Nigella: The Black Seed or Love In The Mist
Hello Weekly Whorlers! This week we take note of Nigella, often referred as the Black Seed or Love in the Mist, is an adorable beauty that packs a punch! An annual flowering plant within the buttercup family, its tiny black seeds have been used for thousands of years. Let's get to know this versatile flower.
How We Got Here: The History Of Nigella
The use of Nigella seeds date back millennia, having archaeological evidence showing their presence in Ancient Egyptian tombs, including King Tutankhamun! The mighty black seeds held a very high value in the ancient world and were considered a treasure worthy of royalty in the afterlife.
Ancient Greek physicians like Hippocrates and Dioscorides used it for digestive and respiratory ailments. In Islamic tradition, its considered a panacea, or universal healer. A famous saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad declares that the "black seed contains a cure for every type of ailment except death."
Today, Nigella seeds and their oil are widely used in culinary and medicinal application, and the beautiful wispy flower is common in floral arrangements. Modern research has begun exploring the plants uses by focusing on its active compound, thymoquinone which is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
In medicine it is suggested that Nigella can help with conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is also being looked at for its potential support to immune function, improved skin condition, and even respiratory issues like asthma.
In the kitchen the seeds have a pungent, slightly bitter flavor and are used as a spice in many cuisines, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. They are sprinkled on bread, added to curries, and used in cheese preparation.
Popular Symbolism
Depending on which type of Nigella plant, Nigella sativa or Nigella demascena, and in which cultures, there are several different meanings and symbolism that have become well known and accepted throughout the world.
The most prominent symbolism for the Nigella plant is healing and blessings and has the nickname seed of blessing. There is also a belief that the Nigella flower and its seeds are representative of divine mysteries, enlightenment, and the revelation of secrets. This comes from the ides that the dark seeds are a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered from within the delicate, often mystical-looking flower.
In the Victorian Era, the language of flowers gave its own unique symbolism for the flower such as perplexity or "you puzzle me", Harmonious love and delicate relationships, as well as unrequited love.
Did You Know?
There are many common names for Nigella such as Black Cumin, Black Caraway, Kalonji, Fennel Flower, Love In The Mist, Black Seed, Habbatul Barakah, and Roman Coriander
The oil from its seeds can repel insects.
It is one of the key ingredients in the Five-Spice blend.
It was historically used to treat Jaundice.
The flower has false petals, with the pale blue or white bits are actually Petaloid Sepals.
In ancient Rome it was used as an alternative to black pepper
When ground and mixed with water, the seeds can create a gel-like substance in replace of eggs as a binder.
We hope you enjoyed this noteworthy namesake that is Nigella! Although more well known for their properties, these beautiful little guys really are something to behold!