NIGELLA SATI VA. Linn. Var. Indica, D.C.
Shoonez, Hub-sindi, ARAB. Siah-dana, . . . Peas. Sa-mung-net, . . Buini. Krishna jirakie, . SANSK. Small fennel flower, ENG. Kaloo-dooroo, . . SINGH. Kala-jira, . . . HIND. Karin siragum, . TAM.
. . . . „ Nalla jilakara, . . TEL.
This is the small fennel flower of the south of Europe, Egypt, Barbary, and the Caucasus, and extensively cultivated in India. It is the Maciu dtop of Hippocrates, Steril, 675, and of Dioscorides, and the Githex of Pliny. The seeds, resembling coarse gunpowder, are triangular, black exter nally, internally of a greenish-white hue. They have a strong aromatic odour, and a flavour resembling sassafras or cubebs, due to an essential oil, of which the seeds yield from 5 to 10 per cent. They are chiefly employed by. the Indian hakim and baid, as aromatic adjuncts to purgat ive or bitter remedies. In eruptions of the skin, the seeds, reduced to powder and mixed with sesamum oil, are much used as an external applica tion. The tincture is a useful, warm stimulant.
In Bengal they are given to nurses, in the belief that they increase the secretion of milk ; mixing the powdered seed with curry, to which, however, it communicates a very heavy and disagreeable flavour. To prevent injury to furs, feathers, books, papers, and clothes that are lodged in trunks, bookcases, etc., it is useful to along with them small packets of camphoqe)"1 little cups of camphor dissolved in alcohol, and packets of Nigella sativa. Pieces of the roots of the Aconitum ferox, Ati Singeea bish, or bishnak of the bazars, may also be used, but its highly poisonous effects on animal life require its use to be had recourse to with the greatest precaution.
Cups of 'carbolic acid are useful. The oil from N. sativa seeds is clear and colourless, but rather viscid. It is employed principally as a medicine. It is called jungle jim oil in Mysore.—Roxb.
p. 646 ; O'Sh.