The black seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant have been known since the days of the Assyrians and Ancient Egyptians for their wonderful medicinal properties. The oil produced from them, known as both black seed oil and nigella oil, is 35% more concentrated than the raw seed.The oil contains abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids including oleic, linoleic, linolenic and palmitic acids. It is an anti-oxident and anti-fungal. In ancient times it was used as a cure-all. Today it still continues to be used for many medical problems.
Nigella oil is also a beauty aid. It can be used as a hair conditioner and to stimulate hair growth, and natural skin moisturizer, lightener and cleanser.
Warning: If pregnant, breast feeding, diabetic or under any medication, please consult your doctor before taking internally. For those with over sensitive skin try a patch test before applying externally.
It is important when purchasing the oil to check that it is a 100% pure cold pressed oil with no additives. Best if kept stored in a cool area or refrigerated.
The seed is very popular in cooking in the Middle East, India and Egypt and well worth giving a try.
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Tips on external use of Nigella Oil
Acne, sinusitis: Steam face in vapor from hot water with 1/2 teaspoon of oil.
Asthma, flu and cough: Rub the back and chest with oil.
Hair Loss : Rinse hair with lemon juice, leave for 15 mins, wash and dry. Then apply 1 tsp oil.
Headache : Rub the forehead and temples with oil.
Tummy ache and babies colic : Rub tummy with oil in a circular motion.
Skin fungus : Wipe area with cider vinegar, then apply oil. Repeat if necessary.
Sore muscles, back ache and arthritis : Massage the area with the oil.
Healthy Skin : Mix equal parts virgin olive oil and black seed oil. apply to face and leave on for one hour. Then wash face with mild soap and water.
Asthma, flu and cough: Rub the back and chest with oil.
Hair Loss : Rinse hair with lemon juice, leave for 15 mins, wash and dry. Then apply 1 tsp oil.
Headache : Rub the forehead and temples with oil.
Tummy ache and babies colic : Rub tummy with oil in a circular motion.
Skin fungus : Wipe area with cider vinegar, then apply oil. Repeat if necessary.
Sore muscles, back ache and arthritis : Massage the area with the oil.
Healthy Skin : Mix equal parts virgin olive oil and black seed oil. apply to face and leave on for one hour. Then wash face with mild soap and water.
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Naan Bread with Nigella Seed
From the Epicentre
1 tsp sugar
3/4 cup (210 ml) water, warm
1 oz (30 g) dried yeast
1 lb (455 g) white flour
1 tsp nigella seeds
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp yogurt (or soy yogurt)
2 tbsp ghee melted (or vegetable oil)
oil to coat
Dissolve sugar in the warm water and sprinkle yeast on it. Leave for 15 minutes. Make sure it froths, otherwise use a new batch. Sift flour and salt into bowl and mix in nigella seeds. Make a depression in the flour and pour in yogurt, ghee and the yeast mixture. Mix well and knead into a dough for about 10 minutes. Form a ball. Put a little oil in another bowl and turn the ball of dough in it until it is covered in oil. Discard excess oil. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to double in size - about 2 hours). Knead the ball down again and divide into 6 portions. Flatten these in turn and mould into pear shapes. Place on a greased tray and bake for 10 -15 minutes at 450°F (230°C). Finish under grill if necessary.
Technorati Tags: black+cumin+oil nigella+oil black+seed+oil
From the Epicentre
1 tsp sugar
3/4 cup (210 ml) water, warm
1 oz (30 g) dried yeast
1 lb (455 g) white flour
1 tsp nigella seeds
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp yogurt (or soy yogurt)
2 tbsp ghee melted (or vegetable oil)
oil to coat
Dissolve sugar in the warm water and sprinkle yeast on it. Leave for 15 minutes. Make sure it froths, otherwise use a new batch. Sift flour and salt into bowl and mix in nigella seeds. Make a depression in the flour and pour in yogurt, ghee and the yeast mixture. Mix well and knead into a dough for about 10 minutes. Form a ball. Put a little oil in another bowl and turn the ball of dough in it until it is covered in oil. Discard excess oil. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to double in size - about 2 hours). Knead the ball down again and divide into 6 portions. Flatten these in turn and mould into pear shapes. Place on a greased tray and bake for 10 -15 minutes at 450°F (230°C). Finish under grill if necessary.
Technorati Tags: black+cumin+oil nigella+oil black+seed+oil
