Black Caraway: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Botanical: Nigella sativa

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Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent, bitter
Quality (Guna)
Dry, light, penetrating
Potency (Virya)
Heating
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent
Dosha Effect
Dos.aHIIHFW9.ï3LQH[FHVV
Key Constituents
Alkaloids Asparagine, arginine, nigellidine Flavonoid glycosides Quercetin, kaempferol Saponins PhytosterolsշVLWRVWHUROVWLJmasterol Volatile oil Thymol, carvone, limonene Fats Omega 3 and 6 oils, tryptophan (Tierra 1992, Williamson 2002)
Dhatu
Plasma, blood, reproductive
Srotas
Digestive, urinary, female reproductive, respiratory

What is Krishna Jiraka?

These little black seeds are marvellous for calming and strengthening digestion. It is an effective destagnator of the lungs, uterus, channels and mind.

Ayurvedic Properties

PropertyValue
Rasa (taste)Pungent, bitter
Vīrya (energy)Heating
Vipāka (post-digestive)Pungent
Guṇa (quality)Dry, light, penetrating
Doṣa effectDos.aHIIHFW9.ï3LQH[FHVV
Dhātu (tissue)Plasma, blood, reproductive
Srotas (channel)Digestive, urinary, female reproductive, respiratory

Therapeutic Actions

  • Dı-pana: Appetiser
  • Pa-cana: Digester of toxins
  • Medhya: Increases intellect
  • Caks.us.ya: Benefits the eyes
  • Biomedical: Carminative, antispasmodic, galactagogue, aromatic, diuretic, stimulant, vermifuge, expectorant, bronchodilator, antiallergenic

Safety & Contraindications

Contraindications: Pregnancy, as the seeds can; cause miscarriage in large dose

Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known. Chapter 6 PLANT PROFILES

Dosage & Combinations

Dosage: 1–10g per day dried or 3–12ml of a 1:3 @ 45% tincture.

Combinations:

  • Astringents in diarrhoea; manjishtha, kutaja.
  • Anthrapachaka, pippali, vasa in respiratory disorders.
  • Guggul, myrrh, turmeric in uterine congestion.

How to Use Black Caraway by Condition

Explore how Black Caraway is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

Classical Text References (1 sources)

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.