Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Kalonji scientifically known as Nigella sativa and referred to in Ayurveda as Upakunchika or Sthulajiraka is a small black seed valued for its digestive and carminative properties. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Dry qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it effectively pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas though it can aggravate Pitta. It acts as a powerful appetizer known as Dipana and digestive known as Pacana making it effective for bloating and indigestion. It is also a potent Krimighna or anti parasitic agent used against intestinal worms. Uniquely it is described as Medhya promoting intellect and Garbhasayavisodhana cleansing the uterus particularly postpartum. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 1 to 3 grams of the seed powder.
Kalonji, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, is a widely used medicinal herb and spice. In Ayurveda, it is known as Upakunchika or Sthulajiraka (Big Cumin). While often confused with Black Cumin (Carum carvi / Krishna Jiraka), Kalonji consists of small, black, angular seeds that are valued for their digestive, carminative, and uterine-cleansing properties. It is considered a powerful Krimighna (killer of worms/parasites) and Dipana (digestive stimulant).
Kalonji comes from a small herb (45–60 cm high) cultivated mostly in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar. The medicinal part is the seed, which is flattened, oblong, angular, and rugged (tubercular). The seeds are black, funnel-shaped, and possess a slightly aromatic odor with a bitter taste. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for normalizing Vata and Kapha doshas and is traditionally used to improve intellect (Medhya) and eyesight (Caksusya), alongside its primary role in digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Kalonji is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Kalonji is generally considered safe when consumed in culinary amounts or recommended therapeutic doses. However, due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it increases body heat.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Nigella sativa
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506090
PubMed – Nigella sativa Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nigella+sativa
ScienceDirect – Nigella sativa Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nigella-sativa
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Black Seed
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Nigella sativa Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Nigella sativa)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Nigella sativa
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
In small culinary amounts (like a pinch in food), yes. For therapeutic doses (1-3g), it should be taken for a specific period to treat conditions like bloating or worms.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken before or with meals to aid digestion, or postpartum to cleanse the uterus.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder can be taken with warm water. It is also sometimes processed with ghee or oils in traditional formulations.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
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Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Kalonji scientifically known as Nigella sativa and referred to in Ayurveda as Upakunchika or Sthulajiraka is a small black seed valued for its digestive and carminative properties. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light and Dry qualities. Due to its Hot potency and Pungent post digestive effect it effectively pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas though it can aggravate Pitta. It acts as a powerful appetizer known as Dipana and digestive known as Pacana making it effective for bloating and indigestion. It is also a potent Krimighna or anti parasitic agent used against intestinal worms. Uniquely it is described as Medhya promoting intellect and Garbhasayavisodhana cleansing the uterus particularly postpartum. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends a dosage of 1 to 3 grams of the seed powder.
Kalonji, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, is a widely used medicinal herb and spice. In Ayurveda, it is known as Upakunchika or Sthulajiraka (Big Cumin). While often confused with Black Cumin (Carum carvi / Krishna Jiraka), Kalonji consists of small, black, angular seeds that are valued for their digestive, carminative, and uterine-cleansing properties. It is considered a powerful Krimighna (killer of worms/parasites) and Dipana (digestive stimulant).
Kalonji comes from a small herb (45–60 cm high) cultivated mostly in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar. The medicinal part is the seed, which is flattened, oblong, angular, and rugged (tubercular). The seeds are black, funnel-shaped, and possess a slightly aromatic odor with a bitter taste. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for normalizing Vata and Kapha doshas and is traditionally used to improve intellect (Medhya) and eyesight (Caksusya), alongside its primary role in digestion.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Kalonji is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
The recommended dosage according to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is:
Kalonji is generally considered safe when consumed in culinary amounts or recommended therapeutic doses. However, due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it increases body heat.
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Nigella sativa
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241506090
PubMed – Nigella sativa Research Articles
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Nigella+sativa
ScienceDirect – Nigella sativa Phytochemistry & Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nigella-sativa
SpringerLink – Clinical Studies on Black Seed
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Nigella sativa Research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (Nigella sativa)
https://powo.science.kew.org
World Flora Online – Nigella sativa
https://www.worldfloraonline.org
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
In small culinary amounts (like a pinch in food), yes. For therapeutic doses (1-3g), it should be taken for a specific period to treat conditions like bloating or worms.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken before or with meals to aid digestion, or postpartum to cleanse the uterus.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, the powder can be taken with warm water. It is also sometimes processed with ghee or oils in traditional formulations.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem