(NaturalNews) The seed of a traditional Middle Eastern
medicinal plant known by the species name Nigella sativa has been shown to help
lower blood pressure, among a plethora of other medicinal benefits.
Traditionally used as a spice and preservative as well as
for its medicinal functions, Nigella sativa is also known by the names black
seed, black cumin and fennel flower.
The study demonstrating Nigella sativa's benefits in
managing high blood pressure was conducted by researchers from the Shahrekord
University of Medical Sciences in Iran and published in the journal Fundamental
& Clinical Pharmacology in 2008. In the randomized, double-blind study,
participants suffering from mild hypertension (high blood pressure) were
assigned to take either a placebo, 100 mg of Nigella sativa extract, or 200 mg
of the extract twice per day. After eight weeks, the researchers found that
both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered in
participants taking the Nigella sativa extract, compared both with levels at
the study's start and in the placebo group. A higher dose was found to result
in a greater decrease in blood pressure.
Participants in the Nigella sativa groups also
experienced significant reductions in levels of overall and LDL
("bad") cholesterol relative to the study's start and to the placebo
group. No complications were observed.
Other benefits of Nigella sativa
Overall, 458 separate peer-reviewed studies on the
effects of Nigella sativa have been published since 1964. According to
GreenMedInfo.com, these studies have confirmed the seed's benefits as an
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-ulcer.
It also protects the kidneys and increases insulin sensitivity (thereby helping
fight diabetes).
Nigella sativa has also been shown to act as a potent
pain reliever to help treat type 2 diabetes; to aid recovery from narcotic drug
addiction; to prevent epileptic seizures; and even to protect against chemical
weapons exposure.
Studies have also shown that Nigella sativa is a potent
tool in managing allergies and asthma. A 2003 research review published in
Phytotherapy Research found that in four separate studies, Nigella sativa led
to improvement in the symptoms of allergies including hay fever, eczema and
asthma, while also improving levels of triglycerides and HDL ("good")
cholesterol.
Another study, published in Phytomedicine in 2010, found
that Nigella sativa improved symptoms in asthma patients by acting directly to
dilate the bronchial tubes, much like conventional asthma drugs do. According
to a 2011 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Nigella sativa also
appears to dampen the hyper-responsiveness of the immune system that leads to
asthma attacks, reducing the activity of white blood cells and inflammatory
triggers.
Finally, the seed also has incredibly potent anti-cancer
properties, in fact, and has been shown to stimulate the activity of
cancer-fighting white blood cells known as neutrophil granulocytes. Studies
have confirmed that regular ingestion of Nigella sativa seed or seed oil can
help prevent the growth and spread of carcinogenic colon cells, and other
studies have demonstrated its benefit in fighting other cancers.
Home use
According to Drug Information Online, Nigella sativa is
non-toxic and safe for the majority of the population, although some people
have experienced adverse reactions to applying of the seed oil directly to
their skin. As with any supplement, you should check with your physician before
beginning treatment with Nigella sativa, which may interact adversely with
certain pharmaceutical drugs.
Nigella sativa has a spicy, nutty flavor and has
traditionally been added directly to food in whole or ground form. You can also
grind it up and mix it with water to create a drinkable gel, which can also be
used as an egg replacement in baking.
Sources for this article include:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18705755
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/nigella_sativa.htm]
http://www.naturalnews.com
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