Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is a medicinal herb native to the eastern Mediterranean, northern Africa, southwest Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. While you can use it in cooking, it’s perhaps better known for its centuries-long use in traditional medicine. It’s touted as offering so many health benefits that some consider it a panacea, or universal healer. For example, it’s said to benefit the immune system, enhance brain function, and protect the body from various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Nigella sativa is a medicinal plant that’s part of the Ranunculaceae family. It’s also referred to as black cumin because its seeds resemble the spice cumin. While it can be used in the kitchen, Nigella sativa may be better known for the wide range of health benefits it’s believed to provide.

Nigella sativa has such a wide range of uses that some herbalists refer to it as “the herb from heaven”.

It has a rich history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Tibb. It has been found in Egyptian pharaoh tombs, suggesting that it was used as far back as ancient Egypt. Experts believe that back then, Nigella sativa’s antibacterial propertiesmay have led to its use as a preservative in the mummification process. Nowadays, this medicinal herb is used across many Arab nations, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe to prevent or treat a variety of ailments. These range from swollen joints to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Nigella sativa is also said to offer some protection against chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

You can purchase Nigella sativa as seeds or a paste, either of which can be used to add flavor to meals. You can also purchase it in the form of essential oil, extract, powder, or capsules, all of which are popular options for those wishing to use the herb for its medicinal properties. The best form to take generally depends on which health benefit you wish to reap. For instance, oils and pastes can be applied topically to treat skin conditions or provide relief from inflammation or pain. Meanwhile, powders, pills, and extracts are typically recommended for those who wish to prevent or treat internal inflammation or chronic disease.