Other ailments treated in tropical Africa with Senna alata include stomach pain duringpregnancy, dysentery, hemorrhoids, blood in the urine (schistosomiasis, gonorrhoea),convulsions, heart failure, edema, jaundice, headache, hernia, one-sided weakness or paralysis.A strong decoction made of dried leaves is used as an abortifacient. In India leaf decoctions areused as an expectorant in bronchitis and dyspnea, as an astringent, a mouthwash and a wash incases of eczema. Decoctions of the wood are used to treat liver problems (jaundice), urticaria,rhinitis, and loss of appetite caused by gastro-intestinal problems.The seeds are a source of gum. The young pods are eaten as a vegetable, but only in smallquantities. Toasted leaves are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Senna alata can be<strong>com</strong>e aweed in pastures; it is not eaten by livestock and is reported to be poisonous, especially for goats.The bark is used as fish poison and for tanning leather. The roots and the bark are reported to beused for tattooing. Senna alata is widely appreciated as a garden ornamental and bee forage.From the leaves of Senna alata a number of anthraquinone derivatives have been isolated. Crudeleaf extracts have shown antibacterial activity against a range of bacteria. Antifungal propertiesand antitumour activity have been confirmed by tests. The bark of Senna alata contains tannins.The petals contain anthraquinones, glycosides, steroids, tannins and volatile oil. Extracts of thepetals have bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria but not against gram-negativebacteria.Bosch, C.H., 2007. Senna alata (L.) Roxb. [Internet] Record from Protabase. Schmelzer, G.H. &Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales del’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands.BLACK SEEDCode: BHSN-BTH-022Weight: 8 OuncesNigella sativaOfficial name:Nigella sativa L.Family: RanunculaceaeTraditionally, Black Seed has been used for a variety of conditions and treatments related torespiratory health, stomach and intestinal <strong>com</strong>plaints, kidney and liver function, circulatory andimmune system support, as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antioxidants,anticancer, antiviral and for general well-being and to improve general health. Its can betopically used for eczema, psoriasis, arthritis, inflammation, and scalp massage. It has been usedfor medicinal purposes for centuries, both as a herb and pressed into oil, in Asia, the Middle46
East, and Africa.It is believed that the nigella plant has been <strong>com</strong>mercially cultivated for more than 3,000 years.The plant is mentioned in the bible, in which the seeds were used as an ingredient in bread. N.sativa seeds have been found in several sites from ancient Egypt, including Tutankhamun's tomb.Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is unknown, it is known that items entombed with apharaoh were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife.Images on temple walls show that Egyptian queen Nefertiti anointed her skin with the oil topromote beauty. A bottle of it has been found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. In more recenthistory, the Prophet Muhammad is said to have claimed that derivatives from the seeds wouldcure everything except death, and Pliny the Elder is recorded as having treated snake bites andscorpion stings with a poultice that included the seeds. Today, black seed oil is known by manynames, which indicates its wide use throughout the world.Black Seed is a excellent herb with many benefits, especially when it <strong>com</strong>es to maintaining astrong and healthy immune system. It is also very useful to individuals suffering from asthmaand respiratory <strong>com</strong>plaints, weakened or over-stimulated immune system, kidney or liverproblems, digestive and stomach problems, arthritis and circulatory <strong>com</strong>plaints, allergies and hayfever, and acne. Black Seed is a safe and excellent herb that can be used by anyone. It has noknown side effects and has a long history of use for several thousand years.Nigella and melatin are two ingredients in Black Seed that contribute greatly to its highlydiversified powers. These substances work together to provide the digestive benefits that havebeen revered in Black Seed. They also promote cleansing and assist with overall eliminatingaction.Two of the most volatile oils found in Black seed are nigellone and thymoquinone which werefirst discovered in the herb in 1985. Nigellone offers both anti-spasmodic and bronchodilatingproperties which contribute to Black Seed's potency against respiratory ailments. It also acts asan antihistamine which helps to reduce the negative symptoms of allergy sufferers. Thymoquinonecontains excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also a strongantioxidant and helps cleanse the body of toxins. Both nigellone and thymoquinone work inconjunction with one another to enhance Black Seed's action against respiratory ailments. It alsoprovides a healthy alternative to the more <strong>com</strong>monly prescribed cortisone based therapies usedby allergy sufferers.In one study on 600 allergic patients, 70% were <strong>com</strong>pletely cured of theirallergies. The symptoms of allergy apparently included hay fever and asthma, skin disorderssuch as rashes, dandruff or inflammations, fatigue, bowel disturbances or lowered sex drive.Black seed provides a rich supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These ingredients play a keyrole in daily health and wellness. They help to regulate the metabolism, carry toxins to the skin'ssurface for elimination, balance insulin levels, regulate cholesterol, improve body circulation,and promote healthy liver function. A deficiency in polyunsaturated fatty acids can lead to awide number of health problems including nervous system disorders, uninhibited growths, andskin diseases.Black seed contains over 100 valuable nutrients. It is <strong>com</strong>prised of approximately 21% protein,38% carbohydrates, and 35% plant fats and oils. The active ingredients of black seed arenigellone, thymoquinone, and fixed oils. Black seed also contains significant proportions ofprotein, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. Other ingredients include linoleic acid, oleic47