Kalonji (Black Seed): A Black Gem in Ayurveda

Black seed or Kalonji is scientifically called as Nigella sativa. It is called as Kalaajaji or Upakunchika in Sanskrit. Mangrail or Kalonji in Hindi.

What are its properties and how it is helpful for human health?

According to Ayurveda, it is Vednasthapana (reduces pain), Rochana, and Shothahara (reduces swelling) which makes it good in inflammatory conditions. It is Durgandhanashana (get rids of bad odour) and Grahi (enhances absorption of blood or any fluid) which could make it useful in pus containing inflammatory conditions. According to some researches too, it is proven that Nigella sativa oil has good wound healing activity and moisturizing properties as it increases the collagen formation and increases the rate of epithelialization i.e., new cell generation. It has anti psoriatic effect and can treat acne vulgaris of mild to moderate stage. It can be good in decreasing the number of joints involved and decreasing the duration of morning stiffness in Rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The properties like Deepana, pachana, anulomana, Krimighna makes it good for gut health and maintenance of Agni. According to some studies, it is proven that Nigella sativa has anthelmintic properties on various earthworms, tapeworms, etc. It is good for oral health as it can treat mouth ulcers within 3 days if applied twice a day.

It is Ushna virya (hot potency) and good in Lekhana (scraping action) which can be helpful in weight loss.

It is Mutrala means diuretic property which means it increases the production of urine. It nephroprotective against paracetamol related nephrotoxicity.

It is Jwaraghna means can help in getting rid of fever as it is also Sweda janana which means it increases the production of sweat in the body. Sweating helps in cooling the body and reduces the body temperature as while, sweating vasodilation occurs which increases the blood flow towards skin which helps to escape excess body heat.

Some of the studies has shown that Thymoquinone (an active constituent) in Nigella sativa seeds have anti-oxidant, anti-microbial properties. It can help in lowering the blood pressure and bad cholesterol. It has various other properties like anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is good for Kashtartava (dysmenorrhea) and Stanyajanana (improves lactation). It is used of Garbhashaya sankocha (means can induce labour), Kashtaprasava (helpful in painful deliveries).

It is very beneficial in skin diseases and its seed paste is applied as lepa in Khalitya (alopecia) as it helps in hair thinning conditions and hair fallout.

Applying Nigella sativa oil will not only promote hair growth but, can also help against depression, insomnia, anxiety, etc. as Thymoquinone has protective effect against these conditions.

You can use Nabhi Sutra Overnight 6-Week Scalp Therapy Oil and Healthy Hair Care Belly Button Oil to get the benefits of Nigella sativa.

References

• Ahmad MF, Ahmad FA, Ashraf SA, Saad HH, Wahab S, Khan MI, Ali M, Mohan S,Hakeem KR, Athar MT. An updated knowledge of Black seed (Nigella sativa Linn.):Review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties. J Herb Med. 2021 Feb;25:100404. doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2020.100404. Epub 2020 Sep 19. PMID: 32983848; PMCID: PMC7501064.
•  Dravyaguna Vigyan by Priyavrat Sharma
• Shabana Tabassum, Norhayati Rosli, Solachuddin Jauhari Arief Ichwan, Puranjan Mishra, Thymoquinone and its pharmacological perspective: A review, Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine, Volume 1, 2021,100020, ISSN 2667-1425