Nigella sativa

Black cumin is an erect, much-branched annual plant with a well-developed taproot. It can grow up to 70cm tall. The seeds are often used as a condiment, medicine, and source of an essential and fixed oil. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September.

The species are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. Plants grow best in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Required pH is acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It grows in full sunlight. It prefers dry or moist soil. The seeds of black cumin are beneficial for the digestive system, soothing stomach pains and spasms and easing wind, bloating and colic. The ripe seed is anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, ggalactagogue laxative and stimulant. An infusion is used in the treatment of digestive and menstrual disorders, insufficient lactation and bronchial complaints.