Blackseed is appreciated for it’s many qualities and bitter, warming stimulant nature. In tradition and typology of the 3 doshas black cumin reduces veta and kapha and increases pitta. Used for a wide variety of complaints and has even been developed for such unusual indications as anorexia, certain disorders of the nervous system, discharge and veneral disease. As a result of its uterus contracting effect it is also administered when labour is weak and in cases of sepesis. Black Seed oil should not be taken during pregnancy. It is also attributed as a tonicising and mood brightening effectant.

Ibn Sina (author of "The Canon of Medicine" One of the most famous books in the field of medicine) claims Black Seed is good for :

1) Inner purification and detox of body.
2) Reduction of mucous and strengthens lungs.
3) Fever, coughs, colds, toothache and headache.
4) Skin diseases and wound treatments.
5) Intestinal parasites and worms and remedy for poisonous bites and stings.

Ibn Sina (980-1037), in describing the Blackseed as that which "stimulates the body's energy and helps recovery from fatigue or disspiritedness," still holds true for Tibb (Islamic Medicine) health practitioners today. The rich nutritional value contained in Black Seed as outlined by scientific analysis of black seed, also points to it as a great source of energy.

From the Tibb health perspective, the Black Seed has an ability to maintain and restore body heat. Our Western diet, predominantly made up of cold foods, ice in our drinks, yoghurt, pizza, cheese and processed foods and refined foods all deplete the innate heat our body requires in order to optimally function. Tibb holds the view that a reduced metabolic rate (innate heat) is the cause of most illnesses. The body, in losing energy, also loses its ability to fight off toxins, resulting in a greater chance of contracting illness.

Traditionally Blackseed was used in the Orient for Gastrointestinal complaints, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, gallstones, mental degeneration, stimulation of kidneys and increased urine flow, infections, congestion and bronchial disorders, menstrual complaints, promotion of lactation, skin parasites, vermicide, skin care, dandruff and hair loss.

Referred in German Medicinal Encyclopedias (16-18th century)
Hieronymous Boch, "New Kreutterbuch"1539 and Jacobus Theodorus Tabernaemontanus,
" The New Complete Herbal Book" 1731 both give an abundant knowledge of blackseed (Nigella Sativa).