Spice beard, Venus hair, Capuchin beard, spider's foot, goatee, angel hair or even peppermint, nigella seeds are simply the seeds of black cumin. Used as spices in the Middle East and Asia, they are also known for their medicinal virtues since Ancient Egypt. Zoom in on nigella seeds. 

Les graines de nigelle : présentation

"Cultivated in Asia and in some Mediterranean countries, especially in Egypt, Nigella Sativa is a lovely blue flower of the Ranunculus family that produces small fragrant and aromatic seeds every year that are highly prized not only in cooking but also in the traditional Arab and Indian pharmacopoeia thanks to its therapeutic and cosmetic virtues.

This multi-millennial remedy has already proven itself since the time of Ancient Egypt as can be attested to by the vial that was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Traces of its use can also be found in ancient Quranic texts stating "black cumin oil cures all diseases except death. "

source: With black cumin oil, no more acne!

Composition des graines de nigelle

The composition of nigella seeds and its content of active ingredients depend on its mode and place of production. However, we can note its exceptional richness in unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid of the omega 6 family, vitamins of the B, A, C and E group as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium. Its asset also lies in its essential oil content whose antibacterial and antimycotic properties are recognized. 

From its high content of essential fatty acids, i.e., lipid molecules not synthesized by the body but whose intake through food is essential for its proper functioning, nigella seeds nourish cell membranes effectively. 

Le cumin noir, un trésor venu d'Egypte

Nigella seeds stimulate the immune system withantibacterial and antimycotic properties. In addition, they are also known to act as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, antiviral and digestive stimulant. 

The richness in antioxidant of black cumin makes it particularly interesting to fight against the misdeeds of free radicals (pollution, poor oxygenation, stress, sun ...). Black cumin seeds thus protect cells against premature aging and cancer. 

Finally, black cumin is hypoglycemic which means that it is able to lower blood sugar levels. People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are well advised to incorporate black cumin seeds into their preparations (and as part of an adapted lifestyle).

Comment utiliser les graines de nigelle en cuisine

Black cumin seeds are used like pepper. They will season your dishes by adding a little touch of bitterness and spiciness. Directly in your plate, infused in your sauces and stews, crushed in a mortar, they accompany rice, pasta, fish, vegetables, meat etc... However, to preserve all its green, it is advisable to pour them at the end of cooking. In India, black cumin seeds are used as a condiment in the preparation of curry. 

Et l'huile de nigelle ?

As the seeds are very rich in fatty acids, they can be crushed to create vegetable oil used in both cooking and cosmetics. Applied to the skin, it will become a must for oily skins with acneic tendencies. It cleanses the skin, nourishes and softens the upper layers of the epidermis. A true ally of teenagers!

Comment conserver les graines de nigelle

Nigella seeds can be stored for more than a year in an airtight glass jar if possible ambered away from light. 

Précautions d'emploi

"Potentially toxic due to the presence of terpenoids and alkaloids, nigella seeds are nevertheless widely consumed as a spice and as a medicinal plant and the toxicity of black cumin appears to be virtually nil with respect to consumption of the seeds, oil, or aqueous extract. Only thymoquinone and the essential oil possess toxicity in mice by intraperitoneal injection, and studies on skin tolerance of the oil, mutagenicity, and oral toxicity of the essential oil are reportedly still lacking. "

source: https://www.santi-shop.eu/shop/sp042-nigelle-graines-bio-2606?category=911#attr=