Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna
- Potency (Virya)
- Ushna
- Key Constituents
- Volatile oil (0.5-1.7%), Nigella oil, Melanthin
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: उपकुञ्चिका, कृष्णजीरक
Hindi: कलौंजी, मंगरैल
What is Kalonji / Nigella?
Used in skin diseases and respiratory disorders. Seeds contain therapeutic volatile oils.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Deepana
- Pachana
- Krimighna
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Kalonji by Condition
Explore how Kalonji is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Take one part each of yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), hapusha (Juniperus communis), dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum), haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz), vibhitaki (Terminalia belerica), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), upakunchika (Nigella sativa), kaavi (Apium leptophyllum), root of pippali (Piper longum), ajagandha (Withania somnifera), shati (Hedychium spicatum), vacha (Acorus calamus), shatahva (Anethum sowa), jiraka (Cuminum cyminum), pippali (Piper longum), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), maricha
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Hingvashtaka Churna: Hingu (asafoetida — Ferula assa-foetida), Saindhava (rock salt), Shunthi (dry ginger — Zingiber officinale), Krishna Jiraka (black cumin — Nigella sativa), Pippali (long pepper — Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), and Maricha (black pepper — Piper nigrum) — these eight ingredients constitute Hingvashtaka.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 3: Churnakalpana (Powder Preparations)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.