I can remember being interested in health foods as far back as when I was in my early teens. I was simply drawn to those sections of magazines that talked about how to make your own face scrubs or spa days at home with all natural ingredients that hailed from exotic locations where I dreamed of traveling to seek out even more of those ‘secret’ ingredients that made people live well and be strong and healthy and naturally beautiful throughout their lives. It was purely fascinating to me, living in the Midwest, where none of the food seemed exotic to me because I was constantly being exposed to ‘different’ foods through books, magazines and the occasional culinary gems my family members would bring back from Sicily or Puerto Rico. That said, I grew up having an appreciation for Mediterranean foods like pomegranates, olives and olive oil, dates and figs all because of my Sicilian background. These are common foods grown there and my dad always talked about how healthy they were for us and would jump at the chance to give me a taste if and when he found them. Needless to say, I was insatiably curious about foods for that reason. Eventually that morphed into an interest in cooking, but it all stemmed from my original interest in global ingredients and how different foods affects our health mentally, emotionally, and physically. Years later when I stumbled upon Islam as a religion (not knowing anything about it at all well into my twenties), what drew me in the most was the topic of Prophetic Medicine and Sunnah foods, or foods that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to eat and/or recommended us to eat. I was astounded at the overlap in the foods that were considered Mediterranean and the ones I grew up learning about being some of the healthiest for us to eat. It peaked my interest more and more and more… And then I read this hadith (saying of Prophet Muhammad): Aisha (may Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى be pleased with her) said that she heard the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم say, “This black seed is a cure for every disease except death.” (Bukhari).  [Just to clarify, this topic is elaborated upon among scholars who dig a little deeper into the meaning of “every disease” here, although there must be much more discussion elsewhere among scholars, physicians and medical researchers.] But the black seed goes way back in history even before the time of our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. In fact, it was used by the Asians, the Persians, and the Romans for culinary and medicinal purposes. Why? Because black seeds contain really amazing things like linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid to the human diet) and palmitic acid (most commonly found in palm oil and butter). They also contain important things like amino acids, arginine (great for circulation and oxygen to our cells), aspartate, and glutamate. They also have iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and calcium. Does your daily multivitamin contain all of these? It’s so hard to wrap my brain around the fact that these little seeds contain so much. And also… Black seed (and the oil) is said to help people with autoimmune disorders, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, hypoglycemia, infertility, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. They’re even being studied deeper to understand how they can retard cancerous tumors because of a key compound they contain: thymoquinone. You can read more about that in this fascinating article. Fascinating stuff! So, if one powerhouse superfood wasn’t enough, imagine combining it with another powerhouse superfood: HONEY In fact, in addition to the Quran itself, it is mentioned that in honey, there is healing. And, honey bees are so important there’s even a chapter in the Quran named, An-Nahl الْنَّحْل, or The Honeybees (chapter 16). Our precious honeybees work very, very hard to bring us every pound of honey, so we should appreciate it for all the amazing characteristics it contains to nourish our bodies. وَأَوْحَىٰ رَبُّكَ إِلَى النَّحْلِ أَنِ اتَّخِذِي مِنَ الْجِبَالِ بُيُوتًا وَمِنَ الشَّجَرِ وَمِمَّا يَعْرِشُونَ ثُمَّ كُلِي مِن كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ فَاسْلُكِي سُبُلَ رَبِّكِ ذُلُلًا ۚ يَخْرُجُ مِن بُطُونِهَا شَرَابٌ مُّخْتَلِفٌ أَلْوَانُهُ فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِّلنَّاسِ ۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ And your Lord inspired to the bee, “Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. — Surat An-Nahl 16:68-69 Some of the many important qualities of honey are:
So, why the combination of black seed plus honey? To me it looks as though once these two powerhouse foods are combined, the combination is knocking it out of the park with its superfood qualities. At home, I take it daily- a small spoon with just a dribble of seeds on top. Maybe I should do more, I’m not really sure, but for the moment it seems like it’s the right thing. A little advice regarding where you can find black seed and black seed oil. Black seeds can often be found at Middle Eastern & Mediterranean stores, as well as online. Be sure it’s organic and non-GMO when you do buy it, as well as the oil. There are also capsules for people who would rather take those. How and How Often to Consume Black Seed & Honey? People often ask me how to take it and how often. That is something you should really speak to your own health professional about, as I cannot give medical advice. I have read in my research that it’s best to take before breakfast on an empty stomach, so I try to do that. How many times a day? I do it at least once, but I read at least one recommendation that said to do this 2-3 times per day. I think that also depends on why you’re taking it- is it preventative or do you have a condition for which you’re taking it? That’s why I say please consult with a medical expert about this. One thing worth noting is that I do crush the seeds before consuming, but not always. I feel like it releases some of the oils, but in all of my research I didn’t see that recommendation coming up too often. References
What does black seed and honey do to the body?Consuming honey mixed with black seed oil help to promote liver function due to flavonoids properties and anti-inflammatory properties. This has the added benefit of helping the body to get rid of toxins as they are processed through the liver, which is great for detoxification and boosting immunity.
What can you not mix with black seed oil?Using black seed along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some sedative medications include Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
How do I take black seed oil and honey?Take a teaspoon of raw organic active honey and mix into a glass of warm water (maximum 37C). Crush a teaspoon of raw organic black seed into powder, add to the mixture then drink it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast.
What are the health benefits of taking black seed oil?Potential Health Benefits of Black Seed & Black Seed Oil
Black seed has proven to reduce inflammation and relax smooth muscles, easing the symptoms of people with asthma in clinical studies. Combined with its antioxidant properties, these effects help prevent gastrointestinal disorders and relieve related symptoms.
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Manuka honey and black seed oil
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