The kalonji, or Nigella seeds, is an interesting spice – when used for tempering, it adds a beautiful aroma to the dishes and a hint of flavor that you can’t quite nail. In India, dry roasted kalonji is used for flavoring curries,  dal, stir-fried vegetables, and even savories such as samosa, papdis, and kachori among others. Flavour and aroma aside, the tiny black seed comes with a whole lot of health benefits. It’s loaded with trace elements, vitamins, crystalline nigellone, amino acids, saponin, crude fiber, proteins, and fatty acids like linolenic and oleic acids, volatile oils, alkaloids, iron, sodium,  potassium, and calcium. It keeps your heart healthy, addresses breathing problems, lubricates your joints, and is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties. That’s quite a lot for a seed that size, isn’t it? In fact, if you keep a bottle of kalonji oil at home, you can use them for plenty of things to boost your health and take care of niggling problems. Let’s take a look at some benefits of kalonji. 

Health Benefits of Nigella Seeds

1. Flights Acne

Sweet lime juice and kalonji oil together can fix many skin problems. For every cup of sweet lime juice, you’ll need about half a teaspoon of kalonji oil. Apply the oil twice a day on your face and watch your blemishes and acne disappear. If you keep pure kalonji oil handy, you can use it to treat cracked heels as well.

2. Keeps Checks on Diabetes

This is probably one of the most known benefits of kalonji. If you already have diabetes, kalonji oil can also help to manage it. Take half a teaspoon of the oil in a cup of black tea every morning, and see the difference in a few weeks.

3. Increase Memory and Alleviates Asthma

Ground kalonji seeds with a little bit of honey are known to boost memory. And if you mix this in warm water and drink, it also helps in alleviating breathing trouble (asthma included) in children and adults alike. But you need to do this is for at least 45 days, and avoid cold beverages and food during the period.

4. Gets Rids of Headaches

One of the most common urban problems in today’s time is headaches. Instead of popping a pill, rub kalonji oil on your forehead, relax, and wait for your headache to disappear. Nothing like natural home remedies!

5. Aids Weight Loss

The warm water,  honey, and lemon combination are often recommended for those who are on a diet. Now add a pinch of powdered kalonji seeds to this mix and see how it works. Many health enthusiasts have claimed that kalonji seeds are a miracle ingredient that helps in shedding those extra kilos.

6. Eases Joint Pains

It’s an old-school treatment; take a handful of kalonji seeds, and heat it well with mustard oil. Once the oil is smoking, take it off the flame and cool it down for a bit. The oil is ready when you can dip the tip of a finger into the oil without feeling uncomfortable. Now use this oil to massage the inflamed joint.

7. Controls Blood Pressure

Those who suffer from or have the tendency of high blood pressure can drink half a teaspoon of kalonji oil with warm water to keep hypertension under control. It is of course advised following a proper diet along with it.

8. Protects the Kidney

Kidney stones are a common urban problem. It is said that half a teaspoon of kalonji oil had with two teaspoons of honey and warm water can aid in getting rid of kidney pain,  stones, and infections. But you also need to consult a doctor to get a proper diet.

9. Makes Teeth Stronger

trouble such as swelling or bleeding of gums, and weak teeth? Of course, you need to see a dentist, but you can also massage your teeth with curd and some kalonji oil twice a day to strengthen your gums.

10. Strengthens Immunity

Kalonji oil, honey, and warm water have more than one benefit. Apart from the ones already mentioned, it can also help to strengthen your immunity if consumed daily. If you add kalonji oil to boiling water and inhale the fumes, it can also reduce nasal congestion, and help those who suffer from sinusitis problems.

Ref: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-incredible-health-benefits-of-nigella-seeds-kalonji-1456233

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The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. WINDHU KITCHEN is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of WINDHU KITCHEN does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.