Self-Care & Civilization: Black Seed
Tracking A Humble Seed Through Trade Routes and Conquests
The humble black seed -or black cumin seed- is mentioned throughout history. Straddling both culinary and medicinal uses, it was first recorded in Mesopotamia and later traveled through Ancient Greece and Rome, the Islamic Golden Age, Medieval Europe, and into modern times.
Born from the Nigella Sativa plant, black seeds have been used for over 1,400 years— bridging the gap between traditional healing and modern science. It’s widely recognized in prophetic medicine as a cure for ‘every type of disease except death’. Black seed is an immunomodulator (which means it helps regulate and strengthen immune responses) as well as a powerful antimicrobial. It supports cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, helps with digestive issues, and when applied topically, it can heal inflammatory skin issues. It’s also commonly sprinkled on top of bread as a culinary seasoning— and it’s delicious.
“Use the black seed, because it contains a cure for every type of disease—except death.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5688; Sahih Muslim 2215)
As (chaotically) explained above, its roots begin at the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East— now Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, and Iran. As well as Cyprus and Egypt.
From the Fertile Crescent, the seed traveled to Greece -thanks to the constant trade between these regions- where it was used as a medicinal herb and referred to as "melanthion" (meaning “little black seed”).
"Melanthion warms and disperses; it is beneficial for nasal conditions, and when taken internally, it expels worms and parasites."
Dioscorides – De Materia Medica, Book 2, Chapter 157
Like most things with Ancient Greece, it was promptly repurposed by the Romans. It was referred to as “melanthium” (a Latin form of the Greek melanthion), and was used largely due to the influence of Greek medicine adopted in Ancient Rome. It was used to help with coughs, expelling intestinal worms, and to treat skin eruptions.
A few centuries later, -during the Islamic Golden Age- its use was continued in medicinal practices and spread throughout North Africa— riding the same wave as Islam.
As the Moors expanded throughout North Africa and across the Strait of Gibraltar, so did the humble black seed. In 711 CE, when the Moors crossed into Iberia (now Spain), they brought with them religion, agricultural innovations, and medicinal practices. The black seed was used in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain) in medicinal schools, apothecaries, and in household remedies.
From Spain, the black seed followed the trade routes north into France which coincided with the Venetian/Genoese traders who brought Eastern spices and medicine to Europe. It was adopted throughout monasteries after the Catholic inquisition and widely used throughout the continent— and the rest is history.
The dissemination of black seed into the New World is a story deeply tied to global trade routes, colonization, migration, and cultural exchange. While the black seed originated in the Fertile Crescent and became prominent in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian medicine, its journey weaves a thread that ties us all together— one that bridges borders, belief systems, and household practices.
It’s worth mentioning the modern use of black seed in skincare today. I currently have 2 different types of black seed oil in my medicine cabinet— one for topical use and one for internal use. I use it for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
This is the brand I currently use, I have been using it for over a year and it works great for me. I use it most days as a moisturizer and to help with gua sha.
Rosehip Miracle Oil: Evolve Beauty Black Seed Rosehip Oil
I also take this for internal use (I take a swig of it as needed but this is decidedly not medical advice)
MaryRuth’s Black Seed Oil: MaryRuth's Organic Black Seed Oil
While black seed may seem like a humble seed from a humble plant, the black seed tells a tale of human history, trade, religion, beauty, and connection— one we’d do well to remember as more and more new age serums and wellness trends are constantly bombarding us. I’m learning that sometimes, all we need to do is flip through a history book and reach for what our ancestors used.
More soon,
Kenza 🌱✨