Blackseed (Nigella sativa)
Blackseed also known as black caraway, black cumin, black onion and kalonji, are the name given to seeds of the Nigella sativa plants. It has a long history of use dating back to over 2000 years. In fact, historians believe that King Tut, Cleopatra and Hippocrates ingested blackseed for an array of illness conditions including general weakness, cough, flu, bone and joint pains, muscle aches, and skin imbalances. This a flowering shrub contains the chemical compound thymoquinone and caryophyllene yielding a slightly bitter taste and should be eaten raw. It has a pungent taste hence it is advisable to mix it with some honey or lemon juice before ingesting. It can also be sprinkled over a salad to increase palatability. |