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Ayurvedic Dravya · Spice · — kcal / 100g

Nigella seed Kalonji

Also known as: onion seed, kalo jeera (Bengali usage), black seed

Kalonji — the 'blessed seed' of Unani (habbat al-barakah); scattered on naan and sealed into pickles, prized across two medical traditions for immunity and digestion.

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Nigella seed — Ayurvedic Spice & USDA Nutrition

Nigella seed — Rasa: Pungent, Bitter · Virya: Heating · Vipaka: Pungent · — kcal per 100g (USDA).

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Strongly Pacifies (-2)
Rasa (Six Tastes)
Pungent, Bitter
Vīrya (Potency)
Heating
Vipāka (Post-Digestive)
Pungent
Guṇas (Qualities)
Light, Dry, Sharp, Oily
Digestibility & Agni
5/5 · Agni 1
Seasons & Timing
Varsha, Hemanta, Shishira · Morning, Midday

Classical Ayurvedic Profile & Preparation

Kalonji — the 'blessed seed' of Unani (habbat al-barakah); scattered on naan and sealed into pickles, prized across two medical traditions for immunity and digestion.

Traditional Preparation (Samskara)

Matte-black teardrop seeds used whole — briefly tempered or baked on. Culinary pinches are food; the pressed oil and gram-doses belong to therapeutics.

Classical Provenance: Unani tradition (habbat al-barakah); Bengali / North Indian pickle tradition.

Synergistic Combinations (Samyoga)

  • pressed onto naan and kulcha
  • in panch phoron (one of the five)
  • in achars — its oil resists spoilage
  • with honey (Unani morning tradition)

Contraindications & Viruddha Āhāra (Food Incompatibilities)

  • Contraindication: pregnancy in medicinal doses (emmenagogue tradition)
  • Contraindication: pitta excess in quantity
  • Contraindication: hypoglycemia alongside diabetic medication (seed-oil doses)

Verified USDA Nutrition Facts for Nigella seed

Complete macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral profile per 100 grams and per 1 tsp (2g):

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