🌿 Kalonji (Nigella sativa Linn.) 

1. Synonyms

Sanskrit Synonyms:

• कालाजाजी (Kālājāji)
• पृथ्वीका (Pṛthvikā)
• कल्वञ्जिका (Kalvañjikā)
• उपकुञ्चा (Upakunchā)
• चोपकुञ्ची (Chopakunchī)
• कालिका (Kālikā)
• चोपकालिका (Chopakālikā)
• सुषवी (Suṣavī)
• कुञ्चिका (Kunchikā)
• कुञ्ची (Kunchī)
• स्थूलजीरकः (Sthūlajīrakaḥ)
• कुटुका (Kuṭukā)

2. Regional Names (Vernacular Names)

3. Botanical Description

• Botanical Name: Nigella sativa Linn.
• Family: Ranunculaceae
• Common Name: Kalonji, Black Cumin

Habitat:

• Native to Syria and Lebanon
• Cultivated in Indian states: Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab

Morphology:

• Type: Erect herb, grows up to 45 cm
• Leaves: 2-pinnately dissected (fern-like)
• Flowers: White, blue, or pale yellow
• Fruits: Multiseeded capsules
• Seeds: Triangular, black, resembling sesame seeds; inner pulp is white with a strong aroma

Phenology:

• Flowering: Autumn
• Fruiting: Winter

4. Chemical Constituents

Kalonji seeds are rich in various bioactive compounds:

Essential Oils:

• Carvone
• d-Limonene
• Cymene

Fixed Oils:

• Esters of unsaturated fatty acids (C-15 and above)

Key Compounds:

• Nigellone (active constituent)
• Terpenoids
• Aliphatic alcohols
• α, β-unsaturated hydroxy ketones
• Alkaloids
• Steroids
• Hederagenin glycosides

5. Properties and Therapeutic Uses

Ayurvedic Properties:

• Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter)
• Guna (Quality): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)

Pharmacological Actions:

• Aromatic
• Carminative
• Digestive (Deepana-Pachana)
• Emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation)
• Anthelmintic (Krimighna)
• Kapha-Vata hara (Pacifies Kapha and Vata)
• Appetizer (Ruchya)
• Lactation enhancer (Stanyajanana)
• Antispasmodic
• Skin tonic (Tvachya)

Therapeutic Uses:

Postpartum Care:

• Given with Citraka root to promote appetite, milk production, and lochia expulsion.

Gynecological Disorders:

• Used in dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation)
• Effective in amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation)

Digestive Disorders:

• Useful in indigestion, flatulence, dyspepsia, and hiccups
• Often taken with buttermilk

Laxative Support:

• Prevents abdominal gripping when used with purgatives

Skin Diseases:

• Oil prepared from seeds used both externally and internally for various skin ailments

Household Uses:

• Used as a condiment
• Mixed with camphor and placed in woolen clothing to prevent insect infestation

Hair Growth [1]

Managing Sugar Level [2]

6. Recommended Dose

• Powdered Seed (Churna): 0.5 to 1 gram per day

Common Adjuvants:

• Buttermilk
• Honey
• Warm water (depending on therapeutic requirement)

Ref: Bhavaprakash Nighantu