Habbatussauda: The Surprising Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seeds

Black cumin seeds are extracted from Nigella sativa, an annual flowering plant. Nigella sativa belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is native to south and Southeast Asia. Black cumin seeds go by many names. It’s also called Roman coriander, fennel flower or Habbatussauda.

Black cumin seeds are exceptionally high in essential nutrients that promote a healthy body. The seeds purify the system and speed up cell and tissue regeneration. Curious about the surprising health benefits of black cumin seeds? Check our list below:

Treats Type 2 Diabetes

Black cumin seeds are traditionally used to regulate blood sugar. Several studies found, two grams of black cumin seeds taken daily reduce blood sugar level significantly. The seeds also decrease insulin resistance and improve the pancreas beta-cell function.

Reduces Seizures

According to a report published in the Medical Science Monitor journal, regular consumption of black cumin seeds minimizes seizure attacks in epileptic children. The study involved monitoring epileptic children who no longer respond to conventional treatment. Researchers conclude that the seeds contain anticonvulsive agents that greatly reduce epileptic seizures.

Protects from Cancer

Several studies found that black cumin seeds protect against colon, breast, brain, and mouth cancer. The seeds contain powerful compounds that shrink tumors and kill malignant cells. In one study, lab rats afflicted with colon cancer were fed a diet fortified with black cumin seeds. The lab rats were able to fight cancer cells successfully with no side effects.

A separate study isolated the compound in black cumin seeds that fight cancer cells. This compound is called thymoquinone extract. It helps shrink malignant tumors in the breast as well as cause cancer cells to kill themselves. The same compound also protects from glioblastoma cells by inducing cell apoptosis. Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of brain tumors.

Treatment for MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a type of often-fatal infection that’s difficult to treat. Researchers at the University of Health Sciences in Lahore in Pakistan found that patients suffering from MRSA responded well to black cumin seed treatment. The seeds contain powerful anti-microbial and anti-bacterial agents that kill bacteria on contact. All without unwanted side effects.

Health experts believe that black cumin seeds have the ability to treat other strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics including microbes that cause HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida, and malaria.

Recovery from Heart Attack

Patients who survived heart attack usually don’t recover from their disease. But a diet rich in black cumin seeds could speed up recovery from heart attack. The compounds in black cumin seeds also help repair damaged tissues, restoring the heart’s function to normal.

Recovery from Lead Poisoning

In a separate study, black cumin seeds were given to patients who suffered from brain damage from lead toxicity. Those who were given black cumin seeds were able to recover from poisoning at a faster rate. Compounds from the seeds dampened and repaired damaged brain cells. The study was published in the Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology journal.

Cuts the Risk of Brain Disorders

From Parkinson’s disease to schizophrenia, black cumin seeds protect from brain degradation. The seeds contain natural acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors to keep the brain active.