Boost your immunity against corona virus-Covid19 by using Black seed/Kalonji Oil

Covid-19???

Oh..no more, please!

The virus has been so deeply penetrated into us that now most of us somehow try to avoid the news of negative, positive cases as well as its casualty!

It seems Covid-19 is now part of our daily life. We have to live with it as WHO has also stated that Coronavirus might become an endemic disease.

Endemic?

From an epidemic originating from China to the global pandemic, the novel Coronavirus has impacted people on a massive scale. There is no clear end that can be seen for this contagious viral disease as the numbers are increasing across the globe.

With medicines for treatment, vaccines still under stages of development, it is feared that now the Coronavirus pandemic is much likely to become endemic.

Dr. Mike Ryan, emergency director at the World Health Organisation in a recent press conference mentioned that the COVID-19 infection may never go away and has the possibility of becoming “just another endemic virus in our communities.” He further said that it will take massive efforts to curb the transmission of Coronavirus. Having said this, it is crucial to first understand what exactly is an endemic disease and what common examples we can cite from among endemic diseases that the world is familiar with, particularly in the Indian context.

The definition provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that whenever a disease is present constantly among a large number of people, it can be called an endemic. For example, endemic diseases like malaria and chickenpox, despite the presence of vaccines, still exist and there are some number of cases registered every year across the countries.

Many studies, like a study by researchers at the University of Connecticut, or a study that was published in Science or the one by the US Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) indicate that there will be waves of the Coronavirus pandemic. This means even if a place is witnessing a decline in the number of cases or has flattened out its COVID-19 curve, the cases are likely to return after some time. Pandemic is expected to peak again in winters in some areas. Therefore, it can take a long time (maybe years) before the Coronavirus is completely eliminated.

So, can we literally avoid such a massive outbreak?

Not at all.

So, time and again we have to discuss coronavirus endemic as it is now a part of our life.

For our general knowledge, let us know the chronology..from epidemic to the pandemic to now endemic.

An epidemic is an outbreak of a disease that spreads quickly and affects many people at the same time. An outbreak occurs when there is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease, like COVID-19.

A pandemic is a type of epidemic that relates to geographic spread and describes a disease that affects an entire country or the whole world.

An epidemic becomes a pandemic when it spreads over significant geographical areas and affects a large percent of the population.

In short, a pandemic is an epidemic on a national or global level.

Examples of past pandemics are the flu pandemic of 1968, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the bubonic plague.

Mind it, the terms pandemic and epidemic are never used to indicate the severity of the disease, only the degree at which the disease is spreading.

And Endemic? The disease is present constantly among a large number of people. As per COVID -19 is concerned, the most discussed thing now is to boost up the immune system.

As per as COVID-19 outbreak is concerned, one thing is now everyone discussing: boosting of the immune system as the rapid outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2) is the leading health issue.

What are the factors affecting the immune response to COVID-19?

If you google it out and as seen in social media, there are multiple methods, techniques are coming out about boosting the immune system to fight coronavirus.

Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle.

Following a general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

No smoke
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
Get adequate sleep.
Take steps to avoid infection such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
Try to minimize stress.

But today we will highlight a unique method to boost up the immune system to fight this coronavirus.

Probably, you heard about kalonji or black seed.

Yes, with effective use of the Black seed, we can boost up our immune system to a great extent to fight coronavirus.

So, why not give it a try.

First, let us know what is this black seed or kalonji?

As the Black seed is concerned, people often get confused about the black seed as there are several varieties with similar names and appearances.

The unfortunate truth is that any seed that is black in color can be called “black seed.” which also leads to massive confusion when trying to identify specific black seeds that are black in color.

However, there is now consensus that only ONE seed, Nigella sativa, is officially called “Black Seed.” Sorry to all other black-colored seeds.

Other names: black cumin, black sesame, black caraway, kalonji, Roman coriander nigella.

Identification is most important as Black Seed is sometimes mistakenly called “black onion seed!”

Even, A Google image search for “onion seeds” brings up a picture of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) first, which then links to an Amazon Listing for Nigella sativa that is called “black onion seeds” which is only to be used to grow onions whereas black seed has multiple health benefits.

Otherwise, later on, you will find, you are consuming onions in place of the Black seed. Yes, onions have also so many benefits but not like black seed we are going to dig more about it.

There are several common names attributed to Nigella sativa. These names differ between different regions and countries.

In Hindi it is known as Kalonji, Kalazeera, Mugrela, and Kalajera.

In Europe it is called black caraway, fennel flower, nutmeg flower or sometimes “Love in the Mist”

In American, it is called black cumin or black seed.

Its name in Egypt is Habbat ul Barka and in the rest of the Arabic world it is termed as ‘Habbah Sawda’ or ‘Habbat el Baraka’ translated as ‘Seeds of blessing’

In old Latin, it is called ‘Panacea’ meaning ‘cure-all’.

In China, it is referred to as Hak Jung Chou.

The Black seed with the botanical name of Nigella sativa grows to 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) tall, with finely divided, linear (but not thread-like) leaves. The flowers are delicate and usually colored pale blue and white, with five to ten petals.

The fruit is a large and inflated capsule composed of three to seven united follicles, each containing numerous seeds which are used as a spice, sometimes as a replacement for black cumin

The seeds of the fruit are used as a spice, in confectionery, in food, and in liquors. Also known as Black Cumin, Kalonji, Habbat Al-Barakah, or Seed of Blessing, in the traditional healing systems of the region, Black Seed is used as a natural digestive aid.

( To read more, click here.

Once your mental picture is clear, let’s see what Black seeds do to us as far as the immune system boost up is concerned to fight Covid-19.

Black seed or kalonji is considered to be one of the best gifts that our nature offered to us to boost our Immunity, and help our defensive shield to be powerful to face the daily challenges against the bacterial and viral invaders. And, now, specifically this Covid-19 pandemic.

The earliest written reference to Black seed is found in the book of Isiah in the Old Testament.

Uses of kalonji Seeds in Traditional Medicine In Greece Arab / Unani Medicine Kalonji (Nigella sativa of Family-Ranunculaceae) is in use since Ist Century BC when Discoroides, an Unani Physician and Botanist described Kalonji and its therapeutic use in his book.

Out of the several accompanying articles found in the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamen were the seeds of Black cumin.

It is a spice that grows in the Mediterranean region and in Western Asian countries including India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

The historical references to these seeds are also found in some of the oldest religious and medical texts. For example, it is referred to as ‘Melanthion’ by Hippocrates and Dioscorides, while the Bible describes it as the ‘curative black cumin’ It is, therefore, no wonder that they were thought to be worthy accompaniments in the ‘From Life here to Eternity’ by the pharaoh as described.

Even, the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Use this Black Seed regularly, because it is a cure for every disease, except death.” [Reference Hadith: Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Cure all diseases except Death?

Does it seem exaggerated? ( For further reading, please click here. )

While you will come across multiple health benefits as well as immune system booster, you will realize that it is not at all an exaggeration!

After knowing this, I also purchased three bottles of kalonji oil from Amazon from Safa Honey co. of Bangalore!

( For more information, click here.

Its benefits?

Numerous.

Even, during the writing of this blog, I am sipping warm healthy tea mixed with kalonji oil and pure honey to ease my cough and cold I had after long-distance bus travel! It also helps ease intestinal gas!

What a tea!

The immune system boosting properties of Black Seed was noted in (Ibn Sina) Avicenna’s 1025 A.D. Canon of Medicine, who used the seed for stimulating the body’s energy and speed recovery from fatigue.

Black Seed contains over 100 valuable components and is a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals. Today it is used as a good source of energy, to detoxify and rejuvenate the body, aid in digestion, boost the body’s natural immune system and ease cough and colds, to name just a few.

Black Seeds anti-inflammatory properties for conditions such as rheumatism and inflammatory disease were studied in 1960 by a group of scientists from the Department of Pharmacy at Kings College in London. They tested black seed oil and its derivative thymoquinone as an anti-inflammatory agent. What they discovered was that the Black Seed oil possessed antioxidant activity and it inhibited certain types of short-lived local tissue hormone responsible for inflammation.

The antioxidants in the oil helped to slow cartilage degeneration. The inhibitory effect suggested to the researchers that other compounds in the oil might be responsible for the enhanced anti-inflammatory reactions in cells. They concluded that the pharmacological properties of Black Seed and its derived products support the traditional use of Black Seed as a treatment for rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases.

In the age of chemical industrial products, the natural means finally has become the first to come up to our minds, once we hear words like bacteria or virus which is now in talk of the town because of coronavirus!

Strengthen our immune system would be our shield to resist those potential dangers instead of the traditional chemical means that comes with a long list of side effects to fight against several various ailments.

You will be amazed to know that in the first place of natural sources is: black seed oil.

The chemical composition of the black Nigella sativa seed is diverse.

The Black Seed is rich in nutritional values. It contains almost 40% fixed oils and 1.4% volatile oils. It also contains around fifteen amino acids, proteins, calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Among its most effective compositions are thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. The magazine Food Chemistry found the Black Seed to be 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.

Dr. Michael Tierra, author of Planetary Herbology, also found the Black Seed to be high in the above nutrients. In addition, he found a remarkable number of sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties. The Journal of American Scientists reports that Black Seed has a number of useful properties such as antihistamine, antioxidant, antibiotic, antimycotic and broncho-dilating effects.

The Black Seed is 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, as having healing for all illnesses is not exaggerated as it at first appears. The Black Seed has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand years.

Do you know, Kalonji or black cumin seeds are an integral part of Indian cuisine?

It is used to enhance the flavor and aroma of various curries and food preparations. Apart from being an interesting spice, kalonji or nigella seeds are packed with medicinal properties and we can know the same from following Nine major benefits.

Rich in antioxidants: Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body against free radicals, which give rise to life-threatening diseases like cancer and other cardiac ailments. Certain compounds in kalonji add to the distinct kalonji benefits, like thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole, and 4-terpineol are enriched with antioxidants and fight against oxidative damage.
Regulates cholesterol level: Various studies have been conducted based upon which it was inferred that kalonji benefits are associated with include a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol as well as blood triglycerides. By lowering the cholesterol level, kalonji protects the body against major diseases.
Anti-carcinogenic properties: Some research suggests that kalonji benefits include the prevention of cancer. Owing to the presence of powerful antioxidants, it can fight against pancreatic, cervical, prostate, and skin cancer. It eradicates free radicals and prevents oxidative damage.
Anti-bacterial properties: Kalonji has proven beneficial against the damaging effect of certain bacterial infections. kalonji benefits get rid of various strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Anti-inflammatory properties: The black cumin seeds may have anti-inflammatory properties among other kalonji benefits, that can treat various chronic inflammations. The daily consumption of kalonji (in certified amounts as recommended by your doctor) can keep the body healthy and suppress many inflammations.
Improves liver health: The liver is a crucial organ of our body as it carries out various important physiological functions of our body. A handful of kalonji can be effective against liver damage and reduces oxidative stress that otherwise may lead to severe liver diseases.
Regulates blood sugar level: High blood sugar is one of the most threatening conditions a person can have. Some studies indicate that kalonji benefits in minimizing the adverse effects of high blood sugar. A healthy quantity of kalonji aids in regulating and maintaining the blood sugar level.
Fights Stomach ulcers: Kalonji helps in protecting the stomach lining and prevents the formation of stomach ulcers.
Memory and immunity booster: kalonji benefits the immune system of the body due to the abundant presence of antioxidants. Moreover consuming powdered kalonji with a little bit of honey can also help in sharpening the individual’s memory.

Recent research has provided evidence that most illnesses arise because of an imbalanced or dysfunctional immune system, which cannot perform its primary function of defending the body optimally. Researches also indicate that the Black Seed contains an ability to significantly boost the human immune system – if taken over time.

The role of the Black Seed in increasing human immunity was not clear before 1986, when Dr. Qaadi and his colleagues started a series of researches in the United States. Afterward, many researches were launched in various countries. Dr. Qaadi proved that the use of the Black Seed strengthens immunity since the ratio of the T assistant lymph cells increased by an average of 72% compared to the restraining cells. Also, there was considerable development in the activity of natural killer cells with an average of 74%.

The results of many modern researches supported the findings of Qaadi. Amongst them are the results published by the International Immunity magazine in August 1995 about the effect of black seed on the outer lymph cells and the activity of white blood multi-nucleus cells. In September 2000, the International Immunity magazine also published research on the effect of the Black Seed oil in preventing cytomegalovirus on laboratory rats. The Black Seed oil has been tested as an anti-virus substance and the immunity acquired during the early stages of the disease was measured through determining the natural killer cells and other things.

In October 1999, the European magazine of Cancer published an article on the effect of thymoquinone on abdomen cancer in rats. Likewise, in May 1998, a magazine specialized in anti-cancer researches published an article on the extracts of the Black Seed as a treatment for cancer tumors. In April 2000, the Ethanol Medical magazine wrote about the toxicity and immunity effects of ethanol extracted from the Black Seeds. Also, in February 1995, Medical Plants magazine published an article on the effects of the Black Seed stable oil and thymoquinone on white blood cells. Many other researches came out supporting these facts.

After knowing these huge benefits of kalonji oil and purchasing this Kalonji oil from Safa Honey co of Banglaore, when asked for a brochure, the Following benefits and usages of kalonji oil have been described by SAFA Honey Co.as per their Email to me.

TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH: Add half tea spoon of Kalonji oil to the wheat flour that you use to make roti. Insha’ Allah, you will remain healthy.
GENERAL WEAKNESS: Take half tea spoon of Kalonji oil with one spoon of honey once a day.
SLUGGISHNESS AND LAZINESS: A tablespoon of Kalonji oil with orange juice in the morning for ten days.
INSOMNIA: A teaspoon of Kalonji oil with honey or with tea before supper offers relief from insomnia and a restful sleep.
NERVOUS TENSION: A teaspoon of Kalonji oil with a cup of tea relaxes and eliminates all symptoms of tension.
OBESITY: Mix 2 spoons of honey and ½ teaspoon of Kalonji oil in lukewarm water and drink twice a day. Avoid eating rice.
REDUCING CHOLESTEROL: Add seven drops of Kalonji oil in mint brew and sweeten with honey. Drink while hot on an empty stomach once a day, avoid food with beef fat.
AMNESIA OR WEAK MEMORY: Add 12 drops of Kalonji oil in 25 gms butter or 50 gms milk fat, add some sugar and drink every morning.
ABSENT MINDEDNESS: 1 spoon of honey with 10 drops of Kalonji oil daily. Eat small pieces of cinnamon 3-4 times daily, chewing it well.
INJURIES: Mix a teaspoon of Kalonji oil with a tablespoon of honey in a glass of hot tea and drink on an empty stomach and before sleep. Also rub Kalonji oil on the affected part three times. WELLNESS 1
BURNS: 30 grams of Olive oil and 5 grams of Kalonji oil, 15 grams of Calamus (bach) and 80 grams of Mehendi leaves. Mix together and apply on affected parts.
STAMMERING: Mix a half teaspoon of Kalonji oil in 2 spoons of honey and keep it on the tongue twice a day.
HICCUPS: Take a large spoon of cream (Malai) mixed with 2 drops of Kalonji oil and drink in the morning and night. Continue for seven days.
SWELLINGS: Heat required quantity of Kalonji oil and apply on the affected area. Half teaspoon of Kalonji oil to be consumed twice a day.

It has been scientifically proved that the immunity system is the only system that has the ability to combat diseases and produce cells that kill viruses.

And for that, why not give a try to use black seed or kalonji oil to combat our human race,s fight against coronavirus?

Although before taking any natural or alternate medicine, medical advice from a doctor is a must, but, what’s wrong in trying using Black seed or kalonji oil after knowing all these benefits?

It’s up to you!

-End-

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