pregnancy, as nigella can provoke uterine contractions, which often leads to miscarriage;
- with low pressure, because it contributes to its even lower;
- some inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract (enteritis);
- gastritis with a high level of acidity;
- the presence of mobile stones in the kidneys of large size, which can move and block the aisles;
- after a heart attack;
- some disorders of cardiac function - ischemia, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis;
- after organ transplants;
- with diabetes - causes an increase in glucose levels;
- children under 3 years old.
It should be noted that nigella should be taken strictly metered, because exceeding the dosage can cause intestinal upset, allergic reactions, vomiting, etc.
Features of the use of black cumin
Black cumin and its oil can be used by women for various purposes.
Important! When using this spice for treatment purposes, it is imperative that you consult a physician. A single dose of nigella oil over 25 g is considered toxic.
In cooking
This spice is most often used in baking - it is added to the filling or dough (pita bread, tortillas and bread). The seeds have a spicy taste, similar to the taste of pepper, strawberry and nutmeg.
This spice is also used in the preparation of salads, first and second courses, vegetables, fish, meat, beans. Cumin is added in the preparation of some beverages - coffee, tea, compote.
Video: Black Cumin Honey
In medicine
The curative effect of black cumin was recognized not only by folk, but also by official medicine.
Consider some recipes of traditional medicine using cumin:
- With problems with the digestive tract and gall bladder helps nigella tea. For this, 1 tsp. seeds pour 0.5 liters of water and boil for 10 minutes. Then filter through a fine strainer. This tea also helps to improve lactation when breastfeeding, useful for coughing and bronchitis. Drink a drink of 100 ml 1 hour before meals 3 times a day.
- To enhance the immune function. Milk is poured over 200 g of ground cumin fruits so that it covers them completely. Allow to brew for 12 hours, then add some sugar and drink 50 ml 3 times a day before meals.
- From worms. Fry 10 g of fruit in a skillet without oil. Add 15-20 g of chopped onions. Consume 1 tsp. in the morning on an empty stomach.
- With thrush, inflammation of the appendages and the uterus, with myomas, cervical erosion, endometritis and endometriosis insert a gauze swab with black cumin oil into the vagina for 10-15 minutes. The course of treatment should be discussed with the gynecologist. Such tampons are most effective for endometriosis and myomas.
- For weight loss. Before breakfast and dinner, eat ½ tsp. seeds. Or you can take a decoction - 2 tsp. seed boil for 3 minutes in 1 liter of water and leave to cool. Drink 100-150 ml 3 times daily before meals.
Did you know? In 1997, US scientists proved that with regular consumption of nigella fruits and oil, bone marrow production is stimulated, which is an important point in treating and preventing cancer.
In cosmetology
For cosmetology purposes, black cumin seeds and oil from it are used. Due to its properties, this spice is included in many toothpastes. Such means of oral hygiene help with gum disease, prevent the emergence of periodontal disease.
In cosmetology use the following properties Nigella:
- softening and moisturizing the skin;
- anti-cellulite property;
- excellent anti-inflammatory agent;
- beneficial effect on the skin with acne and acne;
- protection of the skin from the negative effects of the environment.
Black cumin and oil from it are part of many tools to soften dry skin, restore hair structure, combat rashes, to strengthen the nail plate. Soap with the addition of this spice has an excellent anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
Especially well it is suitable for problem skin, because it helps with various kinds of rashes and inflammations. As a rule, the oil from this spice is not used in its pure form, but is used as an ingredient in combination with other components.
Important! Before using nigella oil, it is necessary to test for the presence or absence of an allergic reaction. For this purpose, one drop of money is applied to the wrist and wait for about 1-2 hours If there is no negative reaction (redness, swelling, rash), then this tool can be used.
At home, you can make masks using this spice:
- Mask for fading skin. Mix 1 tsp. olive and almond oils from 1 tbsp. l Nigella powder and heat the mixture in a microwave or steamed to a warm state. Then apply the mixture on the face and hold for 60 minutes, then rinse with warm water. It is recommended to make such a mask 1 time in 7 days for dry skin type, 2 times in 7 days - for fat type. The mask smooths fine wrinkles, tightens, moisturizes and softens the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory mask. Mix 5 drops of essential oil of tea tree, 2 tbsp. l jojoba oil and 1 tbsp. l black cumin powder. Heat the mixture and apply to clean moist skin before bed for half an hour. The mask is removed with a damp cloth, without washing. This procedure cleans pores well, removes inflammation, helps get rid of acne.
- Toning mask. Connect 3 tbsp. l low-fat sour cream, 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1 tbsp. l Nigella Spread the resulting mass over the clean skin of the face and hold for a quarter of an hour. Then remove with a paper napkin and wash your face with warm water. It is recommended to make this mask once a week. This procedure well tones, nourishes and softens the skin.
- Mask for health and shine. Take 1 tbsp. l cumin oil, add to it 1 tbsp. l Cognac, 1 tbsp. l honey and 1 egg yolk. All the ingredients are mixed and applied over the entire length of the hair, wrap well and hold for 50-60 minutes, after which they wash their hair, as usual. This procedure makes the hair silky, strong, eliminates dryness and gives shine.
Video: Black Caraway Face Mask
Basic rules for storing black cumin
For storage, you need to choose a good quality black cumin. The spice should be dry, have whole and clean seeds with a rich aroma. You need to store this spice in a glass jar in a dark dry place. Storage time is no more than 1 year. The shelf life of the nigella fruit powder is less and is about 6 months.
Black cumin oil is stored for 1-2 years in a dark dry place in a tightly closed container. After opening the shelf life is reduced to six months. The optimum temperature mode is no more than + 23 ... + 25 ° C.
Important! When choosing oil, pay attention to the country of manufacture. The best product is made in Egypt.Black cumin oil and its seeds can help in the healing of many female ailments, including having a beneficial effect on appearance. However, you should use only high-quality raw materials and be sure to pay attention to the shelf life.
