Black cumin is somewhat of a hidden nutrient; however it can help with the ailment of diabetes. Black cumin comes from a herb by the name of Nigella sativa. The seeds are commonly grinded down to be used as a herbal remedy and also can be used as spice on food. One of the ways that black cumin seeds can help with diabetes is because it can lower a person's blood sugar and research on animals does support this theory. Also this nutrient has antioxidants which can reduce damage to the pancreas and digestive system which may aid the symptoms and cause of diabetes.The seeds of the annual flowering plant, Nigella Sativa, have been prized for their healing properties since time immemorial. While frequently referred to among English-speaking cultures as Roman coriander, black sesame, black cumin, black caraway and onion seed, it is known today primarily as black seed, which is at the very least an accurate description of its physical appearance.
The earliest record of its cultivation and use come from ancient Egypt. Black seed oil, in fact, was found in Egyptian pharoah Tutankhamun's tomb, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago. In Arabic cultures, black cumin is known as Habbatul barakah, meaning the "seed of blessing." It is also believed that the Islamic prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said of it that it is "a remedy for all diseases except death."
Many of black cumin's traditionally ascribed health benefits have been thoroughly confirmed in the biomedical literature.
Black Cumin seems to be a traditional alternative medicine in the middle east and south asian countries, particularly among Muslim cultures. It is part of a tradition analogous to Ayurveda in India and as Salmah says, it is mentioned in the Qoran. But we should always show some care with the use of supplements of any kind, even ones that claim a long tradition. Long tradition does not necessarily convey "safety." The description of Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) on wiki says:
Nigella sativa oil contains an abundance of conjugated linoleic (18:2) acid, thymoquinone, nigellone (dithymoquinone),[11] melanthin, nigilline, damascenine, and tannins. Melanthin is toxic in large doses and nigelline is paralytic, so this spice must be used in moderation.
And when I searched the literature, I did find a bunch of studies on Nigella Sativa in diabetics, but generally inconclusive or not good. One small study found that 2g/day had some positive effect on T2 diabetes. Another study into how it works suggested that it works by amplifying GLUT-4 translocation (which would make if useful in T1 and T2), but found that this effect only occurred at toxic levels of Nigella Sativa. Another study also looked at the pathways.
Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) may or may not work. Bitter Mellon is also claimed to work and has as much or even more research behind it and is not nearly as toxic. I found that Bitter Mellon did work, for a week or so, but after that, nothing. I would hope there is more research. I don't see any great harm in taking modest quantities of this traditional supplement, but I would avoid large quantities and have modest expectations.
You're right Brian. Obviously taking a large amount of any herbal medicine can cause harm to the body. Everything we eat or drink must be taken in moderation, not too much not to little.Thanks for your comment :)
Discussions about alternative medicine are interesting. These days I am taking Tulsi Tea and Psyllium Husks. I am type 1, 56 years old. Initial results are encouraging. From what I read, these dont have worrying side effects. Has anybody ever used Tulsi Tea and/or psyllium husks?
I drink Tulsi tea because I like it, but haven't noticed any BG lowering effects. Psyllium husks are high fiber, of course. High fiber slows digestion & delays spikes.
There seems to be a lot of positive research on this little herb. No one is advocating or even suggesting that anyone should take a toxic amount.
Why post a negative comment on something you have never tried? Many have used it, and have posted very positive results with a host of different ailments and diseases on various forums and sites. Give me anecdotal evidence any day over Scientific studies that are often biased or that do not use high enough doses to have any therapeutic effect…
Give me totally natural remedies that have been used for thousands of years, over modern drugs that have been used for five minutes, too. Some doctors in some European countries like Germany, will quite happily prescribe St. John’s Wort for depression before ever they consider antidepressant drugs. Some are even happy to prescribe Black Seed too. Now isn’t that refreshing.
I firmly believe my diabetes is driven by internal parasites (I can feel them…). Black seed has long been a potent remedy for parasites. Perhaps lowering or eliminating parasites from the body may be a reason why black seed can lower blood sugar!
I have just started taking black seed oil (Nigella Sativa). I will try to remember to post the outcome on here.
