Nigella sativa Black cumin (Ranunculaceae)

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Nigella sativa
Black cumin
(1 Page of 5)

The Nigella sativa plant species is found in N. Africa to Abyssinia and W. Asia. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Black cumin.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nigella sativa
Common Name:  Black cumin
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.35   Mature Width:  0.2

Habitat:  Waste places, arable land and waysides[9].

Medicinal Information: Like many aromatic culinary herbs, the seeds of black cumin are beneficial for the digestive system, soothing stomach pains and spasms and easing wind, bloating and colic[254]. The ripe seed is anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, laxative and stimulant[4, 9, 46, 238, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of digestive and menstrual disorders, insufficient lactation and bronchial complaints[9, 238]. The seeds are much used in India to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers and they can also be used to treat intestinal worms, especially in children[254]. Externally, the seed is ground into a powder, mixed with sesame oil and used to treat abscesses, haemorrhoids and orchitis[238, 240]. The powdered seed has been used to remove lice from the hair[245].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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