कलौंजी

  

Nigella sativa or Black Seed is an annual flowering plant, native to southwest Asia, eastern coastal

countries of Mediterranean region and North Africa. Nigella is a derived from Latin word Niger (black).  It grows to 20–30 cm tall, with finely divided, linear leaves. The flowers are delicate and usually colored pale blue and white, with five to ten petals. The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of three to seven united follicles, each containing numerous seeds.

The Black seeds have a rough surface and an oily white interior, similar to onion seeds. Black seed has a peculiar aromatic and pungent smell, while onion seeds don’t have this smell. Black seeds have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and a crunchy texture. The seed is used as a spice, medicine, cosmetic and flavoring agent.

Common names

In English, Nigella sativa is variously called fennel flower, nutmeg flower, Love-in-mist (as Nigella flower resembles with that of Love-in-mist), black caraway, Roman coriander, black cumin. Other names used, sometimes misleadingly, are onion seed and black sesame, both of which are similar-looking, but unrelated. It is called Krishna Jeera in Sanskrit, kalongi كلونجى in Urdu, Kala Jeero কালোজিরা in Bengali, Karum seeragam கருஞ்சீரகம் in Tamil, Nallajeelakarra in Telugu, Karinjirakam  in Malayalam, çörek otu in Turkey, habbat al-barakah  حبة البركة (seed of blessing) in Egypt, Habbet al-sauda in Arabic,  سیاه‌دانه siyâh dâne in Persia, Shuniz in Iran, and chernushka in Russian.

History of Black Seed

The Black Seed has been in use worldwide for over 3000 years. Nigella Sativa was first discovered in Tutankhamen's tomb of Egypt, implying that it was one of items entombed with a king to assist him in the afterlife.

Easton’s Bible dictionary states the Hebrew word ketsah refers to N. sativa without doubt.

Discoredes, a Greek physician of the 1^st Century A.D. said that black seeds were taken to treat Headaches, flu, toothache, and intestinal worms. They also used it as a diuretic, to promote menstruation and increase milk production in women.

Ibn Sina (980-1037), most famous for his volumes called "The Canon of Medicine", regarded by many as the most famous book in the history of medicine, East or west, refers to black seed as the seed that's stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue. Black seed was  included in the list of natural drugs of Al-Tibb al-Nabawi. Recent research indicates that black seed boosts the human immune system if taken over time.

Narrations found in Islamic literature

Khalid bin Sad said, "We went out and with us was Ghazi bin Abjar. He fell sick along the way to al-Madinah. Ibn Abu 'Atiq came to visit him and said, 'You should use this black seed. Take five or seven seeds and grind them, then apply to his nostrils with drops of olive oil and Ayesha narrated to them that she heard the Messenger say, "This black seed is a cure for every disease except death." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Majah (3449)]. Ibnul Qaiyum said, "It  is a cure for every disease except death is like the statement of Allah."

Cleopatra, the Beautiful and mysterious queen of Egypt had been using black seed oil in her cosmetics and soaps.

Nutritional Power House

The Black Seed contains 40% fixed oils and 1.4% volatile oils. The most effective compounds  are thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol. These are powerful Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral against 30 different pathogens tested; TQ is the best anti-fungal against dermatophytes and yeasts, and thymol against mold.

Black Seed is high in 15 essential amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as calcium, potassium and iron. It also contains sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which has anti-carcinogenic properties. Black Seed has a number of useful properties such as

Analgesic (pain-killing) Anti-bacterial Anti-ulcer Anti-inflammatory Antihistamine Anti-cholinergic Anti-fungal Anti-bacterial Antiviral Bronchodilator Renoprotective (kidney protecting)

Anti-cancer Antioxidant Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor Interferon inducer Leukotriene antagonist hypertensive Antispasmodic Gluconeogenesis inhibitor (anti-diabetic) Hepatoprotective (liver protecting) Hypotensive Insulin sensitizing

The benefits and uses of the Black Seed

     Backache & other kinds of rheumatism Mildly heat a small amount of Black Seed Oil and then .

stroke the rheumatic area intensely. A tsp of the oil should also be drunk three times daily

 Black Seed Oil for Pain Relief

Kalonji alone or in combination with other herbs are beneficial for pain relief.

The mix of vinegar (1 tsp), honey (2 tsp) and kalonji oil (1/2 tsp) when taken twice a day is helpful in pain management. The massage with black seeds oil is helpful for relieving the effects of arthritis. Eating two pieces of dry fig along with 4 drops of kalonji oil is beneficial in joint pain, backache, and neck pain.

     Diabetes Black seed oil causes gradual partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells, increases the insulin concentrations, and decreases the elevated glucose, according to the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Mix a cup of whole Black Seeds, a cup of watercress or mustard seeds, half a cup of pomegranate peel, and half a cup of fumitory. Grind the mixture. Take half a tsp of the mixture together with a tsp of Black Seed Oil daily before breakfast for one month.

Diarrhea Mix a tsp of Black Seed Oil with a cup of yoghurt. Drinking the mixture twice a day until symptoms disappear.

Asthma, Dry Cough & Bronchial Problems - Black seed improves lung function, reduces respiratory symptoms and chest wheezing. Mix a tsp of Black Seed Oil in coffee. Take twice daily. Also rub chest with Black Seed Oil every night and inhale the vapor of Black Seed Oil in hot water.

Flu & Nasal Congestion Placing three to four drops of Black Seed Oil in each nostril can relieve nasal congestion.

Black Seed Oil for Hair Problems

Smooth and stronger hair  Black Seed Oil is an important remedy.   

1- Baldness Rub Kalonji oil on the head twice a day, which is helpful to prevent baldness. Baldness can also be prevented when a mixture of coffee (one cup) is taken along with Kalonji oil (1/2 spoon) twice a day.

2- Rub your hair with lime juice, leave it for 15 minutes. Now, wash it with shampoo and use Kalonji oil when hair gets dry. Following the procedure for one week will prevent premature falling of hair.

3- Dandruff - Heat the mix of Black Seed Oil (10 grams), Coconut oil (30 grams) and Mehandi powder (30 grams) for few minutes till it converted into paste. Apply the paste over your head and wash.

Black Seed Oil for Migraine

Kalonji oil is good in the treatment of headache. To cure migraine, it is suggested to instill Black

Seed Oil (one drop) in the opposite nasal area of the headache. Take Black Seed Oil half tea spoon twice a day is good to overcome migraine. To relieve from headache, massage with Kalonji oil is also effective.

Black Seed Oil for Beauty 

The mix of olive oil (1 tsp) and Black Seed Oil (1/2 tsp) rubs on the face, left it for an hour and wash./2 tsp) twice a day. It is beneficial against pimples, red spots and blackheads. You see results after 4 weeks. Take the mix of honey (2 tsp) + Black Seed Oil (1/2 tsp) + coconut oil (1/2 tsp). Use it twice a day for one month. You will get smooth skin. Continue it for a week. This is one of the fine beauty tips for face. Take a cup of orange juice and mix Black Seed Oil (1

Hypertension Nigella sativa helps to lower blood pressure. Mix any drink with a tsp of Black Seed Oil and also take two cloves of garlic every morning with breakfast. Rub all the body with Black Seed Oil and expose your body to sun rays for half an hour once every three days. Repeat for one month.

Laziness and Fatigue One tablespoon of Black Seed Oil with a glass of pure orange juice every morning for at least 10 days.

Memory Improvement A tsp of Black Seed Oil mixed in 100mg of boiled mint for at least 15 days.

Parkinson’s disease and dementia - A tsp of Black Seed Oil with a cup of tea/coffee to be taken three times daily. Thymoquinone was shown to protect neurons against synapse damage, thus, it could be therapeutic in Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Sexual Impotency Mix 200g of ground Black Seeds with Olive Oil & l00g of ground Frankincense & 50g of Black Seed Oil & 50g of olive oil & 200g of pure honey. Mix thoroughly and take a tablespoon after every meal.

Sleeping Disorder A tablespoon of Black Seed Oil mixed with honey in any hot drink in the evening.

Black Seed Oil for Dental Problems

To get relief from painful tooth and soreness, Black Seed Oil can be rubbed over the affected part. Continue the after 15 seconds. Dental problems such as premature fall of teeth, teeth weakening, bleeding from teeth, bad smell, etc. it is advisable to take the mix of Black Seed Oil (1/2 tsp) and 1 cup of curd twice a day.

Ulcers Roast the Black Seeds and mix them with oil of orrisroot, or the oil of henna plant, making an ointment that is applied over the festering rural ulcers. After washing treat with vinegar.

Drug addiction Black seed helps people recover from drug addiction. A study of 35 opiate addicts found black seed was an effective therapy in long-term treatment of drug  dependence.

Liver health It supports liver health. 

Obesity – Black seed oil gives satisfactory results. 

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)  

Post-surgical scar prevention

Black Seed Immunity Booster

The Black Seed is an excellent herb for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. The
prophetic reference that the Black Seed cures all illnesses is not exaggerated as it at first appears. The Black Seed has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand years.

Dr. Qaadi started a series of researches in the United States and proved that the use of the Black Seed strengthens immunity since the ratio of the T assistant lymph cells increased by an average of 72% compared to the restraining cells. Also, there was a considerable development in the activity of natural killer cells with an average of 74%. 

HIV

The study, published in a famous African Journal of Medicine, tells the story of an HIV patient who went into complete remission after black seed treatment. The patient was treated with Nigella sativa for a period of six months, after which there was no detectable HIV virus or antibodies against HIV in his bloodstream. Further, the HIV stayed gone.

Black Seed cures Cancer 

Nigella sativa is an incredibly powerful and natural cancer cure. It is the best of the best and wipe out cancer cells very quickly in every type of cancer. There are literally tons and tons of information and in depth research results on the remarkable benefits of Nigella sativa on cancer. It seems to have a strong affiliation for colon, brain, bone, blood, cervical, prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers.  

In a recent study, at the Kimmel Cancer Centre, Jefferson were able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that black seed destroys pancreatic tumor cells at a rapid rate with an astonishing 80 percent success rate! Further research at South Carolina found that black seed increased the growth rate of bone marrow cells by an incredible 250 percent and it also inhibited the growth rate of all tumors by a minimum 50 percent!

Black seed works to fend off cancer through a variety of mechanisms:

1.     Anti-proliferation

2.     Apoptosis induction

3.     Cell cycle arrest

4.     Reactive oxygen species generation

5.     Anti-metastasis

6.     Anti-angiogenesis

Black cumin expert, Maria Hurairah recommends 3 tsps of oil a day or 2 tsps of oil  + 1 tsp of seed powder mixed with raw honey or freshly squeezed juice. It must be taken on an empty stomach one hour before a meal. You can increase the dosage after 2-3 weeks if desired. This is the basic plan, however, to thoroughly target cancer olive leaf, luffah leaves and energizing honey is also used along with healthy diet. 

ورد حديث في صحيح البخاري عن عائشة - رضي الله عنها - أنها قالت: قال رسول الله -
صلى الله عليه وسلم: " إن هذه الحبة السوداء شفاء من كل داء إلا السام، قلت: وما السام؟ قال الموت

Sour cabbage – Professor of Probiotics

Sour cabbage – Professor of Probiotics

Sour cabbage (Germans call it Sauerkraut) is finely cut cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria. It has a long shelf life and a distinct sour taste, both of which result from the lactic acid that forms when the bacteria ferment the cabbage.

History of Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut originated approximately 2,000 years ago in China. It was known as suan cai, a particular

type of “pickled vegetable with sour taste”, made by natural fermentation of Napa cabbage or Chinese green. The earliest known history of suan cai is the laborers who built the Wall of China got their nourishment from rice and various types of fermented and pickled vegetables including suan cai.

It wasn't until 1,000 years later that Genghis Khan plundered China and brought back this recipe to Europe. The Germans gave it the name "sauerkraut", learned to make this from their native European cabbage.

It soon became a staple for seafaring men. It kept well without refrigeration and the vitamin content found in sauerkraut helped keep the ship's crews scurvy free. The famous ship captain, James Cook, once ordered 25,000 pounds of sauerkraut to outfit two ships.

In World War I and II, the slang word “kraut” was used to refer to sailors and ultimately all German soldiers because of a long history of German ships being outfitted with sauerkraut as part of daily food rations to prevent the onset of scurvy. 

The Science behind Sauerkraut Lacto-fermentation

Lacto-fermentation is an anaerobic oxidation of carbs present in cabbage, brought about by the Lactobacilli bacteria (lactic acid-producing bacteria LABs). These Lactobacilli reduce the pH, making the environment acidic and unsuitable for the growth of unwanted bacteria. The goal of making sauerkraut is to provide the best environment for Lactobacilli to grow.

Stages of Sauerkraut fermentation

Sauerkraut must go through three specific stages of fermentation.

Stage One

Leuconostoc mesenteroides initiates sauerkraut fermentation. Since Leuconostoc mesenteroides produce carbon dioxide, which effectively replaces the oxygen in the jar, making the environment oxygen-free. When lactic acids reach between .25 and .3%, Leuconostoc mesenteroides bacteria slow down and die off, but enzymes continue to function. This stage lasts between one and three days, depending on temperature.  

Stage Two

Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus cucumeris continue the ferment until lactic acid level of 1.5-2% is --attained. High salt and low temp inhibit these bacteria, so I hope you didn’t over-salt your cabbage. This stage continues for 10-30 days, depending on temperature.

Stage Three

Lactobacillus brevis (may be Lactobacillus pentoaceticus also) finish off the ferment. When lactic acid reaches 2-2.5%, they reach their max growth and the ferment is over. This final stage lasts under a week. When no more bubbles appear in the jar, your sauerkraut is ready.

Factors affecting Lacto-fermentation

Although the process is simple, and will complete well if the right amount of salt added, there are

some factors that influence how sauerkraut will turn out. These are follows:

Brine level

Bacteria that may spoil sauerkraut will have the upper hand if you have an insufficient level of brine. Too low level of brine allows the undesirable aerobic bacteria and yeasts to grow on the surface. This can cause bad-flavors and discoloration of kraut.

Oxygen  

Lactobacillus plantarum, the primary bacteria responsible for Stage Two, works best without oxygen. Presence of oxygen will promote mold formation, allows pink yeasts to grow and could result in soft ‘kraut.

Temperature

The ideal temperature to make a perfect sauerkraut is 18-24 degrees celcius. It’s important toflowerpot. Water will remain cold in the clay pot and thus maintain the right temperature in the jar. Temperature also affects enzymes, which are destroyed once the temperature has risen to 45 degrees.

maintain the right temperature. In hot countries like India, it is very difficult to maintain this temperature. We have developed a desi technique for this issue. You can keep your jar in a water filled clay

Salt

Use only iodine-free rock salt at a ratio of about 1 to 3% and mix thoroughly. Much more than this and the Lactobacilli can’t thrive, less than this may promote yeast and mold formation.

pH

Since sauerkraut has a pH of 4.6 or lower, it is acidic. The acidic environment will not permit the growth of bacterial spores and thus is resistant to spoilage.

Lactobacilli thrive in an acid environment, but so can molds and yeasts. But always remember that you should keep the oxygen out in order to prevent mold and yeast formation.  Yeast and mold both need an oxygen source to thrive.  

How To Make Homemade Sauerkraut in a Mason Jar

What You Need?

2-3 medium heads of green cabbage (about 3 kilos), Rock salt, 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional), Mixing bowl, Mason jar, weighing machine, Cutting board and Chef's knife

Instructions

Slice the cabbage

Peal the outer leaves of the cabbage and remove two to two leaves from the next layer, which would be needed later on. Cut the cabbage in the half and remove the core, the core is rich is nutrient so chop it well over. Then cut each half into two pieces and slice each half into thin strips. Now slice the remaining cabbage as well.

Weigh and calculate the salt

After chopping, we weigh the shredded cabbage and calculate how much rock salt is needed. Ideal quantity of the salt should be 1 to 3%. Today we have 3000 gm of cabbage; we need to calculate 1.5% of 3000 gm which is 45 gm. Then we use the scale again to weigh 45 gm of salt.

Mix the cabbage and salt

Transfer the cabbage to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the salt over top. Begin adding the salt into

Fido Jar makes good Sour-Cabbage

the cabbage by mashing and bursing the cabbage with your hands or potato masher. Keep adding layer of salt and cabbage as you burse the shredded cabbage.  It will release the water which will come to the top. Add extra water if needed.

Keep pressing down firmly to remove all air. Wrap the fresh cabbage leaves on top to protect the shredded cabbage.

Weigh the cabbage down

Now place a plastic bag inside and fill it with RO water to add weight over the cabbage. Leave only a small (2 to 3 cm) gap between the bag and the lid. Then tie the bag in the container.

Ferment the cabbage  

Your sauerkraut will be ready in 4-6 weeks depending on the room temperature, when ready sauerkraut should be refrigerated.  Check it daily and press it down if the cabbage is floating above the liquid.

Harsch Crock with stone weights

While it's fermenting, you may see bubbles coming through the cabbage, foam on the top, or white scum. These are all signs of a healthy, happy fermentation process.  If you see any mold, skim it off immediately and make sure your cabbage is fully submerged.

Refrigerate the sauerkraut  

This sauerkraut is a fermented product so it will keep for over one year if kept refrigerated.  

Harsch Fermenting Crock

 Harsch Fermenting Crock is the best pot to make sauerkraut. This crock has a special gutter in the rim, and a ceramic cover fits into the gutter which is filled with water thus creating the air lock. Gases (CO2)  from the fermentation can escape, but air can not enter the crock from outside. Thus creating oxygen free environment. The Harsch crock comes with a 2 piece stone that is used to weigh down and apply pressure on the cabbage.                 

Colon World – A Disney Land of tiny creatures

There is a huge population of bacteria, roughly ten times as the numbers of all of our human cells colonized in our digestive system. We cannot stay alive without these wonderful friendly bacteria, here battles are fought, helpful substances, vitamins are produced, and the immune system is strengthened. The following actions are taken place here:

1.    Vitamins  are manufactured  and minerals are absorbed into the blood

2.    Friendly bacteria kill the disease causing bacteria, such as Salmonella

3.    Friendly bacteria reduce the levels of some toxins, such as ammonia

4.    Short-chain fatty acids (the wonderful fats) are manufactured, most of which are absorbed into the blood, but some are used as food for the cells of the colon. The short-chain fatty acids recently gathered lot of attention among the scientists. It is difficult to get these fats in our food, so the body relies on the process going on in Colon World to make these fats for us. They are important in keeping the cells of the colon healthy and preventing ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, and diverticular disease. They may also help regulate cholesterol and insulin response.

Benefits of Sauerkraut

1.   Professor of Probiotics - Leuconostoc mesenteroides,  plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus pentoaceticus, Lactobacillus plantarum and some other species

2.    Processor of nutrients - Glucosinolates, sulfur, iodine  

3.    Producer of vitamins - vitamin C, B group vitamins

4.    Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, reduces free radicals, boosts immunity, reduces cholesterol, improves blood flow, repairs damaged cells, low in calorie

5.    Promoter of digestion – rich in fiber, promotes digestion, constipation. It contains the antiulcer factor vitamin U thus helps with gastric ulcers,

6.    Protector of health – Acts as detoxifier, benefits nervous system, helps endocrine system, boosts energy, relieves painfully engorged breasts during breast feeding

7.    Terminator of cancer - Dr. Budwig advised her cancer patients to drink a glass of Sauerkraut juice every morning. It also lowers risk of colon cancer