Black seed: What you need to know

Black seed is a plant. People have used the seed to make medicine for over 2000 years. It was even discovered in the tomb of King Tut.

Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, and intestinal worms.

It has also been used for “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), pockets of infection (abscesses), and parasites.

black seed
black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) in white ceramic bowl against grunge wood

Today, black seed is used for treating digestive tract conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and hemorrhoids.

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It is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu, swine flu, and congestion.

Other uses include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, treating cancer, and boosting the immune system.

You may read that a patent has been issued to cover the use of black seed to improve immunity, but don’t be misled.

The presence of a patent doesn’t mean black seed has been shown to be effective for this use.

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Women use black seed for birth control, to start menstruation, and to increase milk flow.

Black seed is sometimes used in combination with cysteine, vitamin E, and saffron to ease the side effects of a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin.

In foods, black seed is used as a flavoring or spice.

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