Kalonji Oil - History, Nutrition, Benefits & Uses

By Vinnie R Kohli

Both Kalonji oil and seed are equally good but kalonji oil is preffered over seeds as it is 35to 50% more potent and convenient to use

Kalonji oil is made from truly a remarkable herb called nigella sativa, popularly known as Black cumin or Black seed.

Kalonji is known around the world by many names because of its ancient popular history and medicinal value viz: black caraway, roman coriander, carvi (french), schwarzkummel (german), kalonji (Hindi/urdu), kezah(Hebrew) chernushka (Russian), corek-otu(Turkish), habbat-albarakah or habbatus-sauda (Arabic) siyah daneh (Persian) etc.

Kalonji is sometimes misleadingly confused with similar looking onion seed and black sesame, both of which are totally unrelated and deffinately are not the same.

history

Kalonji seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including Tutankhamun's tomb. Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is unknown, it is known that items entombed with a pharaoh were carefully selected to assist him in the after life.

The earliest written reference to N. sativa is thought to be in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament where the reaping of nigella and wheat is contrasted (Isaiah 28: 25, 27). Easton's Bible dictionary states that the Hebrew word ketsah refers to without doubt to N. sativa (although not all translations are in agreement)

In Islam, it is regarded as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine available. Muhammad (S.A.W.) once stated that the black seed can heal every disease-except death-as recounted in the following hadith:

[Sahih Muslim: Book 26 Kitab As-Salam, Number 5489]

It is also included in the list of natural drugs of 'Tibb-e-Nabavi', or "Medicine of the Prophet (Muhammad)(S.A.W.)", according to the tradition "hold onto the use of the black seeds for in it is healing for all diseases except death" (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7 book 71 # 592).

Nutritional Components of Kalonji

Kalonji contains over 100 valuable nutrients. It is comprised of approximately 21% protein, 38% carbohydrates, and 35% plant fats and oils. The active ingredients of Kalonji are nigellone, thymoquinone, and fixed oils.

Kalonji contains significant proportions of protein, carbohydrates and essential unsaturated fatty acids, namely linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid(omega3 &6), which are essential for a healty immune system other than calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C.

Nigellon semohiprepinon is an effective treatment of bronchial asthma and respiratory allergies because of its ability to expand and relax the air ways. It also reduces the release of histamines into the bloodstream and thus works against allergic reactions.

Another active ingredient of kalonji isThymohydrochionon, also acts as an antihistamine and pain reliever.

Use of kalonji helps in synthesis of prostaglandin E1. Prostaglandin E1 suppresses the release of allergic messenger substances and harmonizes the immune system. During the course of long term use the body's defence mechanism stops its excess activity and regains its balance. This ameliorates ailments caused by allergic hyper-reactions, such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema

Long-term supplementation with Kalonji can reduce allergic symptoms greatly

It has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, as analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidants, anticancer, antiviral and for general well-being

Scientific research

Thymoquinone and pancreatic cancer treatment

Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of nigella sativa seed oil, blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death, (apoptosis). While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients who have gone through surgery and chemotherapy or in individuals who are at a high risk of developing cancer.

"The seeds are also rich in sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anticarcinogenic activity."

- Dr. Michael Tierra L.AC. O.M.D

Black Seed stimulates bone marrow and immune cells and raises the interferon production, protects normal cells against cell destroying effects of viruses, destroys tumor cells and raises the number of anti-bodies producing B cells.. U.S. Patents Sections, Antiviral Agents Bulletin #5,482,711

Black Seed proves to have an anti histamine, ant-oxidant, anti=biotic, anti-mycotic and broncho-dilating effect. Cancer Immuno-biology Laboratory, South Carolina

Black Seed is valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron magnesium & zinc Study of Black Seed oil on humans, American Scientists

Kalonji /Black seed/oil uses/home remedies

Cough and Asthma Mix a teaspoon of Kalonji Oil in boiling water and inhale the vapors twice a day. Half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Kalonji Oil mixed in a cup of warm water and a tablespoon of honey is also to be given twice daily in the morning and evening. Continue the treatment for 40 days

Dry Cough 2.5 ml Kalonji Oil should be mixed in coffee and given twice a day before meals.

High Chloestrol Give 2.5 ml Kalonji Oil mixed with hot milk daily in the mornings (only once a day). This dissolves fats and dilates veins and arteries

Headache and Ear ache Apply Kalonji Oil on the forehead, sides of the face adjacent to the ears and behind the ears and then bandage the forehead. Give 2.5 ml Kalonji twice a day and continue for 3 days.

Loss of Hair & Premature Graying. Scrub the scalp thoroughly with lemon, leave it for 15 minutes. Wash with water and shampoo after thoroughly drying, Thereafter apply Kalonji Oil to the scalp. Repeat for one week and the loss of hair will stop completely. Kalonji Oil stops falling of hair, and gives a new life to dry, damage, dull unmanageable hairs and prevents premature graying of hair. Use continuously for one month.

Weak Eyesight. Take half a teaspoon of Kalonji Oil along with a cup of carrot juice twice a day before meals. For weak eyesight continue the treatment for about 6 months

Backache and Rheumatic pain Mix 2,5 ml Kalonji Oil with one spoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of honey and take this mixture in the morning before breakfast and at night after dinner. Continue the treatment for 40 days.

Nausea/Vomiting Take half tsp of fresh ginger juice mixed with equal amount of Kalonji Oil, twice a day.

Toothache Mix half teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Kalonji Oil with warm water and gargle. Apply oil on the affected tooth, it will alleviate pain quickly

Nervous Tension/ Stress 2.5 ml of Kalonji Oil with a cup of tea twice a day before meals makes you calm down and eliminates all symptoms of tension.

General Weakness & Lethargy/Ed Take half teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Kalonji Oil with one cup orange juice in the morning for ten days.

For Improvement of of Memory Take half a teaspoon of Kalonji Oil mixed with 10 gms. of boiled mint twice a day before meals for 20 days.

Diabetes Mix 2.5 ml of Kalonji Oil in a cup of Black Tea and drink in the morning before breakfast and at night after dinner. Continue the treatment till sugar level becomes normal.

Dyspepsia, Acidity & Stomachache

A cup of milk mixed with a teapoon (5 ml) of Kalonji Oil to be taken two times a day for 5 days.

Restful Sleep 2.5 ml Kalonji Oil mixed in a hot drink after supper gives a quiet sleep all through the night.

Leucorrhoea, Amenorrhoea and PMS Take 1 g dried mint leaves and boil in 2 glasses of water till one cup of water is left. Put half teaspoon of Kalonji Oil and give on an empty stomach in the morning and at night. Continue the treatment for 40 days.

Piles and Constipation Mix 2.5 ml of Kalonji Oil in a cup of Black Tea and drink in the morning before breakfast and at night after dinner.

Obesity Mix 2.5 ml of Kalonji Oil and a tablespoon of honey in lukewarm water and drink in the morning before breakfast and at night after dinner

Burning Sensation Mix 2.5 ml Kalonji Oil in one cup of Sweet Lime Juice and drink in the morning before breakfast and at night after dinner.Continue the treatment for 10 days.

Psoriasis Mix 50 ml Kalonji Oil with 60 ml Lemon Juice and apply on the affected area..

Burning in Urine Mix 2.5 ml Kalonji Oil and 10 ml Honey in 250 ml milk and drink twice a day.

Half tsp(2.5 ml) daily with pure honey two times a day is good for general health

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0 Reasons Why Exercise Can Help You Live a Longer, Healthier Life

By Aaron Dorksen  | 

No matter what your age, athletic ability or weight, countless studies have shown that regular exercise can lengthen your life and improve the quality.

Here are 10 reasons why exercise is so important to a longer happier life.

1. Heart smart - Exercise will strengthen your heart and as a result it won't have to beat as fast to circulate your blood. This will help blood circulate more efficiently throughout the body.

2. Clear arteries - Regular exercise, especially aerobic workouts such as on a treadmill or elliptical machine, increases the good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, HDL) and helps reduce bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, LDL). As a result, you'll have less plaque clogging your arteries.

3. Lose weight - When you exercise and eat a sensible diet, it can help you lose weight and keep it off. When you are at a healthy weight it's of great benefit to your overall well-being.

4. Increase energy - While you'll feel fatigued during exercise and immediately after, in the long run it will increase you overall energy.

5. Fight off disease - Exercise actually improves your immune system and this in turn can help improve the odds that you ward off a variety illnesses.

6. Reduce chronic health risks - Exercise can help you ward off a variety of health risks that are associated with being overweight and generally out of shape. If you are fit and trim, the odds go down that you'll have to deal with things such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

7. Improve muscle tone - Muscles are strengthened through exercise and this can make for a better quality of life and less risk for injury.

8. Improve bone density - Exercise also helps increase bone density and this is a huge factor in helping people age better. Senior citizens who partake in even basic strength training can stay independent much longer.

When muscles are exercised, strain is also applied to the bones, and that strengthens them as well. When our bones endure stress, they naturally keep themselves stronger.

One of the major reasons senior citizens' bones become weak and brittle is because they don't get enough exercise.

Vibration training machines are a great way for seniors to safely perform strength training.

9. Mood enhancer - Exercise can release endorphins, natural mood enhancers.

Exercising will help your self-confidence as you get older, which will also help improve your mood.

10. Stay mentally sharp - Improved circulation that comes from exercise can also help keep your mind sharper as you age.

Find all your home fitness equipment needs at AtHomeFitness.com, including Home Gyms, Treadmills, Ellipticals, Exercise Bikes, Free Weights and more.

Aaron Dorksen, sports editor of The Daily Record in Wooster, Ohio, has won numerous Associated Press state and national awards. He was voted Ohio AP sports writer of the year in 2006. Dorksen was a scholastic multi-sport athlete and is still a competitive slowpitch softball player, while also remaining an avid weightlifter, cyclist and runner.

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Sources Of Vitamin C: Facts About Orange Juice

By Jim S Lovasz

Traditionally orange juice has been touted as the favored choice of a good source of vitamin C. I am not about to argue the point. I am also sure that those of you who are careful about what you eat, seek to drink OJ that is unadulterated.

Hence, the big producers of "not from concentrate" brands have the Lion's share of the market. There is no need to point out who they are. The "not from concentrate" crowd of major corporations have pretty well cornered the OJ market by offering "100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice."

If you are one of the multitudes who think that is what they are drinking, I have some disturbing news for you!

Facts About Orange Juice

These "100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice" products, made famous by advertising with misleading pictures such as a straw stuck into an orange are not what they are made out to be. In order to provide this juice to a massive part of the population year round invariably requires a long storage time as well as shelf-life.

The incredible power of advertising is seen in the fact that most of us know that it is just not biologically possible to store pure, fresh juice for long periods. Yet, few of us challenge the claims that these are pure juices. How on earth do these corporations manage to do this without any additives, let alone preservatives?

They accomplish this by aerating the juice in aseptic storage vessels capable of holding millions of gallons. By aerating I mean they remove the oxygen to preserve the OJ. Along with the oxygen goes the flavour. If you drink the OJ now it would taste like sugar water. But, they can store this liquid for up to a year!

How do they get the taste back in?

Have you ever wondered why the same famous brand tastes the same in every part of the world or how certain brands always have their own distinctive flavor if the stuff really is natural? Here is how.

Flavor packs developed by the same companies that add fragrance to perfumes, like Calvin and Dior are used to give each OJ its distinctive taste. That is impossible you say? It says it is 100% pure. In a devious manner of speaking it does flirt with truth.

The said flavor packs are formulated from products synthesized from oranges. Although the orange essence and oils used, are refined from oranges, they resemble nothing made by Mother Nature. They also contain large amount of ethyl butyrate.

I don't know about you, but I would look for something a little less suspicious for a source of vitamin C. My main focus is good sources of vitamin C. For those of you who find the facts about orange juice hard to believe or just want more information I'll refer you to the lady who put the squeeze on the industry.

In her book Squeezed: What You Don't Know About Orange Juice, Alissa Hamilton pulled the rug out from underneath the producers. Although she appeared on ABC News and a host of talk shows her message seems to have largely missed the mark. Therefore I thought it worth re-visiting.

Sources of Vitamin C

To begin with vitamin C supplements aka ascorbic acid have been, unsurprisingly, shown to be less effective in treating scurvy than natural sources. I tend to be leery of supplements because it is, in my view, dangerous to picture nutrients as separate entities.

Vitamins work symbiotically with one another as well as with enzymes, minerals and other nutrients in natural foods, such as a host of acids. Therefore, natural sources are always preferable. With the coporatization of the food industry and depletion of soil through unsustainable commercial agricultural techniques they are, unfortunately, not always easily available.

Before the convenience of modern food storage our ancestors often resorted to sprouting dried legumes or fermenting milk or vegetables when fresh vegetables were not available. These processes increase vitamin C, in the case of fermentation, dramatically.

For example to avoid the plague of scurvy experienced by their European counterparts, ancient Chinese sailors took barrels of dried mung beans on their voyages. In a similar manner Captain Cook kept his crew from scurvy with sauerkraut fermented from cabbage on his 27 month circumvention of the globe.

The following is a list of good sources of vitamin C:

Orange juice 1 cup (caveats apply): 93 mg

Papaya 5 oz: 85 mg

Pineapple 1 cup: 67 mg

Acerola powder 3.7 gm: 60 mg

Kombucha 4 oz: 60 mg

Lemon 1: 54 mg

Sauerkraut 1 cup: 20.9 mg

I use to take vitamin C supplements as I was always concerned about getting sufficient since it is so crucial. It has been used in large doses to cure cancer and is known to be a strong defence. Now that my principle beverage is kombucha not only for the health benefits, which are numerous, but because it is super cheap and very tasty I have no worries.

More information on the benefits of kombucha can be found at our expert author's website at http://www.culinarytidbits.com

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