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  Black Cumin Golden oil of the Pharaohs, Black cumin, lat. nigella sativa

Black cumin - a most successful natural remedy

The Golden Oil of the Pharaohs is valued as a spice and remedy

Black cumin, lat. nigella sativa, is a spice plant from the buttercup family which is not related to caraway or cumin. After flowering, this cultivated plant develops capsules similar to poppy seeds in which the seeds of the so-called black cumin are found. Black cumin is grown mainly in Asian and Oriental areas where it finds enough sun to thrive.

Black cumin is regarded in many places as the most successful natural remedy in the last ten years. In the Orient, the oil has been highly regarded for more than 3000 years as a spice and natural remedy. The Islamic Prophet Mohammed wrote the following symbolically meant sentence in his book "Hadith", "black cumin is the cure to all diseases except death".

Effects

Laboratory studies have revealed that the unsaturated fatty acids in the poppy-like black cumin seeds serve as a preliminary stage for the synthesis of our body substances prostaglandin E1 and E2 and therefore have a direct influence on our immune system.

Frequently asked questions about Black Cumin / Black Cumin Oil

The black cumin plant, quality, use and effects of black cumin oil

Black cumin flowers

Black cumin plant - why "real" black cumin?

Only black cumin "Nigella Sativa" is called the "real" original black cumin. The name "Roman coriander" or "Catherine flower" is also interesting because the flower is reminiscent of St. Catherine's wheel of martyrdom.

Significance of black cumin as a remedy in the Orient

The use of black cumin as a medicinal plant goes back very far into the history of the Orient. As early as 3500 years ago, people knew about the healing power of the small black seeds. Small vessels containing black cumin oil were found in graves. The applications seem endless. The Prophet Mohammed is said to have coined the saying "Black cumin cures every disease except death".

Differentiation from caraway, cumin and poppy (black sesame)

Botanically, true black cumin belongs to the buttercup family. Caraway and cumin, on the other hand, belong to the umbelliferae family, and thus have nothing in common with black cumin except the similarity of the seeds.

Black sesame seeds have similar seeds, but they have a rather flat teardrop shape. Black cumin seeds are wrinkled and have three edges. Botanically, black sesame is not related to black cumin.

Black cumin seeds and oil

Taste of black cumin

The taste of black cumin/oil is described as "characteristic", "spicy-hot", "more bitter than pepper", depending on the degree of ripeness also "mild" – thus already special and varied. This makes it an ideal accompaniment to oriental cuisine, among other things.

Effect of black cumin oil

Black cumin can be used internally and externally. It is said to help against an endless range of ailments, e.g. asthma, flatulence, skin lichen, high blood pressure, strengthening the immune system, skin and hair care. Due to the traditional quotation of the Prophet Mohammed, black cumin has been revered and used throughout the Islamic world as a miracle cure.

Black cumin for allergies

Black cumin for allergies

Many allergies can be controlled with black seed oil:

  • Hay fever
  • Asthma attacks
  • Allergies due to metabolism
  • Neurodermatitis and other skin allergies
  • Allergies due to dry airways
  • Grippal infections and herpes
  • Irritation of the mucous membranes

The oil contains 80% of the healthy omega 3, 6 and 9 components, which many insiders consider particularly valuable for targeting allergies. It has been used for thousands of years and has also become increasingly important for health in our regions.

Why are black cumin seeds no longer available to consumers?

Due to the low demand for seeds, we have discontinued the article and are focusing on the oil, whose popularity continues to rise steadily.

Difference filtered / unfiltered black cumin oil

Unfiltered black seed oil is the oil as it comes out of the oil press. It contains turbidity and solid components of the seed. The suspended and turbid matter also makes the oil taste much sharper.
Filtered black cumin oil
is produced by removing the suspended and turbid matter from the crude oil through filtering. This makes the oil clear and milder in taste.
Our AMAZONAS Black Cumin Oil is gently cold-pressed and filtered in an oil mill.

Quality differences of black cumin oils

The following criteria, among others, are used to distinguish between the qualities:

  • Price-performance (can vary greatly)
  • Container (dark bottle to protect the oil from light)
  • Taste (bitter, spicy, mild – what is individually desired)
  • Colour
  • Conventional or organic quality?
  • Additions? (or pure oil)
  • Raw-food quality?
  • Processing – gentle stamp pressing?
  • Filtered/unfiltered?
  • Origin
  • Nutritional information?
  • Serious seller? (for online orders, reviews can also be helpful)

Dosage and intake options for black cumin oil

Our recommendation:
AMAZONAS Organic Black Cumin Oil:
Enjoy 6 ml (approx. 2 teaspoons) daily on its own or mix into any drink, salads or starters.

Is black cumin oil suitable for children?

Black cumin oil is also used for children, e.g. for the treatment of neurodermatitis, asthma or also ADHD (here, the calming effect of black cumin is relied on to reduce stress and irritability and to improve the quality of sleep, for example).

Tolerance and side effects of black cumin oil

Black cumin oil is generally well tolerated, side effects are rather rare. Possible adverse effects of black cumin oil are nausea and itching, according to the University Clinic of Freiburg. Allergic reactions are also possible. During pregnancy, the expectant mother should generally refrain from taking essential oils, as they can promote labour.

External use of black cumin oil for skin and hair care

Black cumin oil for the hair:
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, helps against split ends and activates the formation of keratin, the body's own horn substance. Black cumin oil nourishes, softens and tones the scalp and hair. It brings shine and softness to dull, dry and tired hair. Black seed oil can consequently help the body to keep hair healthy.

Black cumin oil for the skin
It is said that even Cleopatra used black cumin oil for beauty care. And her beauty was legendary.

You should be aware that one tiny black cumin seed contains over 100 active ingredients! Among other things, black seed oil has a very high content of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which protects our skin tissue. Another trio of successes are the many omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids with their high content of skin-friendly linoleic acid.

This is why black seed oil is so effective for treating and relieving skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. The clarifying, antioxidant properties of black seed oil help to slow down skin ageing. In addition, it has a natural antibiotic, antiseptic and antifungal effect. Its soothing active ingredients relieve burns, nourish chapped skin and soothe sunburn.

Black cumin oil for oil pulling / mouth treatment

Oil pulling in the oral cavity serves to detoxify the oral cavity. The oil is drawn through the interdental spaces for a while. The oil loses its oily consistency and binds toxins. It is effective against bad breath, gingivitis, bleeding gums and promotes the strengthening of loose teeth - in other words, all-round hygiene for the oral cavity.

Contraindications during pregnancy

Black cumin oil is an essential oil and may have a labour-promoting effect in pregnancy.

Precautions and warnings Pregnancy: Black seed appears to be safe and harmless during pregnancy in food-grade amounts. However, taking larger amounts is not safe and harmless as black seed may slow or stop contractions of the uterus.

Shelf life of black cumin oil / freezing

If the oil is stored in the original container in a dark and dry place, it can be kept for up to 2 years. When opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 months. Black cumin oil should not be frozen. This can have a negative effect on taste and quality.

Does black cumin oil repel ticks?

Black cumin oil does repel ticks. Of course, you will never be able to completely prevent tick infestations, but by applying black cumin oil, ticks are repelled. Testimonials say that fleas also stay away from the dog.

Why should black cumin oil be kept away from cats?

Cats lack important enzymes to sufficiently break down the substances contained in the oil (including terpenes). The breakdown is very slow. Thus, even small amounts of the oil, administered over a sufficiently long period of time, can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Similar to other essential oils, liver damage can occur. The toxic effect has not yet been explicitly shown in studies. But as long as there are no studies on the safety of black cumin oil, cats should not be given it. In pregnant animals, black cumin oil can even trigger an abortion (regardless of whether it is a dog or a cat). In case of an overdose (already from 1 drop!), poisoning symptoms and even death can occur.