Kalonji seeds Benefits

 Benefits of Kalonji Seeds:

Kalonji or black caraway seeds that are known as ‘Karun Jeeragam’ in Tamil ‘Nalla Jeelakarra’ in Telugu are extracted from the fruits of Nigella sativa plant. In few parts of the world, these seeds are popularly referred as black onion seeds. The Kalonji plant that grows up to 20 to 30 cm in height with divided, thin, sequential leaves bears 'fennel flowers', that bloom in white and pale blue colours, each containing five to ten petals.

Ayurveda recommends daily consumption of 20 grams of these seeds to enhance lubrication between joints, for maintaining a healthy heart, fight breathing problems and to prevent cancer.

Kalonji has antimicrobial and antioxidant activity due to which it is used for various skin and hair problems like boils, eruptions, wrinkles and hair fall. Kalonji oil can be applied on the skin to help manage eczema. Applying kalonji seed paste on the scalp might also help promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.

Kalonji helps to manage indigestion. According to Ayurveda, indigestion means the state of an incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is aggravated Kapha that causes Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Kalonji helps to improve Agni  due to its Deepan (appetizer) property and helps to digest food because of its Pachan nature.

Tips:

Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.

Have it with warm milk once or twice a day to manage indigestion.

Kalonji contains certain compounds that have antitussive  and bronchodilatory properties. Kalonji also has anti-inflammatory property. Due to these properties, Kalonji act as a relaxant and also suppresses the cough centre in the central nervous system.

Kalonji contains certain compounds that have anti-histaminic effect due to which it has anti-allergic property. Kalonji suppresses the release of histamines which may be useful in managing allergies. It reduces nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing attacks, runny nose and other symptoms of Hay fever.

Kalonji has potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. It increases proliferation of insulin producing cells in the pancreas which causes an increase in blood insulin level. This also leads to a decrease in blood glucose level and thus Kalonji may be useful in managing diabetes.

Kalonji has potent anti-inflammatory and immunological properties. It inhibits the release of inflammatory chemicals and reduces joint swelling and stiffness, thus managing Rheumatoid arthritis.

Kalonji contains a bioactive compound that may play a role in managing bronchitis. It reduces inflammation and release of inflammatory chemicals that may improve respiration.