Kalonji, also referred to as black caraway or black cumin, is called Nigella sativa botanically. It is a tiny black seed commonly used for tempering culinary preparations in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. However, these kalonji seeds are not only known for their aromatic flavor but also for their various health benefits.
Kalonji plant has been used for centuries as a traditional medicinal herb to treat a wide range of ailments as it possesses a variety of chemical constituents such as Thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, nigellicine, carvacrol, nigllimine, and alpha-hederin, among others. These compounds help bring out several kalonji benefits or kalonji ke fayde in common parlance, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects as well as acne vulgaris, skin cancer, and pigmentation. [1] In this article, we will explore 15 incredible benefits of kalonji, backed by scientific research, that range from boosting immunity and improving skin health to aiding in weight loss and the fantastic Kalonji benefits for hair.
15 Incredible benefits of kalonji
1. Prevents Diabetes
Kalonji seeds are known to prevent a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. It can also reduce other symptoms of diabetes, like excessive thirst and fatigue, and helps treat non-insulin-dependent diabetes Mellitus. [3]
2. Maintains good heart health
Kalonji seeds work wonders to keep the heart healthy by controlling bad cholesterol levels in the body. [3]
3. Effective on cancer and the immune system
Kalonji oil has the ethanolic property that helps inhibit cancer cells and endothelial cell progression. [3]
4. Suitable for high blood pressure
Kalonji oil benefits also include controlling the effects of hypertension, which in turn affects other organs. [3]
5. Fights Obesity
Oil extracted from Kalonji seeds can help you shed your extra pounds by increasing the metabolic rate of your body. When consumed with lukewarm water, Kalonji makes you slim and trim.[5]
6. For constipation problems
In Indian households, Kalonji ke fayde also includes curing certain gastrointestinal diseases that impair the digestive system. It also shows anti-ulcer activity by reducing the volume of acid in gastric juice. [3]
7. Helps with breathing issues
Kalonji ke fayde includes a considerable decrease in the agent in asthma and bronchitis and is especially effective in children. [3]
8. Works on healing wounds faster
Kalonji also helps heal wounds by decreasing the total and absolute white blood cell count, reducing tissue damage and inflammation in the damaged tissues. It also decreases bacterial expansion. It has good activity in increasing collagen formation and the epithelialization rate.[1]
9. Works on different skin diseases like Vitiligo
Kalonji also helps maintain a nice glow and clear skin by working against a range of common and uncommon skin problems like Vitiligo. [1]
10. Removing worms in children
Kalonji seed oil has shown anthelmintic activity against hookworms and nodal worms. The ethanolic extract from it was seen to have an anticestodal effect in children. [3]
11. Benefits of the teeth
With age, the teeth tend to lose strength leading to toothaches. Kalonji oil is an excellent remedy to treat dental diseases and prevents dental caries. [3]
12. Lowers harmful cholesterol levels
Among the other Kalonji oil benefits is bringing down the levels of serum cholesterol, thus boosting the overall health of other organs.[3]
13. Improves memory and concentration
Kalonji oil helps boost memorizing ability and is particularly helpful for elderly people in treating brain-related diseases.
14. Menstrual issues and fertility
Kalonji benefits for female are impressive because of their rich volatile oils and potent anti-inflammatory properties. These can help with managing abdominal cramps during the menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhoea. [4] The Thymoquinone, alkaloids, and flavonoids also help stimulate ovarian function and ovulation in women, especially those troubled with irregular menstrual cycles.
15. Spice and flavoring agent:
Kalonji has been traditionally used to flavor a variety of food preparations such as bread, yogurt, pickles, sauces, and salads. [2]
FAQs about Kalonji
1. Can Kalonji seeds be consumed daily?
Yes, a teaspoon of Kalonji seeds can be taken daily to help with various health anomalies. For instance, it can help lessen asthma symptoms, relax muscles, and keep digestive issues at bay.
2. Does kalonji oil help increase hair growth?
Kalonji benefits for hair are legendary, especially when compiled with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. When applied to the scalp, it helps combat flakiness and dryness.
3. Does kalonji seed help with fertility?
Among the kalonji benefits for female is the maintenance of progesterone and testosterone levels, which in turn help improve sexual health and fertility.
Conclusion
Kalonji is a powerhouse of various nutrients, crude fiber, amino acids, sodium, calcium, potassium, saponin, iron, and more. It thus is often called a ‘seed of blessing.’ In this article, we have discussed kalonji and 15 of its most incredible benefits, ranging from kalonji oil for hair to kalonji benefits for female and much more.
Disclaimer: This article presents generic information on Kalonji benefits for your health and does not stand for medical advice. If you wish to use kalonji for curing diseases, you must consult a doctor.
References:
- Nigella sativa (Kalonji): A Black Seed of Miracle
- Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses
- A Review of Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Nigella Sativa
- Local Usage of Nigella sativa Oil as an Innovative Method to Attenuate Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial
- Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa ) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone
