Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet said: “Use this Black Seed regularly, because it is a cure for every disease, except death.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
What is the Black Seed?
Its botanical name is Nigella sativa. It is believed to be indigenous to the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated into other parts of the world including the Arabian peninsula, northern Africa and parts of Asia.
The Black seeds originate from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. It is sometimes mistakenly confused with the fennel herb plant (Foeniculum vulgare).
The plant has finely divided foliage and pale bluish purple or white flowers. The stalk of the plant reaches a height of twelve to eighteen inches as its fruit, the black seed, matures.
The Black Seed forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color.
The Black seeds are small black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior, similar to onion seeds. The seeds have little bouquet, though when rubbed, their aroma resembles oregano. They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and a crunchy texture.
The Black Seed is also known by other names, varying between places. Some call it black caraway, others call it black cumin, onion seeds or even coriander seeds. The plant has no relation to the common kitchen herb, cumin.
Muslims’ use of the Black Seed:
Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the Black Seed for hundreds of years, and hundreds of articles have been written about it. The Black Seed has also been in use worldwide for over 3000 years. It is not only a prophetic herb, but it also holds a unique place in the medicine of the Prophet .
It is unique in that it was not used profusely before the Prophet Muhammad made its use popular. Although there were more than 400 herbs in use before the Prophet Muhammad and recorded in the herbals of Galen and Hippocrates, the Black Seed was not one of the most popular remedies of the time. Because of the way Islam has spread, the usage and popularity of the Black Seed is widely known as a "remedy of the Prophet ." In fact, a large part of this herbal preparation's popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet .
The Black Seed has become very popular in recent years and is marketed and sold by many Muslim and non-Muslim businesses.
Its nutrients:
The Black Seed is rich in nutritional values. It contain almost 40% fixed oils and 1.4% volatile oils. It also contains around fifteen amino acids, proteins, calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Among its most effective compositions are thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. The magazine Food Chemistry found the Black Seed to be high in protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as calcium, potassium and iron. These are the very nutrients that modern science has found that we most lack. It also provides many of the same nutrients that the FDA recommends to help prevent disease and slow down the aging process.
Dr. Michael Tierra, author of Planetary Herbology, also found the Black Seed to be high in the above nutrients. In addition, he found a remarkable number of sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties. The Journal of American Scientists reports that Black Seed has a number of useful properties such as antihistamine, antioxidant, antibiotic, antimycotic and broncho-dilating effects.
The benefits and uses of the Black Seed:
The Black Seed is an excellent herb with many benefits and uses, especially when it comes to maintaining a strong and healthy immune system.The prophetic reference in describing the Black Seed, as having a healing for all illnesses is not exaggerated as it at first appears. The Black Seed has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand years. These uses range from stomach aches to asthma, cancer to coughs, and the traditional use as a spice. The Black Seed is also used as: a carminative (rids the body of gas from the intestines), a digestive (aids in the digestion of foods), a diuretic (increases urine flow by ridding the body of excess water), an emmenagogue (promotes and regulates menstruation), a galactagogue (increases the production of milk), a resolvent (dissolves boils and swelling), a stimulant (increases the flow of adrenaline and energy), a stomachic (relieves stomach disorders), a sudorific (increases perspiration), a tonic (improves bodily functions), and a vermifuge (expels worms). Caution should be taken when using the black seed by pregnant or potentially pregnant women, as high doses of this product could induce spontaneous abortions.
To insure that you are taking the Black Seed look for the words Nigella Sativa. Only this plant, as opposed to true cumin or coriander has the ability to “heal all diseases.”
Research suggests that the Black Seed is an effective antitumor treatment for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. The Black Seed may also be of possible benefit in treating high blood pressure. Except its potential to cause spontaneous abortions (and only at high dosages), there may be little if any toxic side effects to using the Black Seed.
Recent research has provided evidence that most illnesses arise because of an imbalanced or dysfunctional immune system, which cannot perform its primary function of defending the body optimally. Researches also indicate that the Black Seed contains an ability to significantly boost the human immune system - if taken over time.
The role of the Black Seed in increasing human immunity was not clear before 1986, when Dr. Qaadi and his colleagues started a series of researches in the United States. Afterwards, many researches were launched in various countries. Dr. Qaadi proved that the use of the Black Seed strengthens immunity since the ratio of the T assistant lymph cells increased by an average of 72% compared to the restraining cells. Also, there was a considerable development in the activity of natural killer cells with an average of 74%.
The results of many modern researches supported the findings of Qaadi. Amongst them are the results published by the International Immunity magazine in August 1995 about the effect of black seed on the outer lymph cells and the activity of white blood multi-nucleus cells. In September 2000, the International Immunity magazine also published a research on the effect of the Black Seed oil in preventing cytomegalovirus on laboratory rats. The Black Seed oil has been tested as an anti-virus substance and the immunity acquired during the early stages of the disease was measured through determining the natural killer cells and other things.
In October 1999, the European magazine of Cancer published an article on the effect of thymoquinone on abdomen cancer in rats. Likewise, in May 1998, a magazine specialized in anti-cancer researches published an article on the extracts of the Black Seed as a treatment for cancer tumors. On April 2000, the Ethanol Medical magazine wrote about the toxicity and immunity effects of ethanol extracted from the Black Seeds. Also, in February 1995, Medical Plants magazine published an article on the effects of the Black Seed stable oil and thymoquinone on white blood cells. Many other researches came out supporting these facts.
More research is being done on the effectiveness of the Black Seed. Research trials are also being planned in various countries to study its actual effects on humans. However, we don't need to look any further than the Prophet's words that tell us there is healing in this plant. As long as we trust in Allah and take the prescription His Prophet has given us, we will all be evidence of this magnificent plant's abilities to heal all diseases.
Nonetheless, more is needed to be learned about the appropriate doses of this herb for various medical problems. We pray that Allah may guide Muslim physicians to take a closer look at this plant and begin prescribing it for all of our physical ailments.
Conclusion:
The Prophet told us that the Black Seed is a cure for every disease. The Arabic word ‘Shifaa’ (cure) came without the definite article which means that it is an indefinite word that covers most cures. This means that the Black Seed contributes to the cure of every disease. It has been scientifically proved that the immunity system is the only system that has the ability to combat diseases and produce cells that kill viruses.
Based on these facts, we can conclude that the Black Seed is a cure for every disease because it strengthens the immunity system which is responsible for curing diseases and combating viruses.
These scientific facts are obvious. No one can claim the credit of knowing these facts fourteen centuries ago, except a Prophet. Allah Almighty Says (what means): “Nor does he (the Prophet ) speak of (his own) inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed.”[Quran 53: 3-4]
More than 1,400 years ago, Allah All-Mighty told us through His Messenger that honey can heal a variety of medical problems.
Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by bees from nectars of various plants. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout history. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for different diseases.
The Noble Quran and many Prophetic narrations refer to honey a great healer of disease and a nutritious food as well.
Allah, Almighty, Says (what means): "And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: ‘Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you).’ There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Quran; 16: 68-69]
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, related that a man came to the Prophet and said: "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man returned to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I let him drink honey, but it caused him more pain.” The Prophet said to him: “Go and let him drink honey!” The man went and let his brother drink honey, then returned back and said: “O Messenger of Allah, it did not cause him except more pains.” The Prophet then said: "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
The Prophet also said: "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran." [At-Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and Al-Bayhaqi] Modern medicine is only just learning of this fact.
Benefits of honey:
1. Alleviates inflammation of cornea if used locally on the eye.
2. An antibiotic if used locally in situations of wounds and burns, and it is used for healing of wounds:
· In case of wounds, honey absorbs moisture from the air, facilitates healing process and prevents scarring. This is because honey stimulates the growth of epithelial cells that form the new skin cover. In this way, honey may eliminate the need for tissue transplantation.
· Honey stimulates the re-growth of tissue involved in the healing process. It stimulates the formation of new blood capillaries and the growth of fibroblasts that replace the connective tissue of the deeper layer of the skin and produce the collagen fibers that give strength to the repair.
· Honey has an anti-inflammatory action, which reduces the swelling around a wound. This improves circulation and thus hastens the healing process.
· Honey does not stick to the underlying wound tissues, so there is no tearing away of newly formed tissue, and no pain, when dressings are changed.
· Thanks to its antimicrobial property, honey provides a protective barrier to prevent wounds becoming infected. It also rapidly clears any existing infection from wounds. It is fully effective, even with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
· Some studies showed that honey is a good treatment against the hospital infection bacteria "superbugs" (MRSA.)
3. As honey does not accommodate bacteria, this bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect." There are various reasons of this anti-microbial property of the honey. Some examples are: the high sugar content that limits the amount of water microorganisms need for growth, its high acidity (low pH) and composition which deprive bacteria from nitrogen necessary for reproduction. The existence of hydrogen peroxide as well as antioxidants in the honey prevent bacteria growth.
4. Antioxidant: Those are the components in cells that get rid of harmful byproducts of normal metabolic functions. These elements inhibit destructive chemical reactions that cause spoilage of food and many chronic illnesses. Researchers believe food products rich in antioxidants may prevent heart problems and cancer. Strong antioxidants are present in honey: Pinocembrin, pinobaxin, chrisin and galagin. Pinocembrin is an antioxidant that merely exists in the honey.
5. A treatment for gastric and duodenal ulcers, as honey decreases the secretion of hydrochloric acid to a normal rate, thus helping to heal such ulcers and alleviate the related pains and reduce resultant cases of vomiting and colic. For the treatment to be effective, honey should be taken dissolved in warm water one or two hours before meals.
6. A treatment for involuntary urination at beds. So, if the child is given one small spoon of honey before sleeping, this will have a positive effect, as honey is sedative for the nervous system, thus helping the cyst to relax and expand during sleep.
7. It supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. It helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
8. A treatment for colds, flu and pharyngitis.
9. A treatment for cases of chronic hepatitis, as honey increases the liver stock of the glycogen material through the increase of blood glucose, thus helping the liver to function properly and relieve it from more burdens.
10. A treatment for insomnia and a sedative for nerves, as it contains some sedative and tonic substances as sodium and potassium at a reasonable rate such.
11. A treatment for alcoholic poisoning. Fructose and vitamin B group in the honey help oxidize the alcohol remaining in the body.
12. A treatment for cough.
13. In cosmetics, a mixture of honey with lemon and glycerin is considered of the best old medical prescription for the treatment of skin cracking and roughness, the inflammation and wounds of lips, sun stroke, and dermal pigments.
14. A treatment for muscular spasm of sportive exercises or facial spasms and eyelids muscles, which disappear after having one big spoon of honey for three days after each meal.
15. Has a low calorie level. When it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight. Furthermore, the use of honey is safe and has no allergic or side effects.
The Prophet was right in his prescription for the ailing man. When the fourth treatment of honey was given to the man, he got better. Such is part of the knowledge that the Almighty has revealed to His Prophet .
