Black Seed or Nigella Sativa has been described as a miraculous plant and widely used as a spice and flavoring agent in variety of food preparations such as in bread, yogurt, pickles, sauces, and salads. Black seed or black cumin has long been used in traditional remedy in the Arabian countries, Far East Asia, Europe, and Africa.

A well-known physician in the 10th century, Avicena  writes a book “The Canon of Medicine,” which he recommended the use of Nigella seeds for enhancement of body's energy and also support during recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.

Ustadza Anisa Taha Arab, a local Muslim Religious Leader based in Cotabato City, said a narration that describes the curative powers of the black seed, from Abu Hurayrah (ra) said that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Hold on (use this seed regularly)! Because it is a remedy (cure) for every disease except death”.

The medicinal benefits of black seed are mainly due to its main active compound called thymoquinone, which has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic properties that protect the body from cell damage and chronic diseases. Studies shows that black seed is a good source of Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Thiamine, Niacin, Phosphorous, and Folic Acid.

Sources:  https://www.webmd.com/diet/black-seed-health-benefits#1
                https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-901/black-seed
                https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535880

Writer: NO II Maleja Daud Jaamil & NO I Jamellah R. Daanoy