Black cumin or kalonji

Black caraway or black cumin or kalonji has been used for centuries to promote health and fight disease. It is the seeds of Nigella sativa. It is an essential part of panch phoran . It is also sprinkled on naan and other breads . Essential part of Bengali cuisine. The seeds taste like a combination of onion , oregano and black pepper .Used to add flavours of curries , veggies and dal.

It contains linoleic acid , oleic acid , palmitic acid and trans anethole. The aroma is due to thymoquinone , thymol , etc.

It may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

It helps to support a twitchy immune system.

Drinking herbal tea by steeping seeds in boiling water may help from hay fever.

Sautéed Black cumin works as galactogogues.

It is believed to cure intestinal worms.

The oil of black cumin seeds contains beta sitosterol , it helps to increase hair growth.

Enjoy black cumin in your food by adding it to potatoes or naan or as a part of "panch foran" (a mixture of five spices used for tempering ) . Local application of black cumin powder mixed with coconut oil on hair is really helpful for thick hair growth. I have tried it.