Black cumin belongs to the Apiaceae family and is also known as Great pignut, Soil chestnut and Bunium bulbocastanum. This plant is found in North Africa, Southeast Europe and Southern Asia. The black cumin plant is about two feet tall and grows with white flowers.

All parts of the black cumin plant are used. Its roots, which are used in food, taste like coconut, while its leaves can be used as herbs. Black cumin seeds are very valuable. In this article, we will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of black cumin.

  1. Benefits of black cumin
  2. Other health benefits of black cumin
  3. Side effects of black cumin
  4. Takeaway
Doctors for Benefits and side effects of Black Cumin

Black cumin (Banium bulbocastanum) is rarely used outside Indian and Pakistani kitchens. Black cumin is never used after grinding. Black cumin is used in traditional medicine in dried form or in the form of essential oils.

There isn't a lot of research on black cumin, but some of it suggests that it may be used as a herb in a number of treatments.

(Read more: Benefits of cumin water)

Following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of black cumin.

Helps control infection

Researchers are currently studying the use of black cumin as an antibacterial drug, specifically to help fight bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is the main cause of skin and soft tissue infections. These infections are often vancomycin-resistant and methicillin-resistant (MRSA), which means they are not affected by antibiotics. In such a situation, alternative treatment with black cumin will be very beneficial.

(Read more: Bacterial infections)

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Can fight cancer

Antioxidants have an important role in preventing oxidative stress, which has been shown to be a major cause of cancer. Black cumin has been touted as an antioxidant with potential cancer-fighting effects. Research has shown there to be antioxidant and anticancer properties in the aqueous fraction of black cumin (Bunium bulbocastanum). However, more research is still needed on this.

(Read more: Diet for cancer patients)

Controls diabetes

Black cumin helps control the increased glucose level. According to research, black cumin has antioxidant properties that may work to improve cell function to prevent ageing and cell breakdown. Not only this, black cumin can prove to be effective in reducing the complications of diabetes, the effects of ageing due to oxidation and glycation. These processes damage our cells and contribute to many medical conditions.

(Read more: What is prediabetes)

Reduces risk of heart vascular disease

Black cumin helps in maintaining cholesterol levels in the body. It is great for the cardiovascular system. Research is being conducted on black cumin oil for its high levels of linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is one of the important polyunsaturated fatty acids in our diet. Linoleic acid is known to reduce the risk of heart vascular diseases. Be sure to consult a doctor before including black cumin oil in your daily diet.

(Read more: Home remedies to lower cholesterol)

Relieves stomach problems

Black cumin is used in Ayurveda for some stomach related problems. It is considered to be an energy giver. It has anti-spasmodic, carminative, lactation-energizer and pain-relieving properties. Therefore, black cumin can be used to relieve diarrhea, indigestion, fever, abdominal pain, piles and hiccups. It also helps in getting rid of stomach pain that has lasted several days.

(Read more: Symptoms of stomach infection)

Effective in anemia

Black cumin is beneficial for people with anemia. Black cumin is a great source of iron. Black cumin can be consumed to overcome iron deficiency.

(Read more: Iron test)

Some other benefits of black cumin are given below: 

  • Black cumin is very beneficial for skin and hair.
  • By eating black cumin seeds daily, the internal temperature of the body can be maintained. Additionally, eating cooked black cumin also provides relief in fever.
  • Black cumin is useful in treating immune system problems by converting the protected cells present in the body into stronger cells. It relieves weakness and fatigue,
  • It is beneficial in sensitive respiratory diseases like asthma, pertussis, and bronchitis. Consumption of black cumin is also helpful in treating fever in swine flu and viral infection.
  • Black cumin seed works to provide relief from mucus buildup and stuffy nose.
  • It helps with appetite and digestion and relieves menstrual problems.
  • Black cumin can help relieve stomach gas.
  • It can also help with weight loss.
  • It helps relax the muscles of the uterus.
  • It increases lactation.

(Read more: Weight loss mistakes)

Some disadvantages of black cumin are the following:

  • If you have a high blood pressure problem, then you should not have black cumin in large quantities, or it may reduce the effect of high blood pressure medication.
  • If there is swelling in the kidney, then you should not consume black cumin.
  • Do not consume black cumin in large quantities during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a doctor before consuming it.
  • Consuming black cumin in high amounts can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • The consumption of black cumin can help manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
  • Do not use black cumin for at least two weeks before any type of surgery.
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Black cumin has carminative, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. It also acts as a digestive agent. It is also used to treat coughs and colds. Along with improving menstruation, it increases the secretion of breastmilk. Black cumin helps increase appetite by relieving gastric problems of the body. There are many health benefits of black cumin, but if it is consumed in excess, there can be many disadvantages as well. It is better to consume black cumin in limited quantities under the supervision of your nutritionist.

 
Dr Bhawna

Dr Bhawna

Ayurveda
5 Years of Experience

Dr. Padam Dixit

Dr. Padam Dixit

Ayurveda
10 Years of Experience

Dr Mir Suhail Bashir

Dr Mir Suhail Bashir

Ayurveda
2 Years of Experience

Dr. Saumya Gupta

Dr. Saumya Gupta

Ayurveda
1 Years of Experience

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