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Kalunji कलौंजी
Nigella sativa
Part used: Seed
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Nigella sativa
- Part used: Seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Seed powder 1–3 g per day; seed oil 5–10 drops as directed.
Kalunji in other languages
Introduction
Kalunji (Nigella sativa) is black cumin or black seed, a small angular black seed with a sharp, slightly bitter aroma. It is Krishna Jiraka in the classical texts.
Ayurveda uses it as a warming digestive and a Krimighna drug, and it has a long parallel history in Unani medicine, where it is among the most valued of all remedies.
Classification
Family Ranunculaceae. The seed is officinal. Rasa: Katu, Tikta. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata.
Uses & benefits
Given in poor appetite, abdominal distension and worm infestation, and in cough and cold congestion. Classical texts also use it as a Stanyajanana drug after childbirth and in skin complaints. It appears in Kankayan Vati in this catalogue.
Kalunji for digestion
A warming Deepana and Pachana seed used for a heavy stomach, distension and poor appetite, taken before or with food.
Kalunji after childbirth
Classically given in the post-partum period to restore digestion and promote milk, usually with warm water or in food.
Dosage — how much to take
Seed powder 1–3 g per day; seed oil 5–10 drops as directed. Culinary use is unrestricted.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kalunji?
The citations held for Kalunji in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga — Krishna Jiraka).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kalunji?
Katu rasa, ushna virya; deepana, pachana and krimighna. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Krishna Jiraka.
What is Kalunji traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in poor appetite, abdominal distension and worm infestation, and in cough and cold congestion. Classical texts also use it as a Stanyajanana drug after childbirth and in skin complaints. It appears in Kankayan Vati in this catalogue.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kalunji?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kalunji classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kalunji carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kalunji is used medicinally?
The part used is Seed.
How much Kalunji is taken, and how?
Seed powder 1–3 g per day; seed oil 5–10 drops as directed. Culinary use is unrestricted. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kalunji be avoided?
Well tolerated in culinary and classical doses. Heating, so may aggravate Pitta in excess. Medicinal doses are avoided in pregnancy because of the seed's classical uterine action, though culinary use is unremarkable. The concentrated oil should not be taken in large amounts.
Where does Kalunji grow?
Cultivated across northern India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as a cool-season crop.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga — Krishna Jiraka
Katu rasa, ushna virya; deepana, pachana and krimighna. - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Part I — Krishna Jiraka
Seed of Nigella sativa; identity and dose.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated in culinary and classical doses. Heating, so may aggravate Pitta in excess. Medicinal doses are avoided in pregnancy because of the seed's classical uterine action, though culinary use is unremarkable. The concentrated oil should not be taken in large amounts.
Where it grows
Cultivated across northern India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as a cool-season crop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalunji the same as black cumin (Kala Jeera)?
They are different seeds often confused. Kalunji is Nigella sativa, angular and jet black; Kala Jeera in this catalogue is Carum carvi, a caraway. Both are used medicinally but they are distinct drugs.
Can it be taken during pregnancy?
Culinary quantities are ordinary food. Medicinal doses of the seed or oil are avoided in pregnancy because of the drug's classical uterine action.
