The black cumin plant is a widely used herbal remedy in traditional medicine for treating various illnesses. However, do you know the benefits of black cumin leaves and some remedies that can be derived from them? If not, let’s explore these aspects in the following article!
What is the Black Cumin Plant?
The black cumin plant, known as the “cancer plant” in the language of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province, also goes by names such as brown fruit plant, hundred remedies, white thousand flowers, Thanh Giang Dang, and pillow vine, among others. Scientifically, it is called Celastrus hindsii Benth et Hook, belonging to the Celastraceae family. In Vietnam, it is commonly found in mountainous forest areas, especially in Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Ninh Binh provinces.
The black cumin plant is extensively cultivated in Hoa Binh province
It is a woody climbing plant with a length ranging from 3 to 10 meters. Black cumin can form shrubs, but young plants are often light gray and hairless, while mature plants are brownish-green and have more hair.
The leaves are alternate, oval-shaped with pointed tips, measuring approximately 7 to 12 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width, with short serrated edges. The relatively short leaf stalk is only 5 to 7 mm.
The plant’s white flowers have five petals, usually forming clusters in the leaf axils or at the ends of branches. The flower clusters range from 5 to 10 cm, and the flower stalk is about 2 to 4 mm long. Black cumin fruits resemble eggs, about 1 cm long, usually green, turning yellow when ripe and splitting into three pieces. Black cumin flowers from March to May, and fruits are present from August to December.
The leaves can be harvested for medicinal purposes at any time, but for higher efficacy, it is advisable to wait for the plant to mature. After harvesting, the plant parts need to be washed, cut into short sections, and then air-dried or sun-dried, stored in nylon bags for gradual use.
Distinguishing Black Cumin
The Celastraceae family includes various plant species, such as white cumin, yellow cumin, and hybrid cumin, making it easy to confuse them. However, yellow and black cumin are commonly used as herbal remedies. Here’s how to distinguish black cumin from other species in the same family:
- Black Cumin: Fresh leaves are thick and dark purple-green, with a dark-colored stem. When dried, the leaves crumble without becoming brittle and emit a mild fragrance. The stem turns black and has a distinctive aroma.
- Yellow Cumin: Thin, green leaves with no serrated edges. When dried, the leaves are easily crumbled and brittle, and the stem turns white with no noticeable fragrance.
In addition, black cumin is sometimes confused with cluster pine, dotted plant, and Hoa Binh black cumin. However, research has revealed significant differences in composition, especially in the ability to inhibit lung and liver cancer cells.
Health Benefits of Black Cumin Leaves
Known as the “cancer plant” due to its chemical composition, black cumin has the ability to inhibit cancer cells, particularly in liver and lung cancers. Its chemical composition includes polyphenols (such as lithospermic acid and lithospermic B acid, rosmarinic acid, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, rutin), sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes, along with other compounds like amino acids, quinones, flavonoids, and tannins.
Thanks to these components, black cumin has various pharmacological effects, including:
1. Benefits of Black Cumin Leaves – Anti-tumor Properties
Polyphenols, flavonoids, and quinones in black cumin inhibit the growth of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to destruction, thus preventing tumor formation and cancer spread.
2. Benefits of Black Cumin Leaves – Antioxidant
Chemicals in black cumin counteract free radicals, minimizing their impact on cells.
3. Benefits of Black Cumin Leaves – Antibacterial
Particularly, saponin triterpenoids in black cumin protect the body from bacterial invasion.
Benefits of Black Cumin Leaves – Black cumin leaves serve various purposes, with a notable effect being the prevention of tumor formation and the spread of cancer.
In traditional medicine, black cumin is considered slightly bitter and cold, with the following effects:
- Treats hepatitis, liver fibrosis, supports fat reduction in the liver, and treats jaundice.
- Detoxifies, has anti-inflammatory properties, and treats pustules on the skin.
- Stabilizes blood pressure, enhances blood circulation.
- Relieves stress, calms the nerves, strengthens the immune system.
- Addresses issues related to bones, joints, and the spine.
Dosage depends on the specific remedy, but the maximum recommended intake is around 70g per day. It’s crucial to consult a doctor for appropriate dosage advice, especially for serious conditions like cancer.
Common Black Cumin Remedies
Black cumin, as a medicinal herb, can use its stem, branches, and leaves, either fresh or dried. Here are some common remedies derived from black cumin:
1. Cooling, Diuretic, and Blood-Circulating Remedy
Dry and roast black cumin (15g) and golden needle (12g), then brew in water to drink throughout the day.
2. Immune-Boosting and Stress-Reducing Remedy
Extract daily drinking water from a mixture of black cumin, lingzhi mushroom, and ginseng (each 15g).
3. Support for Liver Issues
Boil 2 liters of water with black cumin (50g, including leaves and stems), bitter melon seeds (10g), and Houttuynia cordata (30g), then filter and drink daily.
4. Liver Detox, Digestive Support, Cancer Prevention
Boil 1.5 liters of water with black cumin and yellow cumin (each 100g), B1 plant (30g), and blood cocklebur to drink throughout the day. Alternatively, boil with black cumin (70g, including leaves and stems), filter, cool, and drink daily.
5. Blood Clotting, Acne Treatment
Crush 3-5 fresh black cumin leaves and apply the paste to clean skin, securing it with a bandage to prevent infection.
6. Support for Liver and Lung Cancer Treatment
Prepare a daily drinking water infusion from black cumin and hoan ngoc (each 50g), panax notoginseng (10g), and Scutellaria barbata (20g). Consume after each meal for about 30 minutes, twice a day.
Numerous herbal remedies derived from black cumin leaves are applied in daily life
These remedies showcase the benefits of black cumin leaves in various health applications. However, before using any herbal remedy, especially for serious conditions like cancer, consulting a doctor is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness in treatment.
Kiểm Duyệt Nội Dung
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