Health Benefits of Kalonji Seed, Uses And Its Side Effects

Kalonji is black seeds of Nigella Sativa plant, and it is often called as black cumin. Botanically, it is an evergreen plant from the family Ranunculaceae. Kalonji marks an integral part in your kitchen as a spice. It is used in most popular Indian dishes like Kadhi, samosa, dal, papdi, and kachori.

It finds its use in several forms like kalonji oil, roasted seeds and raw seeds, etc. Although they have a bitter taste when eaten raw, they are added to the dishes to enhance their flavors.

Kalonji is small black seeds that possess high nutritional value. Kalonji Seed or Black Seed is rich in nutrients and contain Protein, carbohydrates, fats, and oils. Kalonji oil is much better than other oil, and it contains essential fatty acids.

Kalonji is also rich in vitamins that include - Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin B2, Niacin and Vitamin C. It also contains different minerals like - Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium. The active ingredients of black seed are - Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Thymoquinone, and Nigellone.

Kalonji finds its use in improving overall health by boosting heart, liver and lung functioning. It is also useful in treating asthma. Usually, it is consumed in roasted form or the form of oil. Kalonji oil is beneficial in treating hay fever and other kinds of allergies.

Kalonji seed oil is usually combined with honey or lime juice to improve its effectiveness. Honey and kalonji form a very good combination in treating several diseases like – cough and cold, constipation, absent-mindedness and lung problems. It is also mixed with goat’s milk to improve heart functioning.

Kalonji is a good flavoring agent in dishes, and it is very safe for most of the people. This doesn’t pose any side effects, when taken in small quantities. It possesses good medicinal properties, and it should be used for short term.

Kalonji or black seeds are safe for children when taken in small amounts. However, when taken in large amounts, it can lead to low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels which pose a risk to lives. It is safe to add Kalonji in food during pregnancy. But, when eating it regularly or consuming in large amounts, may risk the fetus health. Its effect is not much known during breastfeeding. So, to remain on the safe side, you must avoid its use during breastfeeding. One should not take this, if you have undergone any surgery or planning to undergo any surgery.

During surgery or after surgery, it can pose a risk of bleeding and might hinder your surgery. Kalonji seeds also slows down the clotting process. Spices are warm in nature and make pose problems if you have bleeding disorders. It may pose nose bleeding problems.

If you are taking Kalonji seed oil as a medicine for diabetes, then you must regularly check your blood sugar level, because it considerably lowers down blood sugar levels. Low sugar levels can lead to serious health issues.Kalonji oil can also lower down blood pressure considerably, and you must check your blood pressure at regular intervals and stop its use if any side effect occurs.

Kalonji is a good flavoring agent in dishes, and it is very safe for most of the people. This doesn’t pose any side effects, when taken in small quantities. It possesses good medicinal properties, and it should be used for short term. Kalonji or black seeds are safe for children when taken in small amounts. However, when taken in large amounts, it can lead to low blood pressure or low blood sugar levels which pose a risk to lives. It is safe to add Kalonji in food during pregnancy. But, when eating it regularly or consuming in large amounts, may risk the fetus health. Its effect is not much known during breastfeeding. So, to remain on the safe side, you must avoid its use during breastfeeding. One should not take this, if you have undergone any surgery or planning to undergo any surgery. During surgery or after surgery, it can pose a risk of bleeding and might hinder your surgery. It also slows down the clotting process. Spices are warm in nature and make pose problems if you have bleeding disorders. It may pose nose bleeding problems. If you are taking Kalonji as a medicine for diabetes, then you must regularly check your blood sugar level, because it considerably lowers down blood sugar levels. Low sugar levels can lead to serious health issues. It can also lower down blood pressure considerably, and you must check your blood pressure at regular intervals and stop its use if any side effect occurs.