Sarah Rangnekar

Jun 26, 2023

The Magical seeds of Kalonji

Kalonji seeds are known as the "Herb from heaven" due to their numerous beneficial properties. Kalonji seeds are tiny and black in color, and they resemble cumin. Given the similarities between the two, kalonji is sometimes known as black cumin. These seeds are the storehouse of amino acids, saponin, crude fibers, and minerals like iron, sodium, calcium, and potassium. These also contain fatty acids such as linolenic and oleic acid, as well as volatile oils. Nigella and Melatin, two components well known for their very nutritious and therapeutic characteristics, are found in these exquisite seeds. They are also considered a popular and vital element in the culinary industry, as well as in traditional medicine, they are used in various traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha.

Biological and geographical sources:

These seeds are found in areas of Southwestern Asia and some areas of Africa. The seeds are widely used in a roasted form, as a spice in India, North Africa, and parts of the middle east to season food items, and sweet items.

Nutritional Content:

The nutritive values of this seed are classified as follows

Nutrients	Nutritive value
Calories	375 kcal
Protein	17.81 g
Total Fat content	22.27g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat	14.04 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	3.27g
Carbohydrate	44.24 g
Fibers	10.5 g
Sugar	2.25 g
Calcium	931 mg
Sodium	168mg
Iron	66.36 mg
Phosphorus	499 mg
Potassium	1788 mg
Vitamin A	64 IU
Vitamin C	7.7 mg
Vitamin K	5.43mg
Vitamin E	3.33mcg

Apart from the above-stated contents, several other beneficial compounds are found in kalonji, such as carvacrol, thymoquinone, 4-terpineol, and t-anethole which possess potent antioxidant properties.

Chemical composition of Kalonji seeds:

The ingredients of sativa seed include protein, fixed oil, saponin, alkaloid and essential oil.

The fixed oil contains unsaturated fatty acids like arachidonic, eicosadienoic, linolenic, oleic, linoleic, stearic, palmitoleic, palmitic, and myristic acid as well as beta-sitosterol, cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol sterol esters, and sterol glucoside.
The volatile oil which is present about(0.4-0.45 %) contains saturated fatty acids like nigellone, the only component which is the carbonyl part of the oil, thymohydroquinone (THQ), Thymoquinone (TQ), thymol, carvacrol, α, β-pinene, it also contains p-cymene, t-anethole, carvacrol, and 4-terpineol.
There are two different forms of alkaloids present in kalonji. Isoquinoline alkaloid is one type of alkaloid that includes nigellicimine n-oxide, nigellicimine, and pyrazole alkaloid is another type of alkaloid which includes: nigellicine and nigellidine.

Ayurvedic Composition of Kalonji Seeds:

Guna (qualities): It is Rooksha (dryness) and Laghu (lightness) in nature.
Rasa (taste): They are Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter) is nature.
Veerya( potency): It is Ushna (Hot potency) for the body.
Relation with Tridosha: It increases Pitta dosha and Vata dosha and Pacifies Kapha dosha

Benefits:

Black cumin seeds and their oil have amazing benefits and therefore are widely used to treat numerous ailments in the traditional way of treatment which is Ayurveda.

The seeds are truly a treasure of medicinal properties, they possess an excellent combination of antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties, and some studies and experiments have also stated that the seeds even show tumor suppression properties.
Along with stimulating lactation, the seeds are also used for treating feminine problems like problems related to menstrual and postpartum conditions.
The seeds are also commonly used to treat digestive problems and are also an efficient treatment against intestinal worms.
They are also used to treat inflammatory conditions and are also believed to reduce the severity of asthma and bronchitis
Another amazing property of kalonji is that it can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, it is also proven that kalonji may be effective against hypertension and diabetes

Uses of Kalonji seeds:

Enhances or increases memory:

Kalonji seeds have the potential to alleviate intelligence when it is combined with honey. Its daily consumption with an empty stomach is recommended for better brain functioning. Very helpful in the case of elderly people (as dementia or memory loss is a condition common in this age group ) it improves their memory.

Helps control diabetes:

Image reference

People suffering from diabetes can consume Kalonji oil in combination with black tea on an empty stomach. Kalonji acts very effectively and controls blood sugar levels in the patient's body (in case of type 2 diabetes).

In maintaining a healthy heart:

Kalonji is very good for your heart. It is responsible for controlling bad cholesterol levels in the body. Consumption of Kalonji oil with milk regularly can work wonders.

Treats inflammation:

The anti-inflammatory properties of kalonji seeds help in treating various chronic inflammations. It helps by providing lubrication between the joints thus healing joint pains.

Controls blood pressure:

The use of kalonji oil can control the blood pressure of the body. The high blood pressure patients are recommended, to drink lukewarm water in combination with a teaspoon of Kalonji oil.

Oral Health:

The use of Kalonji benefits overall oral health; it helps in curing problems like bleeding gums and weak teeth. Kalonji helps to cure dental pain. Mixing half a teaspoon of Kalonji oil with a cup of curd and applying it on your gums and teeth twice a day improves the oral health of the person.

Asthmatic conditions:

Kalonji is an amazing medicine for those suffering from asthma. To treat this condition, mix Kalonji oil with honey in warm water and drink it on a daily basis.

Weight Loss:

Want to lose weight or become slim? Consumption of Kalonji can help you do so as it increases your body metabolism resulting in weight loss. Consume these seeds with warm water to attain a healthy state

Skin and Hair:

Image reference

The use of kalonji helps to maintain healthy skin and hair. Kalonji oil along with lime juice results in glowing skin. Kalonji is the storehouse of nutrients that strengthen the hair and reduce hair fall.

For Cancer:

The antioxidants present in kalonji neutralize the radicals that may cause cancer. It specifically works against different types of cancer like breast cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer.

Relaxation and Common problems like headaches:

In addition to all these uses or benefits kalonji is also beneficial for a cure against common disorders like headache, massaging little Kalonji oil on the forehead can reduce headache and the person attains relaxation

How much Kalonji seeds can we consume in a day?

Powder form: ½ teaspoon twice a day.
Capsule form: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
Oil: Around ½ teaspoon once a day.

Best time of consumption:

Empty stomach, early in the morning is the best time for consumption but they can be consumed throughout the day

Kalonji and food:

Image reference

Kalonji can be used as a spice mix on a regular basis. One can use this spice in eatables like dals, soups, or salads. Some amazing and yum ways to add kalonji to your food are as follows

Dry roast fennel seeds, kalonji, and Cardamom on a flame and grind them in powdered form. Mix half a teaspoon of this mixture into the milk and enjoy.
Another recipe, Kalonji oil, is traditionally used for intestinal and stomach problems. Mix one teaspoon of kalonji oil with a cup of yogurt.
Kalonji seeds are used to flavor naan/paratha and give an additional crunch to the Indian bread, making it more enjoyable to eat alongside nutritional benefits
Sprinkle a handful on top of omelets or fried eggs. You'll love the innovation.

Side effect:

Kalonji doesn’t have any side effects. However, excess of anything is harmful thus when taken in large amounts it may lead to the following side effects

Low blood sugar levels might result in low blood pressure.
The addition of Kalonji in food during pregnancy is considered safe but, consuming it in large amounts on a regular basis, may risk the health of the fetus.

Precautions:

One must avoid the consumption of Kalonji seeds for the following conditions or situations

The use of kalonji in certain cases might result in allergic reactions and seizures.
The effect of kalonji is not much known during the period of breastfeeding. So, on the safer side, one must prevent its use during breastfeeding.
Kalonji seeds are also responsible for slowing down the clotting process. Kalonji seeds are warm in nature and may pose problems in case the person has bleeding disorders.
People with Pitta Prakriti should avoid its use because its intake can cause problems like upset stomach, vomiting, heartburn, nausea, and constipation.