What Are the Health Benefits of Onion Seeds?
The name “onion seed” is somewhat of a misnomer, as the seed is not in the onion family. It is scientifically recognized as Nigella sativa, Latin for “black plant.” There are many names for this spice, including: black onion seed, black seed, black cumin, black caraway, black sesame seeds, Kalanji, chanushka, the blessed seed, fitch and “love in the mist.” This seed has a long history; according to the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, both the prophet Muhammad and the Old Testament refer to the seed’s healing powers. Greeks used the seed to treat numerous ailments, including parasitic worms, headache and toothaches. Nigella sativa has also been discovered in Egyptian tombs, reserved only for the most sacred items. It originated from the Mediterranean area and is cultivated in Northeast India, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
