Black cumin seeds have long been used as a cure-all for many conditions, ranging from immune system disorders to muscle pain. Ingrid Naiman, author of several aromatherapy books, suggests cooking with black cumin seeds, the effects of which are magnified when combined with garlic. She writes that both substances help to bring the immune system into balance. The extract of black cumin seeds affects the body’s production of interleukins--enzymes present in a healthy immune system. Zonella Gould, who manufacturers and sells her own natural beauty products and has written a few books on the subject, says that black cumin seed oil used as a massage oil can also relieve muscle pain. Here are some ways you can make your own mixtures to remedy a variety of conditions.
Black Cumin Seeds and Royal Jelly
Crush black cumin seeds.
Mix one teaspoon of black cumin seeds with one tablespoon of royal jelly.
Spread on toast and eat to relieve symptoms of fatigue.
Tea Brewed with Black Cumin Seeds
Place one tablespoon of seeds in a tea strainer.
Pour boiling water over the seeds.
Let steep for about ten minutes.
Make Your Own Skin Cream
Warm black cumin seeds with an equal amount of shea butter or jojoba oil in a double boiler.
Add beeswax to the mixture after the liquid darkens and stir until it melts.
Apply the cooled mixture to burns, skin infections, wrinkles, dry skin, or areas or joint pain.
Make Your Own Black Seed Vinegar and Oil Mixture
Mix one cup of black cumin seeds in a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar.
Let sit for two days to two weeks. The longer it sits, the more potent the mixture will be.
Strain the mixture with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
Combine equal parts of black cumin vinegar and black cumin oil.
Heat the mixture and then refrigerate. The tonic can be applied to the skin or ingested in small quantities (one tablespoon at a time).
Other Simple Ways to Use Black Cumin Seeds
Black cumin seeds can be added in baking or canning.
Add black cumin seeds to honey to sprinkle on salads.
Black cumin seeds can also be taken in capsule form.
References
- Ingrid Naiman; Kitchen Doctor: Black Cumin Seed
- Sally Trew and Zonella Gould; “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Making Natural Beauty Products”; The Complete Idiot’s Guide; 2010 http://idiotsguides.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781615640232,00.html
- Zonella Gould and Sally Trew;“Soap and Other Obsessions, Living Green and Naturally”; Apples, Woods and Berries; 2008
Writer Bio
Elizabeth Miller started her writing career in 1984. She has been blogging at The Divine Gift of Motherhood since 2007 and regularly contributes to Catholic Media Review, Mamazina Blog and "Suffolk County News." She received her Master of Arts in experimental psychology from St. John's University in Jamaica, N.Y.