Monthly Archives: August 2017

The black cumin seed or “Nigella Sativa” ancient cures

An article By Veronica Parkes

Said to Cure Everything but Death, These Seeds are an Ancient Miracle Cure

The black cumin seed or “Nigella Sativa” has been revered as a miracle cure for a vast amount of illnesses and ailments throughout the ages and across many cultures. The plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has been used as medicine predominantly by Muslim cultures. However, the plant dates back past the rise of Islam and was used by other non-Muslim cultures.

The earliest written record of the plant being used as a medical treatment dates back to the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament where Isaiah talks of harvesting the plant and its curative properties. It was used by Asian herbalists and Romans alike as a food additive; black cumin seeds were even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The seeds were also discussed by the famous Greek physician Dioscorides who used them to cure head and toothaches. However, the medical properties of the seeds didn’t gain prominence until the rise of Islam.

 

The Nigella Sativa plant, flower and seeds. (Public Domain)

The Variety of Uses for Black Cumin Seeds

“Habbat ul Sawda” as the seeds are known in Arabic, were mentioned by Muhammed in the Quran and he is believed to have said, “in the black seed is healing for every disease but death.” In Arabo-Islamic culture the seeds are prescribed as a medicine for various ailments including: fever, asthma, chronic headaches, diabetes, digestion issues, back pain, infections, and rheumatism.

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Folio from an Arabic manuscript of Dioscorides, De Materica Medica, 1229. (Public Domain)

It was in the 7th century that the seed gained its massive popularity in this culture and there it remained as a popular family medicine. It has also been used as a food preservative since the height of its popularity.  While most people used the oil for the health benefits listed below, the oil is also taken as part of beauty routines. Over the span of a few months one can see that hair and nails become stronger and when used externally it can help to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

The seed is believed to have 100 healthy components and is a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Its oil is often what is used as a medicine, but the seed has a peppery taste and is common in making curries, pastries, and Mediterranean cheeses. The seeds possess anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties and they can be used to regulate the immune system, reduce pain, kill microorganisms, reduce inflammation, inhibit spasmodic activity, and open the air passages in the lungs. They are also said to protect the liver, kidneys, stomach, and digestive system. They aid in peristalsis and rid the intestines of worms. The seeds also help with many diseases, especially those involving inflammation – such as cystic fibrosis, allergies, and cancer.
Studies Support More Amazing Properties of the Black Cumin Seed

The efficacy of the black cumin seed oil is mostly attributed to its quinone constituents and essential oils components. Quinone promotes healthy oral health and helps manage oral diseases. It has also been linked to enhanced learning and improved memory in elderly patients when taken as a daily supplement, as shown in a recent study.

 

Many studies have been completed in recent years backing the unbelievable claims of the medicinal properties of the black cumin seed. Based on animal models, the seed was proven to induce a strong anti-inflammatory response leading to the belief that it is helpful in inflammation based diseases. In vitro studies performed in Jordan and the United States have determined that the oil has anti-leukemic properties. It has also been proven that the seed has cardio-protective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties.

The first major study of the seed in relation to cancer prevention was performed in the United States by the Cancer Immuno-Biology Laboratory in Southern California. They found that a healthy immune system will detect and destroy cancer cells. As such, the black cumin seed has been found to stimulate neutrophil activity; it is this activity that creates short-lived immune cells that are normally found in bone marrow but mobilize when there is infection in the body. This means the seeds help improve the immune system and aid in cancer prevention.

The black cumin seed has also been shown to have a synergistic effect, so, when it is combined with aerobic training, it can aid in weight loss. It can also aid in male and female infertility, breast pain, lead poisoning, and corneal injuries. Moreover, in research published in 2016, the black cumin seed was found to modulate and enhance the normal activity of the cells and pathways that keep blood sugar and insulin properly balanced. These substances also help manage the process through which glucose is converted to fat. Again, proving that it aids in maintaining a healthy weight, but also that it helps in regulating diabetes.

Black cumin seed and oil are said to be very healthy and help with many health issues. (Public Domain)

Questioning the Claims and Dosage

However, the miracle cure-all seed has, understandably, not been taken seriously in some scientific circles in recent years due to its claim to cure everything stated above; in short, it seems too good to be true. But it is important to keep in mind when proponents of the seed say that it “cures” these ailments and illnesses it should be critically analyzed – ancient cultures emphasized the seed’s ability to restore normalcy, not cure.

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body.

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body. (Public Domain)

Mansur ibn Ilyas: Anatomy of the human body. (Public Domain) The black cumin seed and oil have properties which are said to help in many medical ailments all-over the body.

Similarly, the scientific community has expressed concern over the safe levels of consumption of the seed oil. However, studies suggest that therapeutic doses of black cumin oil and quinone have low toxicity and a wide margin of safety when used as a daily supplement, typically 1 tablespoon in oil form or as high as 1250 mg in capsule form per day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N.B. All content and information in this article is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to be a substitute for the advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment by a qualified medical practitioner.**
Resources:

Clark, I. (2017) Black Cumin: The Ancient Weight Loss Seed Celebrated by Cultures Around the World. Available at: http://www.activationproducts.com/blog/black-cumin-the-ancient-weight-loss-seed-celebrated-by-cultures-around-the-world/

My Central Health (2016) It Heals Everything Except Death! This Ancient Remedy “Cures All Diseases” HIV, AIDS, Diabetes, Cancer, Stroke, STDs, Arthritis & More… Available at: http://mycentralhealth.com/heals-everything-except-death-ancient-remedy-cures-diseases-hiv-aids-diabetes-cancer-stroke-stds-arthritis/#

Naiman, I. (2014) Black Cumin Seed. Available at: http://www.kitchendoctor.com/herbs/black_cumin.php

Thomas, J.P. (2017) Black Cumin Seed Oil: Ancient Seed is Cure for Many Modern Diseases. Available at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2016/black-cumin-seed-oil-ancient-seed-is-cure-for-many-modern-diseases

Source

Amazing Benefits of Orange Essential Oil

Article from www.organicfacts.net

The health benefits of orange essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, tonic, sedative and cholagogue substance.
Uses of Orange Essential Oil
The essential oil of orange has a wide variety of domestic, industrial and medicinal uses. Domestically, it is used to add orange flavour to beverages, desserts and sweetmeats. Industrially, it is used in soaps, body lotions, creams, anti-aging and wrinkle-lifting applications, concentrates for soft beverages, room fresheners, sprays, deodorants, biscuits, chocolates, confectionery and bakery items.

Orange Essential Oil- Composition and Extraction Process
This essential oil is obtained from the peels of orange by cold compression. Although most of you know the common name of oranges, perhaps you don’t know the botanical name, Citrus Sinensis. The liquid that comes in packets inside orange-flavoured soft drink concentrates is sometimes composed of this oil. The main components of this oil are Alpha Pinene, Citronellal, Geranial, Sabinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool and Neral.
I am sure we are all familiar with its commercial and industrial uses, now let’s explore some of the medicinal benefits that it has for those who consume it regularly.

Health Benefits of Orange Essential Oil
There are many health benefits of orange essential oil which include:
Antispasmodic: Spasms can result in many irritating or serious problems including continuous coughing, convulsions, muscle cramps and extreme diarrhoea. To avoid these effects, spasms must be treated early or prevented entirely. This can be done with the help of orange essential oil, which relaxes muscular and nervous spasms.

Sedative: When you need to cool down after a hard day at the office or are suffering from inflammation of any kind, you should reach for a natural sedative that helps you to relax. The artificial sedatives or drugs available on the market are mostly tranquilizers based on narcotics and other synthetic forms. These, in the long run, do immense damage to the heart and various internal organs. It is a much better choice to use a natural one like orange essential oil. It alleviates anxiety, anger, depression and certain bodily inflammations.

Aphrodisiac: Orange essential oil has mild aphrodisiac properties. Systematic and regular use can cure problems such as frigidity, erectile problems, impotence, loss of interest in sex and decreased libido.

Anti-inflammatory: Orange essential oil provides quick and effective relief from inflammation, whether internal or external. Regardless of the reason, whether it is excessive intake of spices, fever, infections, side effect of antibiotics, gas, ingestion of toxic substances, or narcotics, orange essential oil can reduce the irritation and knee pain.

Cholagogue: It promotes secretions from all appropriate glands including the exocrine and endocrine. Therefore, it is frequently used to promote menstruation, lactation, digestive juices, bile, hormones and enzymes.

Antiseptic: Wherever there is a cut or abrasion, there is always the chance of the wound becoming septic due to a bacterial infection. This is even more likely when the wound has occurred from an iron object because there remains a chance of it becoming infected by tetanus germs. Essential Oil of orange can help people avoid both septic, fungal infections and tetanus as they inhibit microbial growth and disinfect the wounds.

Antidepressant: The very smell of orange essential oil reminds you of happy moments and brings pleasant thoughts to mind. That is why this oil is so frequently used in aromatherapy. It creates a happy, relaxed feeling and works as a mood lifter, perfect for people who suffer from depression or chronic anxiety. Research suggests that natural essential oil of orange helps to reduce pulse rate and salivary cortisol due to child anxiety state.

Diuretic: First, orange essential oil helps your body gets rid of excess gas and excess toxins. It promotes urination, which eliminates toxins like uric acid, bile, excess salts, pollutants and excess water within the urine. Urination increases appetite and promotes digestion. It contributes towards losing fats, which makes it good for the heart as well.

Tonic: The relation of a tonic to the body is quite similar to overhauling and servicing a vehicle. A tonic tones up every system that functions throughout the body, keeps the metabolic system in proper shape, contributes to strength, and boosts immunity.

Carminative: Being a carminative means being an agent that helps in the removal of excess gas from the intestines. Gas, which forms in the intestines and pushes upwards, can be very troublesome. Gas, since it is light, moves upwards and pushes against the internal organs, creating chest pains, indigestion and discomfort.
It can also cause a rise in blood pressure, negatively affect heart health and cause acute stomach aches. Essential oil of orange can help with many of these problems, since it relaxes the abdominal and anal muscles, thereby letting the gas escape. Furthermore, it does not let additional gas form.

Alzheimer’s disease: Study suggests that aromatherapy using orange essential oil may aid in improving cognitive function, especially in AD patients.

Insecticide: Research suggests that orange essential oil is effective against larvae and pupae of housefly, and may help in elimination of houseflies.

Other Benefits
It serves as a detoxifier, boosts immunity, treats constipation and dyspepsia and is very good for maintaining healthy, smooth and glamorous skin. It also helps to cure acne and dermatitis.
A Few Words of Caution
Orange essential oil displays photo-toxicity. It tastes bitter and if ingested in large quantities, it may result in vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Blending: Being a citrus oil, it blends well with other citrus essential oils. Other than those citrus oils, orange essential oil also blends well with essential oils of Cinnamon, Cloves, Frankincense, Ginger, Black Pepper, Sandal Wood and Vetiver.
How to make orange oil?
Unlike what some people expect, making orange essential oil actually requires you to use the peels, not the fruit itself. Peel the oranges and allow the peels to dry. Grind the peels up and bring some grain alcohol up to a warm temperature on the stove. Then, pour the grain alcohol over the ground up orange peels. Shake the mixture and then allow it to sit for 2-3 days, then strain the mixture. Voila! Orange essential oil!
Where to buy orange oil?
You can buy orange essential oil from the majority of natural health and whole food stores where other essential oils are found. However, it is unlikely that you’ll find orange essential oil in any major chain stores in the west. Orange oil is also commonly used in aromatherapy applications, so herbalists and aromatherapists are also good places to purchase orange essential oil. Fortunately, it’s not very expensive and highly effective!
What is orange essential oil good for?
Orange essential oil has many applications that can improve your overall health, such as helping you get better sleep, reducing the occurrence of muscle spasms, increasing your sex drive, protecting the immune system, detoxifying the body, and preventing the onset of certain degenerative cognitive diseases. The high content of antioxidants and organic compounds makes this oil highly versatile and useful for boosting health.
How to use orange essential oil?
You can use orange essential oil in a number of different ways. Some people choose to freshen their clothes and add some orange essential oil to their laundry; other people use it in diffusers to give the entire room an energetic boost. You can use it topically to improve the appearance of the skin in the case of acne or eczema or put it in boiling water and inhale the steam.
What is orange oil?
Orange oil is the essential oil of oranges, which bears the scientific name Citrus sinensis. These are extremely common fruit but the oil itself isn’t as widely known. Differing from orange juice, orange essential oil can be extracted from the peels of oranges through a process involving grain alcohol. The resultant orange oil can be used for many different health issues, ranging from acne to chronic stress.

Source: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/orange-essential-oil.html