Black Cumin Seed also known as Black Seed or Nigella sativa has been used for thousands of years for its culinary and medicinal properties.  Seeds were found in Tutanhkamun's tomb. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), said black cumin cures every disease except death. As a cure-all, it is used internally for allergies and asthma, and for improving hair and nails. Externally it is used in creams and salves to treat psoriasis and eczema.  Research is currently being done on its role in the cure and prevention of cancer. It nourishes and improves the immune system by supporting the production of immune cells. In Morocco and Turkey, black cumin seeds are sprinkled on bread, much like sesame seeds or poppy seeds.  They are pungent and savory. The seeds can be ground up and added to herb and spice blends. It has a rather strong smell and taste and a small bit goes a long way.

For more information about Black Cumin Seed Oil and to purchase it

go to About Black Cumin Seed Oil

I use it in both my Hammam Soap and in my Sea Witch Salve.  

You can purchase these items by clicking the pictures which will take you to the Souk, my online marketplace where you can order securely using PayPal.

I just discovered a great book:

Natural Remedies of Arabia, by Robert W. Lebling and Donna Pepperdine, MH.

It has remedies and recipes using black seed and many other herbs and spices. Buy it here by clicking the image.

One of my local sources for ingredients is Mountain Rose Herbs.

They now sell both the oil and the seeds. They are great sprinkled on bread or crackers, like sesame or poppy seeds.  

Another online source of information on black cumin seed oil from Turkey:

www.origo.com.tr

This website from Austria has extensive botanical information on the various types of nigella:

www.uni-graz.at