Nigella sativa, commonly called black seed, black cumin, or kalonji, is an annual herb of the Ranunculaceae family whose small, angular, jet-black seeds deliver a pungent, slightly bitter flavor with notes of onion, oregano, and black pepper.
History & Origins
Seeds of Nigella sativa have been recovered from multiple archaeological sites, including the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun (c. 1323 BCE), indicating use in ancient medicine and ritual. It appears in the writings of Dioscorides and Pliny, who praised it for digestive and respiratory complaints, while in Islamic tradition it became known as habbat al-barakah and was revered as a universal remedy. By the medieval period it was traded across the Mediterranean as both a culinary spice and a pharmaceutical commodity.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, edible portion (estimated)
- 345 kcalCalories
- 16 gProtein
- 22 gFat
- 35 gCarbs
- 6 gFiber
- 1 gSugars
- 1690 mgPotassium
- 570 mgCalcium
- 7.5 mgIron
- 7 mgVitamin C
Culinary Uses
- Sprinkled atop Indian naan, kulcha, and paratha breads before baking
- Component of Bengali panch phoron and other South Asian spice blends
- Tossed over salads, hummus, and Middle Eastern flatbreads such as manakish
- Stirred into pickles, cheese (notably Turkish çökelek), and lentil dals
Known Benefits
- Rich source of thymoquinone and other bioactive compounds studied for antioxidant activity
- Traditionally used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems for digestive and respiratory support
- Provides essential fatty acids including linoleic and oleic acid
Hidden Benefits
- Demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria
- May modulate inflammatory pathways and support lipid metabolism in preliminary human studies
- Nigella oil is sometimes used topically in folk cosmetology for skin and hair care
Cautions & Considerations
- May lower blood glucose; diabetics on medication should monitor levels
- Can slow blood clotting; discontinue at least two weeks before surgery
- Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses due to potential uterine stimulation
- Contact dermatitis has been reported in sensitive individuals
