Black cumin seeds: Why everyone is talking about its anti-inflammatory effects and how it works
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
But does it really have any of these health benefits? Let's take a look.
Black cumin seeds, derived from the Nigella sativa plant, are small, black, crescent-shaped seeds that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking because of their potent anti-inflammatory effects. They help combat inflammation and support overall health.
Are cumin seeds beneficial for health
Black cumin seeds have been used for over 2,000 years in traditional medicine, from ancient Egypt to Ayurvedic practices.
Historically, they were prized for treating ailments like digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and skin disorders. These seeds are known for their pleiotropic pharmacological effects, which means they influence multiple biological pathways and have various therapeutic benefits beyond just one primary function.
The main bioactive component in the black cumin seeds,
(TQ), has their ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
This promotes immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, and even cancer.
Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. The thymoquinone found in the black cumin seeds is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Studies suggest that thymoquinone inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, molecules that trigger inflammation in the body. By suppressing these pathways, black cumin seeds may reduce swelling, pain, and tissue damage associated with inflammatory conditions.
King Charles' Cancer Secret REVEALED | Royal Whisper EXPOSES Private Health Bombshell | WATCH
Also, these seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function.
To get the benefits, one can consider adding black cumin seeds to their diet.
Sprinkle on foods:
Black cumin seeds can be used as a topping on breads, salads, roasted vegetables, yogurt, hummus, and dips. The slightly bitter, nutty flavour can elevate the dishes.
In cooking:
Black cumin seeds are commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. These can be added to curries, rice, or stews,. Also used in tempering and on flatbreads.
Incorporate in tea:
A few black cumin seeds can be added to herbal teas for their calming effect.
Black seed oil:
Black seed oil derived from them is also readily available in the market, and is often used for its
and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it comes with its own pros and cons, so it's better to talk to your healthcare provider before using it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
New IPO: NephroPlus files papers with Sebi for ₹353.4 crore IPO to expand Dialysis clinics
Nephrocare Health Services Limited, widely recognized under the brand name NephroPlus, has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise ₹ 353.4 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The Hyderabad-based company plans to use the proceeds to expand its network of dialysis clinics across India and repay outstanding debt, with the balance allocated to general corporate purposes. The IPO will include a fresh issue of equity shares worth ₹ 353.4 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of up to 1.27 crore equity shares by promoter and non-promoter shareholders. Among the OFS participants are Investcorp Private Equity Fund II, Healthcare Parent Limited, Edoras Investment Holdings Pte. Ltd., and 360 One Special Opportunities Fund. The company may also consider a pre-IPO placement of up to ₹ 70.6 crore, which would reduce the size of the fresh issue accordingly. Established in 2009, NephroPlus has emerged as Asia's largest dialysis services provider and the fifth-largest globally in terms of the number of treatments performed in FY25, according to a Frost & Sullivan report. As of now, the company operates 447 clinics across 269 cities in 21 Indian states and 4 Union Territories, serving over 33,000 patients annually. NephroPlus commands more than 50 percent revenue market share in India's organised dialysis services market. NephroPlus has also made a significant push into international markets. It currently operates 34 clinics in the Philippines, 5 in Nepal, 4 in Uzbekistan, and recently entered Saudi Arabia in a bid to tap the Middle East healthcare market. The company's promoters include Vikram Vuppala, BVP Trust (Bessemer Venture Partners), and Investcorp-affiliated entities. As per the DRHP, NephroPlus will allocate ₹ 129.1 crore from the fresh issue proceeds towards setting up new dialysis clinics in India, which aligns with its strategy to grow its domestic footprint. An additional ₹ 136 crore will be used to pre-pay or repay certain existing borrowings, enhancing the company's financial flexibility and improving its balance sheet. In FY25, the company reported ₹ 755.8 crore in revenue from operations and a profit after tax of ₹ 67 crore, reflecting robust growth amid increasing demand for kidney care services. With chronic kidney disease (CKD) rising as the third fastest-growing cause of death globally, and diabetes and hypertension being its primary drivers, NephroPlus is well-positioned to benefit from secular health trends. ICICI Securities, Ambit Private Limited, IIFL Capital Services, and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) are acting as Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) for the IPO. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Think hovering over public toilets keeps you safe? Doctors say it can trigger UTIs, bladder issues & more you'd never expect
What seems like a clean habit could be doing more harm than good. Hovering over public toilets to avoid germs, a common practice, especially among women, may feel safer, but doctors are now warning it could seriously impact bladder health . Yes, say doctors. The half-squat position many adopt while avoiding direct contact with toilet seats may actually stop the bladder from emptying fully. Over time, this can cause urine retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even long-term pelvic floor problems . Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Finance Data Analytics Design Thinking Public Policy Data Science Management PGDM MBA Healthcare Others Degree Operations Management MCA Data Science Product Management Technology CXO healthcare Artificial Intelligence Project Management Leadership Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details 'It causes increased bladder pressure and can raise the risk of UTIs, bladder irritation, and even long-term problems,' said Dr Nikhil Khattar, associate director, urology, PSRI Hospital, to TOI. He explained that regularly urinating in this posture can train your bladder into a habit of incomplete emptying. 'This eventually leads to symptoms like frequent urgency, leakage, or difficulty emptying the bladder,' he said. The Silent Damage You May Not Feel Yet Retained urine becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of recurrent UTIs and, in some cases, even kidney infections. Live Events Avoiding unclean toilets by holding in urine isn't safe either. According to Dr Khattar, 'Whether you are holding your urine or not sitting properly while passing it, both habits harm the pelvic floor muscles and interfere with normal bladder emptying.' Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said full squatting, like on traditional Indian toilets , is far healthier. 'In a full squat, the pelvic muscles relax fully, making it easier to empty both the bladder and bowel,' she told TOI. 'Half-squatting or hovering keeps the muscles tense and doesn't allow proper urination.' Women may hover out of fear of infection, but the posture itself can be more harmful than the toilet seat. 'Studies suggest that hovering increases the risk of incomplete urination and pelvic strain, which can lead to chronic issues,' Dr Suri told TOI. Dr Gaurav Garg, senior consultant in urology at Max Smart Hospital, Saket, echoed this, saying many women with stress incontinence , where urine leaks during coughing or physical activity, don't realise it's linked to posture during urination. Many still believe sitting on a public toilet seat directly causes UTIs. Doctors disagree. 'UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urethra and multiplying in the urinary tract,' Dr Khattar told TOI. 'Poor hygiene, improper wiping, touching contaminated surfaces or not washing hands properly are bigger risks. The toilet seat itself is rarely the cause.' Dr Atul Goswami, director of urology and uro-oncology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said that rather than hovering, women should consider using seat covers or sanitisers for safety. 'Touching the seat is not as dangerous as incomplete urination, which can cause real and lasting harm,' he said to TOI. Doctors agree it's time to spread awareness and bust myths. What feels like the safer option may silently damage your bladder. 'We must spread the message that sitting properly and emptying the bladder fully is essential for good urinary health,' Dr Suri told TOI. Inputs from TOI Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
10 Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia: Natural ways to restore peaceful sleep
Struggling to fall asleep or waking up feeling unrested? , the ancient Indian system of healing, views insomnia as a sign of imbalance in the mind-body system, often linked to disturbed Vata and Pitta doshas. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rather than relying on temporary fixes like sleeping pills, Ayurvedic wisdom encourages a gentle, long-term approach. Through calming herbs, nourishing evening routines, oil massages, and mindful dietary habits, Ayurveda helps soothe the nervous system and align your natural sleep cycle. These remedies not only support better sleep but also promote overall wellbeing, helping you relax deeply and wake up feeling energised and clear-headed. 10 Ayurvedic remedies to help you sleep better naturally Calm the mind with ayurvedic sleep herbs Certain Ayurvedic herbs are known for their calming and adaptogenic properties: Brahmi soothes the nervous system and reduces mental chatter. Ashwagandha helps the body adapt to stress and stabilises cortisol levels. Shatavari is especially helpful for women with hormonal imbalances impacting sleep. Sarpagandha acts as a natural sedative and helps reduce high blood pressure. Cannabis (Bhanga), traditionally used in Ayurveda under supervision, helps promote deep, restorative sleep in chronic insomnia cases. These herbs address root causes like stress, anxiety, hormonal imbalance, and nervous system hyperactivity, allowing the body to transition naturally into restful sleep. Drink warm milk with turmeric before bed A simple yet effective bedtime ritual in Ayurveda involves sipping a cup of warm milk infused with a pinch of turmeric. This combination works on both the physical and mental levels. Milk naturally contains tryptophan, an amino acid that supports melatonin production, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. Turmeric, meanwhile, has anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to balance excess Vata and Pitta—two doshas frequently disturbed in cases of insomnia. This soothing drink helps the body transition from wakefulness to rest, easing digestion and calming the senses before bedtime. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Do an Ayurvedic oil massage (Abhyanga) Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage with warm oil, is a deeply grounding technique that pacifies an overactive nervous system. Using oils infused with herbs like Brahmi or Mahanarayan, you gently massage your scalp, limbs, and soles of your feet in the evening. This not only nourishes the skin and tissues but also signals the body to shift into relaxation mode. The warm oil improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps the body feel anchored—especially important for those with excess Vata energy, which tends to manifest as racing thoughts or restlessness at night. Try shirodhara therapy for deep relaxation is one of Ayurveda's most effective therapies for calming the mind. During this treatment, a steady stream of warm, medicated oil is poured over the forehead, targeting the third eye chakra. This continuous flow induces a meditative state, slows down mental activity, and balances excess Vata and Pitta. Shirodhara is often recommended for people suffering from chronic stress, burnout, or anxiety—all of which contribute to sleep disturbances. The therapy helps relax the entire nervous system and often leads to deep, restorative sleep within a few sessions. Use Karnapuranam and Shirovasti for nervous system support Two other traditional therapies, Karnapuranam and Shirovasti, are lesser-known but highly effective tools in Ayurvedic sleep care. Karnapuranam involves gently pouring warm, herbal oil into the ears, which is believed to nourish the auditory nerves and calm sensory overload. Shirovasti is a more intensive therapy where warm oil is retained on the scalp for a specified time using a leather cap. This treatment is particularly useful in cases of insomnia caused by hormonal fluctuations, mental fatigue, or heightened emotional stress. Both therapies support the nervous system and help stabilise erratic Vata energy. Incorporate herbal formulations into daily routine For long-term sleep improvement, Ayurveda encourages the use of herbal formulations that support overall nervous system health. Tablets or powders containing herbs like Ashwagandha, Tagara (Indian Valerian), and Jatamansi can be taken daily under a practitioner's guidance. These herbs work cumulatively to reduce mental fatigue, support adrenal function, and promote a more stable sleep cycle over time. Unlike conventional sleeping pills, they don't cause grogginess or dependency and instead help the body return to its natural rhythm. Massage the soles of your feet with warm oil One of the simplest yet most underrated Ayurvedic remedies for insomnia is the soles of the feet with warm oil at night. This nightly ritual has a calming effect on the entire body and helps ground mental energy that tends to rise upward and cause restlessness. Using oils like sesame, coconut, or ghee, this practice stimulates marma points on the feet, which are linked to various organs and energy channels. It relaxes the muscles, supports better circulation, and sends a clear signal to the body that it's time to rest. Use aromatherapy to soothe the mind In Ayurveda, the sense of is closely connected to the brain and can influence emotions and mental states. Using calming essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or vetiver in a diffuser or diluted and applied to the temples can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. These aromas stimulate the olfactory nerves and trigger a relaxation response in the brain, helping to lower cortisol and gently activate melatonin release. A peaceful, scented environment can be the perfect complement to other Ayurvedic nighttime rituals. Follow a Vata-Pitta pacifying diet Your evening meals play a major role in determining the quality of your sleep. Ayurveda recommends eating a warm, light, and nourishing dinner that's easy to digest—such as a bowl of khichdi or vegetable soup with ghee. Avoid heavy, spicy, or overly dry foods, as well as stimulants like caffeine, sugar, and alcohol, especially after sunset. A dosha-balancing diet not only supports digestive health but also prevents the build-up of internal heat and restlessness, which are common contributors to insomnia in both Vata and Pitta types. Practise gentle yoga and meditation Ayurveda recognises the deep connection between the body and mind, and incorporating gentle movement before bed can make a significant difference in sleep quality. Practices like yoga nidra, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), and simple forward bends help reduce mental clutter and tension stored in the body. Poses like Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall) and Shavasana (corpse pose) shift the body into a deeply relaxed state. Regular meditation or mindfulness at night also helps train the mind to let go of overthinking and prepare for stillness. Also Read:
