Benefits of Kala Jeera, Medicinal Uses, Dosage, and Side effects
Kala Jeera also known as Black Caraway, is the most common spice used in Indian kitchens since ancient times because of its great medicinal values. This spice is commonly used in cooking to add Aroma and taste but in addition to this, it also has various therapeutic values.
In Ayurveda, it is used as an ingredient in various formulations and is considered medicine also because it sports the body functioning. This herb is also used in after delivery for the care of the mother. Now it has become a major part of our life as a spice in Indian food because it helps to improve digestion by increasing digestive fire and prevents several diseases related to digestion.
Botanical name- Carum carvi
Family- Umbelliferae
—–shloka—–
Meaning of shloka-
This shloka means that synonyms of Kala jeera are Krishan jeer, sugandh, and udgarshodhan. Kala jeera is dry, pungent in taste, hot potency increases digestive fire, light in digestion increases pitta dosa, good for the brain, cleans reproductive parts, treats fever, digestive, increases strength, improves taste, balances Kapha dosha, good for eyes and treats Vata disorders, distension, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Reference- Bhavaprakasha nighantu-haritkyadi varga-page no. 30 and Shloka no. 82 and 84-85)
Names in different languages
- Hindi name- Kala jeera, Kali Jeera, Krishna jeera, Syah jeera
- English name- Black caraway, Meridian Fennel, Black cumin.
- Telugu name- Shimaisapoo, Sheema jilkar
- Bengali name- Krishna jeera, Kala Jeere
- Kannada name- Karijeerake, Kari jeerige
- Marathi name- Shahajeeram, Shahaajire, Kalejeere
- Gujarati name- Shaahjeeru
- Tamil name- Shimah shombu, Shimayishiragam
- Arabic name- Kamoone aramani
- Farsi name- Jeera e syaah
Synonyms in the Sanskrit language
Dantashodhani, Udgarashodhana, Kashmirajiraka, Sugandha
Morphological characteristics-
Kala jeera is a biennial plant that grows up to the height of 20 to 30 cm. Its appearance resembles a carrot plant with finely divided feather leaves and thread-like divisions. The flower stem is 40 to 60 cm long and is a pink or white color in umbels. Its fruits (also called seeds) are crescent-shaped with 5 pale ridges. The root of this plant is taproot and crows up to 8 to 9 inches. These are yellow and turn into rich creamy white color when cooked.
Habitat
It is cultivated in North Himalayan regions and plane regions during the cold season. It is also found in hilly areas like Chamba, Kashmir, and Garhwal at an altitude of 3000 to 4000 meters.
Chemical constituents present
Volatile oil, Cuminaldehyde, p-cymene, beta-pinene, Limonene, Carvone, Cymene, terpinene, Flavonoids, calcium oxalate, etc
Categorization according to classical books
According to-
Acharya Charaka- Rochana and Pachana
Acharya Sushruta- Jeeraka dravya
Varieties
There are two types of herbs used in the name of Kala Jeera.
- Bunium bulbocastanum / Carum carvi / Carum bulbocastanu- Black cumin or Black caraway
- Nigella sativa- Simple nigella/ Kalonji/ Small fennel
Medicinal properties
- Rasa (Taste)- Katu (pungent)
- Guna (qualities)- Laghu (light), and Rooksha (dry)
- Vipaka (undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (pungent)
- Veerya (potency)- Ushna (hot)
- Effect on Tridosha (Kaphavatashamaka- pittavardhaka)- balances Kapha and Vata but increases Pitta
Properties of Kala jeera
- Anthelmintic
- Detoxifier
- Analgesic
- Diuretic
- Antispasmodic
- Stomachic
- Antiemetic
- Carminative
- Antidiarrheal
- Anti-allergic
- Antipruritic
- Cardiac stimulant
- Antihyperlipidemic
- Astringent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-lithiatic
- Anthelmintic
- Uterine detoxifier
- Antimicrobial
- Antibacterial
- Aphrodisiac
- Antioxidant
- Febrifuge
- Galactagogue
Common uses of Kala jeera
Some of the uses of Kala jeera are listed below:
In Digestive Health
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Indigestion
- Worm infestation
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Loss of appetite or poor appetite
- Flatulence
- Loss of desire to eat
- Abdominal colic
- Piles
In Heart & Blood Vessels
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Dyslipidemia
- Atherosclerosis
- Hyperlipidemia
Therapeutic uses
Abdominal bloating and flatulence
Kala jeera shows carminative and anti-flatulent property that helps to treat flatulence, abdominal distention, and bloating. As a detoxifier, it reduces the formation of toxins and prevents the formation of gas in the intestines. It also shows good results in acid reflux. As per Ayurveda, it shows deepana and pachana property that pacifies all the three doshas, stimulates digestive fire, and helps in easy digestion of food.
Respiratory disorders
Because of the expectorant activity, Kala jeera helps to eliminate the thick mucus or extra phlegm from the respiratory tract and relieves cough and chest congestion. This herb also keeps the lungs healthy and aids the proper respiration process.
After delivery
Kala jeera should be given to lactating mothers from the 2nd day of delivery to the 10th day because it increases the milk production in mothers.
Nervous disorders
As a nervine tonic, kala jeera provides strength to the nerves and keeps in nervous system healthy. This herb also improves memory and concentration power. Hence, promotes the overall health of the brain.
Part used- Fruit and seeds
Dosage- ½ – 2 gm (Powder)
Side effects of Kala Jeera
There are no known side effects seen after taking Kala jeera. It is best to use in mothers and kids after delivery. But this herb should be avoided in pregnant ladies.
Conclusion
From this article, it is concluded that Kala jeera shows good results in abdominal bloating, intestinal worms, relief cough, chest congestion, etc. It also works as a nervine tonic and an expectorant. This herb is also used as a dressing in salads and for flavor in soups. There are no side effects seen after using Kala jeera and can be used in lactating mothers. But it should be avoided during pregnancy.
Some FAQs related to Kala Jeera
Ques: Can Kala Jeera treat respiratory problems?
Yes, kala jeera can treat respiratory problems because of the expectorant activity that eliminate the thick mucus or extra phlegm from the respiratory tract and relieves cough and chest congestion.
Ques: Should we give Kala jeera after delivery?
Yes, you should give Kala jeera after delivery from the 2nd day of delivery to the 10th day because it increases the milk production in mothers.
Ques: What are the side effects of Kala jeera?
There are no known side effects seen after taking Kala jeera and it is best to use in mothers and kids after delivery. But it should be avoided in pregnant ladies.
Ques: What is the dosage of Kala jeera powder?
Kala jeera should be given in the dosage of ½ to 2 grams per day.
Conclusion
From this article, it is concluded that Bibhitaki is used to treat several disorders like indigestion, constipation, wounds, etc, and is good for hair. It has no side effects but uses with proper dosage as it can cause constipation and dry skin.
Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to Kala Jeera’s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume it on the basis of this information. Before taking this as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.
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