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Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References
Author Details
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Scientific View By
Monalisa Deka
M.Tech, B.Tech
Ayurvedic View By
Dr. Deepak Soni
BAMS
Reviewed By
Dr. Rajeev Sharma
MBA, MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
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Kalonji
Kalonji or Kalajeera is also known as Upakunci in Ayurveda. It has a characteristic taste and flavor and is used in various cuisines.
Kalonji helps to keep blood sugar levels in check and is good for diabetics due to its hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) activity. Adding Kalonji seeds to food acts as a digestive aid and prevents gas and flatulence due to its carminative property. Kalonji also helps in maintaining a balance between good and bad cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant activity. It might also help in weight management as it increases the metabolism of the body. Kalonji seed powder, when taken along with milk, increases testosterone levels and improve sperm production in men.
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 should be cautiously used by people taking antidiabetic medicines as it may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels[2][3].
Kalonji helps to keep blood sugar levels in check and is good for diabetics due to its hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) activity. Adding Kalonji seeds to food acts as a digestive aid and prevents gas and flatulence due to its carminative property. Kalonji also helps in maintaining a balance between good and bad cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant activity. It might also help in weight management as it increases the metabolism of the body. Kalonji seed powder, when taken along with milk, increases testosterone levels and improve sperm production in men.
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 should be cautiously used by people taking antidiabetic medicines as it may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Kalonji?
Nigella sativa, Sthulajirala, Upakunci, Susavi, Mota Kalajira, Kalajira, Small Fennel, Nigella Seed, Kalonji jeeru, Kalounji , Mangaraila, Karijirige, Karinjirakam, Kalonji jire, Kalejire, Kalvanji, Karunjeerakam, Karunjiragam, Peddajilakarra, Kalongi[1]
What is the source of Kalonji?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kalonji
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Indigestion?
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Modern Science View
Kalonji may be useful in managing indigestion. It contains certain compounds that have, digestive, stomachic and carminative properties[4][21][22].
Ayurvedic View
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 (digestive) due to its Deepan (appetizer) property and helps to digest food because of its Pachan nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day to manage indigestion.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day to manage indigestion.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Headache?
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kalonji may be useful in managing headache[4][35][42].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Nasal congestion (blocked nose)?
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kalonji may be used in managing nasal congestion[4][15][17].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Influenza (flu)?
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kalonji may be useful in managing flu[4][45].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Cough?
Modern Science View
Kalonji contains certain compounds that have antitussive (cough suppressant) 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[4][39][40].
Ayurvedic View
Cough is commonly known as Kapha disorder in Ayurveda which is caused by the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract. Kalonji helps to reduce cough and remove accumulated mucus from the lungs due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to manage cough.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to manage cough.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis)?
Modern Science View
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[4][21][35][36].
Ayurvedic View
Kalonji is useful if you have cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Taking Kalonji helps to improve digestion and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also reduces excess mucus accumulation because of its Ushna (hot) nature.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to control the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to control the symptoms of bronchitis.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Hay fever?
Modern Science View
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[4][16-18].
Ayurvedic View
perennial. Ayurveda defines allergic rhinitis as Vata-Kaphaj Pratishaya. It is the result of impaired digestion and imbalance of Vata and Kapha. Taking Kalonji helps fight the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This is due to its Kapha- Vata balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day to control the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Asthma?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has antiasthmatic and spasmolytic properties. It causes relaxation of the airways of asthmatic individuals and reduces inflammation thereby increasing respiration. Kalonji may reduce asthmatic attacks and wheezing (whistling sound caused due to difficulty in breathing) due to asthma[4-8].
Ayurvedic View
Kalonji helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga or Asthma. Taking Kalonji helps to calm Vata-Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1-2 months to manage the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with honey twice a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1-2 months to manage the symptoms of asthma.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for High cholesterol?
Modern Science View
Kalonji may be useful in managing high cholesterol. It lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides while increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)[4][25][26].
Ayurvedic View
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Kalonj and its oil helps to improve Agni (digestive fire) and reduce Ama. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day to maintain normal cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day to maintain normal cholesterol level.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Hypertension (high blood pressure)?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has antioxidant, cardiac depressant, diuretic and calcium channel blocking properties. All of these properties of Kalonji are useful in managing high blood pressure[4][11-13].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Diabetes?
Modern Science View
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[4][9][10].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to an aggravation of Vata and impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Kalonji calms an aggravated Vata and improves digestive fire. This reduces Ama because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It improves metabolism and maintains the insulin level. This helps maintain your blood glucose level.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji.
2. Take it with mild hot water twice a day.
3. Continue for 1-2 months to manage normal blood sugar level.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji.
2. Take it with mild hot water twice a day.
3. Continue for 1-2 months to manage normal blood sugar level.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Male infertility?
Modern Science View
Kalonji contains a number of essential amino acids, vitamin A, B and C and minerals that may be responsible for promoting male fertility. It increases the male hormone testosterone and also enhances the process of sperm production. Kalonji may thus be useful in managing male infertility by increasing the production and motility of sperms[4][14][15].
Ayurvedic View
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1 month for improved sperm function.
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with warm milk once or twice a day.
3. Continue for atleast 1 month for improved sperm function.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Epilepsy/Seizures?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has antioxidant, anticonvulsant and antiepileptic properties. Kalonji oil protects against the oxidative damage that may cause seizure and reduce the induction of seizures as well. It may also be useful in controlling the harmful effects of antiepileptic drugs[4][23][24].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Menstrual pain?
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kalonji may be useful in managing menstrual pain[4][45].
Ayurvedic View
Menstrual problems like menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Kalonji has the property of balancing Vata so it is good to control dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. With honey twice a day.
3. To get rid of menstrual pain
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. With honey twice a day.
3. To get rid of menstrual pain
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Rheumatoid arthritis?
Modern Science View
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[4][29][30].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as Aamavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Kalonji helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Aam due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It has also Vata balancing nature which gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with mild hot water twice a day to control Rheumatoid arthritis.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon Kalonji powder.
2. Have it with mild hot water twice a day to control Rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Contraception?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has potent antifertility property due to which it may be useful for contraception[4][21][33].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Tonsilitis?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has parasiticidal and anthelmintic properties. It may be useful in managing tonsillitis by inhibiting tonsil-causing bacteria (Streptococcal bacteria). Kalonji may also be useful in managing fever due to Tonsillitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties[4][31][32].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Immunity booster?
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kalonji may be useful in stimulating the immune system to counter any foreign microorganisms[4][34].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Cancer?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has certain bioactive compounds that possess anticancer and anti-inflammatory property. Kalonji seeds and oil may be responsible for killing cancer cells, inhibiting cancer cells. It may also be useful in protecting the cells against cancer-causing agents such as radiations[4][37][38][48].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Disease of thyroid gland?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has been used as a herbal medicine to manage autoimmune thyroiditis (also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). It plays a role in lowering the production of thyroid hormone as well as the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone in the blood. This effect of Kalonji may be useful in managing autoimmune thyroiditis[4][19][20].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Metabolic syndrome?
Modern Science View
Kalonji may be useful in managing Metabolic syndrome. Kalonji and its oil may be beneficial in lowering blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol[4][27][28].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Opioid withdrawal?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has anti-bacterial, antiallergic, spasmolytic and antinociceptive effects. It also contains certain amino acids that are nutritious and beneficial to an opioid addict. Thus, Kalonji may be useful in managing opioid withdrawal. Moreover, it may also be useful in managing weakness and infections that occur due to opiod addiction[4][46].
What are the benefits of Kalonji for Increased breast milk production?
Modern Science View
Kalonji has galactagogue property, i.e., it may be useful in stimulating the production of breast-milk. It increases the production of hormone (prolactin) that induces milk secretion[4][43][44].
How effective is Kalonji?
Likely effective
Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Male infertility
Insufficient evidence
Cancer, Contraception, Cough, Disease of thyroid gland, Epilepsy/Seizures, Hay fever, Headache, High cholesterol, Immunity booster, Increased breast milk production, Indigestion, Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Influenza (flu), Menstrual pain, Metabolic syndrome, Nasal congestion (blocked nose), Opioid withdrawal, Rheumatoid arthritis, Tonsilitis
Precautions when using Kalonji
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Kalonji may increase the risk of bleeding. So, it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Kalonji with anticoagulants[4].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Kalonji in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Kalonji supplements during breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Kalonji may lower the blood sugar level. So, it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar while taking Kalonji with antidiabetic drugs[4].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Kalonji may lower the blood pressure. So, it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure while taking Kalonji with antihypertensive drugs[4].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
It is safe to take Kalonji in food amounts. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Kalonji supplements during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Modern Science View
1. Allergy
2. Stomach upset
3. Constipation
4. Vomiting
5. Constipation
6. Seizures[4].
2. Stomach upset
3. Constipation
4. Vomiting
5. Constipation
6. Seizures[4].
Recommended Dosage of Kalonji
- Kalonji Powder - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Kalonji Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Kalonji Oil - ¼-½ teaspoon once or twice a day.
How to use Kalonji
1. Kalonji Powder
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kalonji churna.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Kalonji Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Kalonji capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Kalonji Oil
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kalonji oil.
b. Take it with warm water once a day after taking food.
c. Check the label of Kalonji oil bottle before using internally.
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kalonji churna.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Kalonji Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Kalonji capsule.
b. Swallow it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
3. Kalonji Oil
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kalonji oil.
b. Take it with warm water once a day after taking food.
c. Check the label of Kalonji oil bottle before using internally.
Frequently asked questions
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Modern Science View
Yes Black seed and Kalonji are the same. Kalonji is known as Black seed in English.
Modern Science View
Kalonji seems to be safe in food amounts during pregnancy. However Kalonji can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting[4].
Modern Science View
Kalonji oil is extracted from its seeds and is used in the preparation of many medicines.It has been used as a cure for a number of diseases and disorders.
Modern Science View
Yes, they can be eaten raw. If you find the taste unpalatable, mix them with honey or water. It is also used as an ingredient in some dishes and cuisines.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.