Habbah Sawda

Plantae

"Commonly the seeds are used primarily as a spice and food preservative. In folk medicinal practices they are ingested with food or mixed with honey and are primarily used as lactogogues [promotes breastmilk production], carminitative [gas relief] and antihelmnthic [anti-parasitic] agents. The seeds have also been used as diuretics, anti-hypertensive, muscle relaxants and as immunity enhancers in immune-compromised people. Importantly, the seeds have been reported to be safe when used orally in moderate amount in food. They have been shown to stimulate uterine contractions when used in large amounts, leading to abortion . There are reports that the oil from the seeds can be used to treat dermatitis topically. Several beneficial pharmacological effects have been attributed to various crude or purified components of these seeds including antihistaminic, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory along with significant anti-neoplastic activities." - From here to eternity - the secret of Pharaohs: Therapeutic potential of black cumin seeds and beyond