Black seed comes from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant that grows in Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East.

This small flowering shrub produces fruits containing tiny black seeds that are widely used as a spice and a condiment.

The Black seeds are small black grains and their aroma resembles oregano. They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavour and a crunchy texture.

The Black Seed holds nutritional values and is 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 ageing process.

It’s 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 is that it has a healing cure for all illnesses. 

‘In the black seed is healing for every disease except death.’

Sahih Bukhari

It was related in Bukhari that Ghalib bin Abjar travelled to Madinah and fell ill and when they arrived he was still sick. Ibn Abi Atiq came to visit him and said, ‘Treat him with black cumin. Take five or seven seeds and crush them (mix the powder with oil) and drop the resulting mixture into both nostrils, for Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet (saw) saying, ‘This black cumin is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.’ Aisha said, ‘What is As-Sam?’ He said, ‘Death.’

How to use black seed

• Eat black seeds plain
• Eat a teaspoon of black seed mixed with honey
• Boil black seed with water. 

Strain and drink

• Heat black seed and warm milk until it just begins to boil. 

Remove from heat. Cool, then drink

• Grind black seed and swallow it with water or milk
• Sprinkle on bread and pastries
• Burn black seed with Bukhoor (incense) for a pleasant scent
• Use as an oil
• It is also available as capsules

The uses and benefits of black seed are plentiful.  How will you use black seed and implement this Sunnah?