Nigella sativa is called Kalvanji in Urdu and Kalonji in Hindi, and although I understand what it is, a little black seed, I didn’t know what its name is in English. Being curious by nature, I set out to try to find out. The following are the results of this investigation.
First of all, I read that the English name is a garden flower that was a favorite in Elizabethan gardens; Love-in-the Mist, but looking up its Latin name I found it to be Nigella damascena, and not Nigella sativa. This being the case, it would be best if those who wish to take advantage of the healing effects of Nigella sativa not substitute it for a relative like Love-in-the-Mist.
Then I looked at the sites that claimed that Nigella sativa was black cumin seed, black onion seed, black caraway, and black sesame seed among others. It is definitely neither of these things. The closest English name that others use is simply black seed or black seed. In this article, I will use the terms black seed or Nigella sativa.
When I mentioned that the little black seeds that I take a pinch when I need to clear my head were black cumin seeds, I was categorically told that they were not. We went to the computer, where we found the name, black cumin. To prove the difference, they took me to the local bazaar spice shop. The spice vendor showed me white cumin, black cumin, and black seeds. I tried a few of each and can tell they are all different. They also look different.
White cumin is the kind I normally buy in Britain; a pale greenish gray color. Black cumin is actually brown and much spicier than the white variety. The black seed looks nothing like cumin, and five grains placed side by side would be the length of a cumin seed.
White cumin is used with many dishes, including biryanis, and black is used in garam masala and meat dishes. Black seed, which is a very good description, is used one pinch at a time and can improve the efficiency of the immune system if taken regularly over a period of time. When you take a pinch and chew it, this has the effect of clearing your head and clouded nasal passages. It is also used in meat dishes in the Indian subcontinent.
So what, you might be thinking? The problem with this confusion is that people looking for Nigella sativa oil can be given the oil of black cumin, black caraway or black onion seed, which have different properties than the real ones. If you buy essential oils and want the beneficial results of Nigella sativa, make sure this name is clearly written on the packaging. Other oils will provide different benefits, but they can exacerbate the ailment you are trying to cure.
In addition to relieving headaches, black seeds used as an oil can ease eczema symptoms and treat other skin problems, while other oils can be harmful for skin problems. The black seed can also help with digestive problems and can be used to increase appetite or to help break down fat cells. It is known in Arabic as “the seed of blessing”: habbatul barakah. The other seeds are not.
If you are buying these products, be careful not to get the wrong ones. Always read the packaging carefully. Take care that they are not graded with black onion seed, black caraway seed, or black cumin seed. The only names on the packaging should be Nigella sativa or Black Seeds.