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Panel Recommends Ban on 2 Popular Painkillers

By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: June 30, 2009
ADELPHI, Md. — A federal advisory panel voted narrowly on Tuesday to
recommend a ban on Percocet and Vicodin, two of the most popular
prescription painkillers in the world, because of their effects on the
liver.

The two drugs combine a narcotic with acetaminophen, the ingredient
found in popular over-the-counter products like Tylenol and Excedrin.
High doses of acetaminophen are a leading cause of liver damage, and
the panel noted that patients who take Percocet and Vicodin for long
periods often need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Acetaminophen is combined with different narcotics in at least seven
other prescription drugs, and all of these combination pills will be
banned if the Food and Drug Administration heeds the advice of its
experts. Vicodin and its generic equivalents alone are prescribed more
than 100 million times a year in the United States.

Laureen Cassidy, a spokeswoman for Abbott Laboratories, which makes
Vicodin, said, “The F.D.A. will make a final determination and Abbott
will follow the agency’s guidance.”

The agency is not required to follow the recommendations of its
advisory panels, but it usually does.

The panel’s 20-17 vote to recommend a ban on the combination drugs was
one of 11 it took at a meeting called to advise the F.D.A. on problems
arising from the extraordinary popularity of acetaminophen. In 2005,
American consumers bought 28 billion doses of products containing the
ingredient.

While the medicine is effective in treating headaches and reducing
fevers, even recommended doses can cause liver damage in some people.
And more than 400 people die and 42,000 are hospitalized every year in
the United States from overdoses.

In hopes of reducing some of these accidents, the committee voted 24
to 13 to recommend that the F.D.A. reduce the highest allowed dose of
acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325
milligrams, from 500. And members voted 21 to 16 to reduce the maximum
daily dosage to less than 4,000 milligrams.

But they voted 20 to 17 against limiting the number of pills allowed
in each bottle, with members saying such a limit would probably have
little effect and could hurt rural and poor patients. Bottles of 1,000
pills are often sold at discount chains.

“We have no data to show that people who overdose shop at Costco,”
said Dr. Edward Covington, a panel member from the Cleveland Clinic
Foundation.

Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, a toxicologist from the New York University
School of Medicine who served as the panel’s acting chairman, said
experts had been warning of the dangers of combination painkillers
like Percocet, which is made by Endo Pharmaceuticals, and Vicodin for
years.

Still, the recommendation is likely to come as a shock to many
patients, who may be unaware of the dangers of high doses of
acetaminophen — even if they know the drugs contain the ingredient.

Some doctors already avoid prescribing pills that combine
acetaminophen with narcotics like oxycodone (found in Percocet) and
hydrocodone (in Vicodin).

“It ties the doctor’s hands when you put the two drugs together,” said
Dr. Scott M. Fishman, a professor of anesthesiology at the University
of California, Davis, and a former president of the American Academy
of Pain Medicine. “There’s no reason you can’t get the same effect by
using them separately.”

Dr. Fisher said the combinations were prescribed so often for the sake
of convenience, but added, “When you’re using controlled substances,
you want to err on the side of safety rather than convenience.”

Still, some doctors predicted that the recommendation would put extra
burdens on physicians and patients.

“More people will be suffering from pain,” said Dr. Sean Mackey, chief
of pain management at Stanford University Medical School. “More people
will be seeing their doctors more frequently and running up health
care costs.”

In a statement, Johnson & Johnson, Tylenol’s maker, said it “strongly
disagrees” with the proposed restrictions on acetaminophen, adding
that they would be likely to “lead to more serious adverse events as
consumers shift to other over-the-counter products,” like Advil and
aspirin.

Linda A. Suydam, president of the Consumer Healthcare Products
Association, said the committee had ignored studies showing that doses
sold by her members — two pills of 500 milligrams, up to four times a
day — were safe. “I think this is a very effective dose and one needed
for individuals who experience chronic pain,” she said.

The committee also turned its attention to over-the-counter children’s
medicines containing acetaminophen, voting 36 to 1 to limit them to a
single formulation. Right now the liquids are sold in two different
concentrations, leading to confusion among doctors and parents.

“I don’t think it’s safe to have two formulations out there,” said Dr.
Nelson, the acting chairman.

The members were divided over which formula to recommend, the
concentrated or the less concentrated one. F.D.A. officials suggested
that they would likely settle on the less concentrated formula so that
if parents make a mistake, they would be less likely to overdose.

Acetaminophen is included in a vast array of over-the-counter cough
and cold products, including Nyquil, Excedrin and many others. A small
share of accidental poisonings result when people take two or more of
these combination products without understanding the risk.

The F.D.A. asked the committee whether it should ban combination
products that include acetaminophen. The vote was 24 to 13 against
such a ban, with many members saying consumers saw the products as
valuable.

“Based on the data provided, the combination O.T.C. medications really
contributed very little to overall poisonings,” said Dr. Osemwota A.
Omoigui, a panel member from the Los Angeles Pain Clinic.

A 2005 study found that most poisonings resulted from patients’ taking
Vicodin and similar products that combine a narcotic with
acetaminophen.

“I think this is the one place where we can engineer in safety,” said
Dr. Judith M. Kramer, a panel member and an associate professor of
medicine from Duke University Medical Center who voted to ban the
combination prescription medicines. “We’re here because there are
inadvertent overdoses that are fatal, and this is our one opportunity
to have a big impact.”

Consumers need to be better educated about the risks of popular
medicines, most panel members agreed.

“If you keep track of what you’re taking, none of this is an issue for
you,” Dr. Jan Engle, a panel member and head of the Department of
Pharmacy Practice at the University of Illinois in Chicago, said in an
interview after the meeting.

Donald G. McNeil Jr. contributed reporting from New York.

Harmful Chemical Used In Plastic Drinks Bottles Found To Leach Into Humans

Today, I read in The Star paper that Glaxo is buying Stiefel Labs for US$3.6billion. This is one of the major pharmaceutical companies that are controlling the supply of drug-based medicine worldwide. They control the supply of drug and they also monopolize the supply of drug-based medicine worldwide.

I’m not that good in world politic but I have great suspicious about fighting in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Columbia and other countries that are known for producing of heroine. These countries have been in turmoil for a long time. Are they fighting for democracy or fighting for control of drug supply?

Sometimes I just wonder why we need to use drug-based medicine to cure our diseases. Drug is known to cause damage to our health. If we smoke drug, we can easily get addicted and our life can get completely destroyed. Drug-based medicine is also known to give so many side effects. Furthermore, drug-based medicine is used to manipulate our nerve system in order to minimize the pain that we encountered but not to remove the cause of the diseases.

We have to seriously look for alternative options which is natural and capable to eliminate diseases.   

Tuesday April 21, 2009

Glaxo buying Stiefel Labs to diversify business

LONDON: GlaxoSmithKline Plc is to buy privately owned Stiefel Laboratories Inc for up to US$3.6bil to diversify its business by adding treatments for acne, dermatitis and other skin complaints.

The US acquisition is the latest in a string of deals in the drugs sector, but is significantly smaller than recent mega-mergers, reflecting the British-based group’s declared focus on bolt-on buys.

Stiefel, part-owned by buyout firm Blackstone Group, is the world’s largest independent dermatology company, with a range of prescription and over-the-counter products.

It was put up for sale a month ago and attracted interest from a number of large pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis AG, Sanofi-Aventis SA and Johnson & Johnson, according to people familiar with the matter.

Glaxo, the world’s second-largest drugmaker, is paying US$2.9bil in cash for Stiefel and will take on about US$400mil of Stiefel’s debt. A further US$300mil cash payment is contingent on future performance, the companies said yesterday.

That overall price is four times Stiefel’s 2008 sales of around US$900mil, but the British group expects to extract substantial savings from merging the business, which will retain the Stiefel identity, into its structure.

Glaxo expects annual pre-tax cost savings of up to US$240mil by 2012, with integration costs of some US$325mil over the next three years.

Excluding those costs, the deal will dilute Glaxo’s earnings per share by less than 1% in 2009 and be 1% to 2% earnings accretive to EPS in 2010.

The purchase will nearly treble the size of Glaxo’s skincare business, giving it an 8% share of the global prescription dermatology market. – Reuters

Latest business news from AP-Wire

Hari Isnin lepas (13^th April ’09) saya telah pergi menziarahi pak ngah saya di Hospital Besar Tuanku Ampuan Najihah, Kuala Pilah. Abang saya telah beritahu saya yang pak ngah saya telah dimasukan ke hospital itu. Ketika itu saya  berada di Holiday Villa, Cerating bersama dengan isteri saya. Keesokan harinya selepas check-out saya terus pulang dan ziarah beliau di hospital.

Pak ngah saya mengidap penyakit kencing manis. Sudah bertahun-tahun dia merana disebabkan penyakit ini. Pada minggu lepas, dia telah pulang ke kampong di Seri Menanti. Disana dia telah pergi kerumah kawannya yang terletak selang beberapa rumah dari rumah nenek saya yang agak lama dia tak pernah jumpa. Semasa berjalan dijalan yang ada sikit semak-semak, dia telah tersepak/terpijak pokok semalu yang berduri kecil. Keesokan harinya dia telah mendapati kakinya telah bengkak dan kulit kaki itu bertukar menjadi warna hitam. Dia telah pergi kehospital untuk mendapatkan rawatan. Dia telah ditahan dihospital untuk dibuat pemeriksaan dan pembersihan. Doktor telah merawat kaki dia dengan membuang kulit dan daging yang telah busuk. Akhirnya, doctor telah beritahu yang ibu jari kakinya perlu dipotong untuk menahan dari merebak keanggota badan yang lain.

Doktor minta izin untuk memotong ibu jari kakinya. Tapi disebabkan sayang untuk kehilangan anggota jarinya, dia telah minta doktor supaya dapat membersihkan sahaja jari kakinya dan lihat perkembangan seterusnya. Kalau penyakit nya bertambah buruk, dia sedia supaya ibu jari kakinya dipotong.

Kesian juga tengok pak ngah saya ni. Setiap minggu terpaksa pergi buat dailisis 3 kali seminggu. Nasib baik dia bekas askar, jadi ada juga dapat bantuan daripada Persatuan Bekas Perajurit. Kurang sikit kos untuk menampung kos dailisis. Walau bagaimanapun, dia terpaksa juga pergi ke Kuala Pilah 3 kali seminggu. Lepas dailisis, biasanya badan dia rasa lemah tak bermaya. Dia dah mengharungi kepayahan ini bertahun-tahun lamanya. Sekarang terpaksa berdepan dengan kemungkinan jari kakinya pula akan dibuang.

Isteri dia dulu pun menghadapi penyakit yang sama. Akhirnya meninggal dunia setelah mengidap penyakit ini sekian lama.

Ibu mertua saya pun meninggal dunia dengan penyakit yang sama. Masa dia sakit, saya dan isteri selalu ziarah dia. Kadang-kadang isteri saya tunggu dia dihospital. Sedih juga bila tengok dia. Macam-macam tiub yang dicucuk dibadan dia. Bila dah sampai waktu kritikal, diletakan bantuan pernafasan pula. Akhirnya dia juga meninggal dunia.

Saya selalu tertanya-tanya apa kah sebabnya begitu ramai orang mengidap penyakit kecing manis. Apakah usaha-usaha yang telah dibuat oleh para cerdik pandai dalam bidang perubatan untuk menyelesaikan masalah ini? Kenapa mereka sehingga kini tidak mengetahui apakah punya nya penyakit kencing manis ini? Kenapa tidak ada tindakan-tindakan drastic yang patut diambil untuk mengelakan penyakit ini daripada berlaku? Penyakit ini bukan sahaja dihidapi oleh orang melayu sahaja, tetapi juga dikalangan orang cina, india, arab dan juga orang eropah. Ianya sudah merupakan “epidermic” yang mengancam kehidupan manusia. Banyak duit yang terbuang untuk membeli ubat bagi menahan penyakit ini. Ubat-ubat yang digunakan pula tidak menyembuhkan penyakit tetapi hanya mengurang kesan penyakit. Setelah kena penyakit ini, maka tidak ada peluang untuk sembuh buat selama-lamanya. Diri orang yang mendapat penyakit ini akan sengsara. Mereka tidak boleh kerja kuat dan produktiviti akan menurun. Apabila sudah terkena penyakit ini, maka ia akan merosakan buah pinggang dan juga menyebabkan terkena penyakit jantung. Apakah puncanya penyakit ini dan apa pula penyelesaian nya. Ah, agak berat untuk dijawab. Lebih-lebih lagi bagi saya yang tidak berpengetahuan dalam bidang perubatan.

 The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Black Seed is the cure for all ailments except death.” (Narrated Burda; Masnad Ahmed). 

 1. INTRODUCING THE BLACK SEED

(From Al-Islaah Publications)

Black  Seed  truly  is   an  Amazing   Herb!

For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil has been used by millions of people in Asia, Middle East, and Africa to support their health. An aromatic spice, similar looking to sesame seed except black in color, it has been traditionally used for a variety of conditions and treatments related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal health, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and for general overall well-being. Black Seed is also known as Black Cumin, Black Caraway Seed, Habbatul Baraka (the Blessed Seed), and by its botanical name “Nigella Sativa”.

Since 1959, over 200 studies at international universities and articles published in various journals have shown remarkable results supporting its traditional uses recorded almost 1400 years ago.

While the Black Seed is highly effective by itself, ongoing studies with the combination of other herbs have produced remarkable results.

Amazingly Black Seed’s chemical composition is very rich and diverse. Aside from its primary ingredient, crystalline nigellone, Black Seed contains 15 amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, both fixed oils (84% fatty acids, including linolenic, and oleic), and volatile oils, alkaloids, saponin, and crude fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium. There are still many components in Black Seed that haven’t been identified. But research is going on around the world.

Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the “Black seed” or “Al-Habbatus-Sawdaa” for hundreds of years. It has become very popular in recent years and is sold by many Muslim and non-Muslim businesses. A large part of this herbal preparation’s popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “There is healing in the black seed for all diseases except death”. However, many products that are presently sold as “black seed” may be black cumin, black caraway, or even coriander. As-Suyuti’s Medicine of The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has black seed listed as coriander seeds, with arguments presented for black cumin, terebinth, and even mustard. However, research seems to favor “black cumin” or Nigella sativa as the black seed. Black cumin may be referred to as nutmeg flower or roman coriander, and even fennel flower by gardeners.

Black cumin has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand years. They range from stomach aches to asthma, cancer to coughs, and the traditional use as a spice. Black cumin is also used as:

·        a carminative (rids the body of gas from the intestines), a digestive (aids in digestion),

·        a diuretic (increases urine flow by ridding the body of excess water),

·        an emmenagogue(promotes/regulates menstruation),

·        a galactagogue (increases production of milk),

·        a resolvent (dissolves boils & swelling),

·        a stimulant (increases the flow of adrenaline and energy),

·        a stomachic (relieves stomach disorders),

·        a sudorific (increases perspiration),

·        a tonic (improves bodily functions),

·        and a vermifuge (expels worms).

To ensure that you are taking the black seed look for the words Nigella sativa. Only this plant, as opposed to true cumin or coriander has the ability to “heal all diseases”. 

Research suggests that the black seed is an effective anti-tumor treatment for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and fibrocystic breast disease. The black seed may also be of possible benefit in treating high blood pressure. Except its potential to cause spontaneous abortions (and only in high doses), there may be little, if any, toxic side effects to using it. There is even some research on the possible contraceptive abilities of the black seed. More research is being done on its effectiveness and research trials are also being planned in various countries to study its actual effects on humans. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) words tell us there is healing in this plant.However, there is more to be learned regarding the appropriate doses for various medical problems. 

2. Arabic Name  

Habb al-Sauda (Hadith) Shoniz, Habb al- Barakah 

3. Other Names

Black Cumin, Black seed (English), Nielle (French,German) Melanthion (Greek) Shoniz, Siah Dana (Persian) Ketzach, Ketyach (Hebrew) Kalaunji (Hindi, Urdu) Krishn Jirak (Sans.) Kalijira(Beng.) Kalaonji Jiram (Gujarati) Nilajirakira (Tel.) Kalijira (Mar.) Karaunji Rigam (Tamil) Karun Chiragam (Mal.). 

4. Botanical Identification

Nigella sativa Linn-Herb. (Family :Ranunculaceae). The name Nigella comes from the Latin word nigellus, meaning black. 

5. Distribution

Mediterranean Region. Cultivated in many countries including India. 

6. Appearance & Texture

Nigella sativa (Black Seed) are small matte black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior, similar to onion seeds. The seeds have little bouquet, though when rubbed, their aroma resembles oregano. They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and a crunchy texture. The seeds may be used whole or ground and are usually fried or roasted before use (they are easily crushed in a mortar). 

7. HADEETH & ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON BLACK SEED:

a)      The  Prophet (sallallahu  alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Black Cummin (Habbas-Sauda) is the cure for all the diseases except Saam and “Saam is death” ‘ (Narrated Abu Huraira; Bukhari, Muslim, Ibn Maja, Masnad Ahmad).

b)      “I came to Madina with Ghalib bin Al-Jabr. During the journey, Ghalib fell ill. Ibn Atique came to see him   and   said   that   Ayesha (radhiyallahu anha) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Black cumin is remedy for all diseases. ” We powdered Black cumin, mixed with olive oil and dropped it in both the nostrils (of Ghalib). We did it and Ghalib recovered. (Narrated Khalid Bin Saad, Ibn Maja, BuKhari).

c)      The Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) of Allah said, “Black cumin is the cure for all ailments except death.” (Narrated Burda; Masnad Ahmed)

d)     The Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) of Allah said, “Make Black cumin obligatory (its use as medicine) for yourself as it is a cure for every disease except saam “. Someone asked, ‘What is saam”. He said, “Death”. (Narrated Ayesha- Masnad Ahmed, Abdullah bin Umar - Ibn Maja; Abu Huraira - Tirmidhi).

Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the “Black Seed” or “Al-habbat ul Sawda” for hundreds of years, and hundreds of articles have been written about it. Black seed has also been in use worldwide for over 3000 years. However, many Muslims do not realize that black seed is not only a prophetic herb, but it also holds a unique place in the medicine of the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam). Black seed is mentioned along with many other natural cures in the Hadith. However, many herbs and natural cures in the Hadith and Qur’an are simply “mentioned” briefly, leaving the discerning searcher to utilize it. Black seed is one of the few that is said to “cure all diseases except death.” It is unique in that it was not used profusely before the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) made it’s use popular, and it is one of the few herbs that is described in great detail in the Hadith with recipes and instructions on usage actually being found in the Hadith themselves. Last, but not least, black seed has been studied by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 

Although there were more than 400 herbs in use before the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and recorded in the herbals of Galen and Hippocrates, black seed was not one of the most popular remedies of the time. Because of the way Islam has spread, the usage and popularity of black seed is widely known as a “Remedy of the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)”.

In fact, a large part of this herbal preparation’s popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet (sallalllahu alaiyhi wassallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) not only mentioned the usefulness of black seed in his teachings, but also gave specific instructions on how to prepare the seed for medical use.

In fact, since it was made popular in the Seventh Century, there has not been a period in Muslim history when the use of it was ever stopped. At all times the seed was utilized with the belief and faith that benefits will be derived from practicing the Holy Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)’s Sunnah. 

In addition to the above mentioned Ahaadeeth, there are several others in which Black Seed / Black Cumin has been described as a medicine of great value. Some of the books on the “life of the Prophet Muhammad” (Sirat-al-Nabi)  have  reported that  he(sallallahu  alaiyhi wassallam) used to take Black Cumin with honey regularly.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind that the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) also gave great emphasis on the use of medicines in general and Habbul-Sauda in particular for various ailments and that is why he used to say that it is a “medicine for all ailments except Saam i.e. death”. As a matter of fact he (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) gave this advice for several other medicines also which indicates that he laid emphasis on the use of medicine.  

8. CONFUSING THE BLACK SEED WITH OTHER SEEDS

Scholars of Hadeeth have generally reported that Habbe-Sauda is the Arabic name of Shomz (Persian) and these black seeds are also called Kammun Aswad (Black Cumin). In Persian, names like Siah Biranj or Siah Dana are also given which mean Black seed. It must be made clear that cumin (Arabic - Kamun) are the seeds from Cuminum cyminum (known as Zira in Hindi, Urdu and Persian). Likewise carway seeds from Carum carvi are also called Siah Zira although these are quite different than the seeds of Nigella sativa. The seeds of Ipomoea hederacea are also called Kala -Dana -i.e. Black Seeds, in Indian bazar. Even the black seeds of Mustard (Brassica nigra) are also sometime termed Kala Dana (Arabic-Kharadal Aswad). Thus, it may be said that there is lot of confusion in the identities of names like Kala Dana, Siyah Dana, Kala Zira, Siyah Zira etc. but the black seeds referred to in the Hadeeth under the name Habbe-Sauda are definitely the seeds from Nigella sativa and may be called Black cumin.

9. WHAT IS BLACK SEED?

An annual herbaceous plant, black seed (Nigella sativa) is believed to be indigenous to the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated into other parts of the world including Saudi Arabia, northern Africa and parts of Asia.

Tiny and hairy, being no more than 3mm in length, black seed originates from the common fennel flower plant (Nigella sativa) of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family.

The plant has finely divided foliage and pale bluish purple or white flowers. The flowers grow terminally on its branches while the leaves grow opposite each other in pairs, on either side of the stem. Its lower leaves are small and petiole, and the upper leaves are long (6-l0 cm). The stalk of the plant reaches a height of twelve to eighteen inches as its fruit, the black seed, matures.

Nigella sativa reproduces with itself and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color (black seeds).

Nigella sativa and its black seed are known by other names, varying between places. Some call it black caraway, others call it black cumin (Kalonji), or even coriander seeds. In English, the Nigella sativa plant is commonly referred to as “Love in a Mist”. Nevertheless, this is Nigella sativa, which has been known and used from ancient times and is also known in Persian as Shonaiz.

The most pertinent point to be made about black seed is that it should be regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be incorporated into one’s everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body’s immune system over time,

supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness. 

10. HOW TO CULTIVATE?

Potting: These plants flourish in regular, well cultivated garden soil. They need to be set 4 to 5 inches apart to produce healthy, long-lasting flowers. Nigellas don’t need any support. To harvest Black Cumin, pick each pod as it turns yellow. Dry in batches in the sun. Use a catch cloth or bag to catch the seeds as the pods split, then strain the seeds to remove chaff. Black cumin has a strong flavor, resembling fennel. Grind the seeds and use as you would pepper in seasoning, but test first. 

Propagation: Seeds may be sown outside in the spring. Don’t sow them too thickly, however, because they will not flourish if overcrowded. They will need to be thinned 4 to 5 inches apart. These plants can easily be cultivated in a greenhouse that has a night temperature of 45 to 50 degrees. They may be sown from September to January to provide flowers from March to June. They may be grown in 5-inch pots or in deep flats or benches. These should be filled with a light, fertile, well drained soil. When transplanting seedlings, make sure not to disturb their roots for they won’t recover very easily. Take care in watering; too much will cause failure and too little will cause their leaves to yellow. Plants that have filled their pots up with roots should be given a dilute liquid fertilizer weekly. 

11. HISTORY OF BLACK SEEDS

Nigella sativa (Black Seed) was discovered in Tutankhamen’s tomb, implying that it played an important role in ancient Egyptian practices. Although its exact role in Egyptian culture is not known, we do know that items entombed with a king were carefully selected to assist him in the afterlife.

The earliest written reference to black seed is found in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Isaiah contrasts the reaping of black cumin with wheat: For the black cumin is not threshed with a threshing sledge, nor is a cart wheel rolled over the cumin, but the black cumin is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a rod. (Isaiah 28:25,27 NKJV). Easton’s Bible Dictionary clarifies that the Hebrew word for black cumin, “ketsah,” refers to “without doubt the Nigella sativa, a small annual of the order Ranunculaceae which grows wild in the Mediterranean countries, and is cultivated in Egypt and Syria for its seed.”

Dioscoredes, a Greek physician of the 1st century, recorded that black seeds were taken to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache, and intestinal worms. They were also used, he reported, as a diuretic to promote menstruation and increase milk production.

The Muslim scholar al-Biruni (973-1048), who composed a treatise on the early origins of Indian and Chinese drugs, mentions that the black seed is a kind of grain called alwanak in the Sigzi dialect. Later, this was confirmed by Suhar Bakht who explained it to be habb-i-Sajzi (viz. Sigzi grains). This reference to black seed as “grains” points to the seed’s possible nutritional use during the tenth and eleventh centuries.

In the Greco-Arab/Unani-Tibb system of medicine, which originated from Hippocrates, his contemporary Galen and Ibn Sina, black seed has been regarded as a valuable remedy in hepatic and digestive disorders and has been described as a stimulant in a variety of conditions, ascribed to an imbalance of cold humours.

Ibn Sina (980-1037), most famous for his volumes called “The Canon of Medicine,” regarded by many as the most famous book in the history of medicine, East or West, refers to black seed as the seed “that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue or disspiritedness.”

Black seed is also included in the list of natural drugs of Al-Tibb al-Nabawi, and, according to the Hadith, “Hold onto the use of the black seed for it has a remedy for every illness except death” This prophetic reference in describing black seed as “having a remedy for all illnesses” may not be so exaggerated as it at first appears. Recent research has provided evidence which indicates that black seed contains an ability to significantly boost the human immune system - if taken over time. The prophetic phrase, “hold onto the use of the seed,” also emphasizes consistent usage of the seed.

Black seed has been traditionally and successfully used in the Middle and Far East countries for centuries to treat ailments including bronchial asthma and bronchitis, rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases, to increase milk production in nursing mothers, to treat digestive disturbances, to support the body’s immune system, to promote digestion and elimination, and to fight parasitic infestation. Its oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and boils and is used topically to treat cold symptoms.

The many uses of black seed has earned for this medicinal herb the Arabic approbation Habbatui Barakah, meaning “the seed of blessing.” 

12. THE TRUE UNIVERSAL REMEDY

In the United States and in Europe, Black Cumin Oil -Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa) is enjoying and unprecedented upsurge in popularity as a food supplement. Black Cumin Oil is also known as “Black Oil, “Black Seed Oil” and “Kulunji”.

Analyses of its contents and the mode of action of Black Cumin Oil were conducted in the U.S. The results give reason to believe that this traditional oil, used for thousands of years, may be a truly universal remedy. 

Scientists have confirmed the strong antibacterial and antimycotic actions of Black Cumin Oil which has been used for centuries in China and indeed throughout the Orient, in remedies for all kinds of inflammatory conditions and fungal diseases. In their reports, scientists have even highlighted a remarkable decrease in blood sugar levels.

“Black Cumin Oil generally helps stimulate the production of bone marrow and cells of the immune system”, wrote the scientists of the Cancer Immune-Biology Laboratory of South Carolina. They also said, “It increases the production of interferon, protects normal cells from the damaging effects of viral disease, destroys tumor cells and increases the number of antibody-producing B-cells. All registered effects make Black Seed Oil an ideal candidate for use in cancer prevention and cure.” Not bad for a totally natural product with absolutely no side effects.

Researchers have recently written the worldwide first report on the anti-tumor effects of Black Seed Oil. It’s title: “The study of the effects of Nigella Sativa on humans. (Nigella Sativa is the botanical name for Black Cumin.)

The effects of Black Cumin Oil on humans were recently also studied in Germany. A Munich immunologist, Dr. Peter Schleicher, closely co-operated with institutions in the United States and has, as a result, written two books on the subject containing numerous recipes for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. Most of them are skin disorders or allergy related conditions, like asthma and hay fever and are far too numerous to be listed here. 

Historically    interesting    is    that    Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)

recommended this oil 1400 years ago as a “remedy against everything except death”, and to this day the seed of the Nigella Sativa plant and its oil are a proof to this statement, as more remedies and cures are being discovered.

Black Seed Oil unquestionably has a positive and stabilizing effect on the human immune system, which may be the reason why it is so beneficial in cases of skin disorders and allergy related conditions. Moreover, since most diseases are the result of defective immune systems, it is fair to assume that this oil’s beneficial effects go far beyond skin disorders and allergies. 

13. PRIMARY PROPERTIES OF BLACK SEED

As the evidence presented in this section will show, it is quite probable that as medical science increasingly learns more about black seed, one or more of its more active ingredients may become combined into a pharmacy prescription for specific conditions. In the event that this does occur, it is also likely that this particular extract of black seed will be chemically compounded and thus become a more potent medicine. 

While it may be argued that chemical additives may increase black seed’s effectiveness in treating specific conditions, the healing principles of black seed in its pure, natural form should also be taken into account

·        Black seed, in its complete, natural form, acts on the principle of assisting the body’s own natural healing process in overcoming illness or maintaining health. It works on the part or system of the body affected without disturbing its natural balance elsewhere.

·        The effect of black seed’s combined nutritional and medicinal value is that not only does it help relieve the current condition at hand, but also helps the body build further resistance against future ailments or disease.

While historical evidence suggests black seed’s potential use for a wide variety of ailments, we have limited our descriptions of its primary healing properties here to the most recent research findings on black seed.

a) Nutritional value

Black seed is rich in nutritional values:

•   Monosaccharides (single molecule sugars) in the form of glucose, rhamnose, xylose, and arabinose are found in the black seed.

•   The   black   seed   contains   a   non-starch polysaccharide component which is a useful source of dietary fiber.

•   It is rich in fatty acids, particularly the unsaturated and essential fatty acids (Linoleic and Linoleic acid). Essential fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body alone, and therefore we acquire these from food.

•   Fifteen amino acids make up the protein content of the black seed, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within our body in sufficient quantities and are thus required from our diet.

•   Black seed contains Arginine which is essential for infant growth.

•   Chemical analysis has further revealed that the black seed contains carotene, which is converted by the liver into vitamin A, the vitamin known for its anti-cancer activity.

•   The black seed is also a source of calcium, iron, sodium, and potassium. Required only in small amounts by the body, these elements’ main function is to act as essential cofactors in various enzyme functions. 

b) Immune system strengthening

Studies begun just over a decade ago suggest that if used on an ongoing basis, black seed can play an important role to enhance human immunity, particularly in immunocompromise patients. 

In 1986, Drs. El-Kadi and Kandil conducted a study with human volunteers to test the efficiency of black seed as a natural immune enhancer. The first group of volunteers received black seed capsules (1 gram twice daily) for four weeks and the second group were given a placebo. A complete lymphocyte count carried out in all volunteers before and four weeks after administration of black seed and the placebo revealed that the majority of subjects who took black seed displayed a 72% increase in helper to suppressor T-cells ratio, as well as an increase in natural killer cell functional activity. The control group who received the placebo experienced a net decline in ratio of 7%. They reported, “These findings may be of great practical significance since a natural immune enhancer like the black seed could play an important role in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and other disease conditions associated with immune deficiency states.”

These results were confirmed by a study published in the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal in 1993 by Dr. Basil Alt and his colleagues from the College of Medicine at Kin Faisal University.

In the field of AIDS research specifically, tests carried out by Dr. Haq on human volunteers at the Department of Biological and Medical Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1997) showed that black seed enhanced the ratio between helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells by 55% with a 30% average enhancement of the natural killer (NK) cell activity. 

c) Anti-histamine activity

Histamine is a substance released by bodily tissues, sometimes creating allergic reactions and is associated with conditions such as bronchial asthma.

In 1960, scientists Badr-El-Din and Mahfouz found that dimer dithymoquinone isolated from black seed’s volatile oil, under the name of “Nigellone,” and given by mouth to some patients suffering from bronchial asthma, suppressed the symptoms of the condition in the majority of patients.

Following the results of this early study, crystalline nigellone was administered to children and adults in the treatment of bronchial asthma with effective results and no sign of toxicity. It was observed, however, that although effective, crystalline nigellone displayed a delayed reaction.

In 1993, Nirmal Chakravarty, M.D., conducted a study to see if this delay could be attributed to the possibility of crystalline nigellone being an inhibitory agent on histamine.  His  hypothesis  proved  correct.  Dr. Chakravarty’s study found that the actual mechanism behind the suppressive effect of crystalline nigellone on histamine is that crystalline nigellone inhibits protein kinase C, a substance known to trigger the release of histamine. In addition, his study showed that crystalline nigellone decreased the uptake of calcium in mast cells, which also inhibits histamine release.

The importance of these results are that people who suffer from bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases may benefit from taking crystalline nigellone.

d)  Anti-tumor principles

A study of black seed’s potential anti-tumor principles by the Amala Research Center in Amala Nagar, Kerala (India) in 1991 lent further impetus to Dr. Chakravarty’s suggestion for the possible use of black seed in the treatment of cancer.

Using an active principle of fatty acids derived from black seed, studies with Swiss albino mice showed that this active principle could completely inhibit the development of a common type of cancer cells called Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). A second common type of cancer cells, Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells were also used.

      •     Mice which had received the EAC cells and black seed remained normal without any tumor formation, illustrating that the active principle was 100% effective in preventing EAC tumor development.

•     Results in mice who received DLA cells and black seed showed that the active principle had inhibited tumor development by 50% less compared to mice not given the active principle.

The study concluded, “It is evident that the active principle isolated from nigella sativa seeds is a potent anti-tumor agent, and the constituent long chain fatty acid may be the main active component.” 

e)  Anti-bacterial

In 1989, a report appeared in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmacy about anti-fungal properties of the volatile oil of black seed. 1992 saw researchers at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, conducting a study in which the antibacterial activity of the volatile oil of black seed was compared with five antibiotics:

ampicillin, tetracycline, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, and nalidixic acid. 

The oil proved to be more effective against many strains of bacteria, including those known to be highly resistant to drugs: V. cholera, E. coli (a common infectious agent found in undercooked meats), and all strains of Shigella spp., except Shigella dysentriae. Most strains of Shigella have been shown to rapidly become resistant to commonly used antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents.

In light of the above research findings, it is of interest that homeopaths have long been known to make a tincture from the black seed for digestive and bowel complaints. Traditionally, the black seed is still used to help relieve vomiting and diarrhea, as well as flatulent colic, and to help counteract the griping action of purgatives (e.g. certain laxatives, fruits such as apricots when over consumed). 

f)  Anti-inflammatory

•     As early as 1960, Professor El-Dakhakny reported that black seed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and that it could be useful for relieving the effects of arthritis.

•     1995, a group of scientists at the Pharmacology Research Laboratories, Department of Pharmacy, Kings College, Lond, decided to test the effectiveness of the fixed oil of Nigella sativa and its derivative, thymoquinine, as an anti-inflammatory agent. Their study found that the oil inhibited eicosanoid generation and demonstrated anti-oxidant activity in cells.

•     The inhibition of eicasanoid generation, however, was higher than could be expected from thymoquinone alone. Their study suggested that other compounds within the oil might also be responsible for the enhanced anti-inflammatory reactions in cells.

•     The scientists speculated that the unusual C20:2 unsaturated fatty acids contained in black seed were possibly  responsible   for  boosting   the   oil’s effectiveness.

•     In 1997, studies conducted at the Microbiological Unit of the Research Center, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, found that externally in an ointment form, the anti-inflammatory activity of the black seed was found to be in the same range as that of other similar commercial products. The tests also demonstrated that the black seed is non-allergenic. 

g) Promotes lactation

“ A study by Agarwhal (1979) showed that black seed oil increases the milk output of breastfeeding mothers.

A literature search by the University of Potchefstroom (1989), including biological abstracts, revealed that black seed’s capacity to increase the milk flow of nursing mothers could be attributed to a combination of lipid portion and hormonal structures found in the black seed.

Research shows that Black Seed Oil contains more than 100 components, some of which are still unidentified, that work together synergistically. It is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (also known as “essential fatty acids”) which are the building blocks of cells and help the body produce ProstaglandinE 1.

Black Seed contains the following Essential Fatty Acids: Myristic Acid (0.5%), Palmitic Acid (13.7%), Palmitoleic Acid (0.1%), Stearic Acid (2.6%), Oleic Acid (23.7%), Linoleic Acid [Omega-6] (57.9%), Linolenic Acid [Omega-3] (0.2%), Arachidic Acid (1.3%) - and the following nutrient components Protein, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Niacin, Folacin, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Phosphorus.

14. PUBLISHED REPORTS

Published Scientific Reports confirm that Black Seed has an astounding array of health benefits

•      Increases immune function.- U.S. Patents Sections, Antiviral Agents Bulletin #5,482,711

•            Black seed stimulates bone marrow and immune cells and raises the interferon production, protects normal cells against cell destroying effects of viruses, destroys tumor cells and raises the number of anti-bodies producing B cells.

-Cancer Immuno-biology Laboratory .South Carolina

•      Black seed contains valuable unsaturated fatty acids, for example Linoleic and Gammalinolen acids get into the organism. By that it possible to reach a synthesis of important immune regulating substances derived as from Prostaglandin E1. Linoleic acid stabilizes the cell membranes and Prostaglandin has the effect of inhibiting inflammation. By that the immune reactions are stopped which cause the illnesses and which otherwise could be the start of many chronic illnesses like acne and hayfever right up to cancer.

~ Dr. Peter Schleicher Immunologist, Munich, Germany

•      Black seed proves to have an ant histamine, ant-oxidant, anti-biotic, anti-mycotic and broncho-dilating effect.

- Study of Black seed oil on humans, American Scientists

•      Black seed is truly a remarkable herb that has been used for over 3000 years. It contains over 100 valuable components. It is a significant source of essential fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals.” The seeds are also rich in sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to      have      anticarcinogenic      activity”.

~ Dr. Michael Tierra LAC. O.M.D

•      Black seed tests prove to be genuine universal remedy.

~ Pharmaceutical newspaper, Wissenschaftlicher Text

•      Black seed is a valuable source of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, Bi, B2, C and niacin as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, magnesium and zinc.

~ Phytochemicals of Nigella sativa seeds. Food Chemistry. 

15. BLACK SEED USES & REMEDIES

Commonly known as the “seed of blessing,” black seed (Nigella sativa) has been used as a natural remedy in the Middle and Far East for more than 2000 years. Black seed provides nutritional support for the body’s defense system.

In 1959, the active ingredient in black seed, crystalline Nigellone, was first isolated and identified as providing many health benefits. Clinical trials have validated the efficacy of black seed in promoting health and wellness.

The most pertinent point to be made about black seed is that it should be regarded as part of an overall holistic approach to health and ideally should be incorporated into one’s everyday lifestyle. In this way, the many nutritional and healing properties contained in the seed can help build the body’s immune system over time, supplying it with the optimum resources it needs to help prevent and fight illness. 

16. USES OF BLACK SEED

a) Black seed as a daily health supplement

Most medicines work best when given a chance to run their full course, and this too, is the case with black seed. In cognizance of its substantial nutritional components, as well as its specific medicinal properties, the body’s ability to maintain health and promote healing of a lasting nature is best increased through regular use of black seed.

b)   Black  seed  as  an  energy  source

Ibn Sina (980-1037), in describing the black seed 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, yogurt, pizza, cheese — 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.

c) Black seed and other medication

Black seed may be used in conjunction with conventional or other forms of natural medicine. It is not recommended that black seed be used exclusively in the treatment of serious medical complaints which may require more immediate action. For example, conditions like  bronchitis  sometimes  require  conventional antibiotics to prevent the condition from becoming more severe. However, black seed may be used as a therapeutic aid together with this and other forms of treatment to help counteract any side effects experienced from the use of antibiotics or other potent, chemically based medicines.

d) Pregnancy and lactation

The black seed is not recommended during pregnancy,

however during lactation It is an excellent form of added nutrition for both mother and the growing child while its immune system boosting properties serve as a natural, safe way to build resistance against illness. In addition, as studies have shown, black seed helps increase milk production during breastfeeding.

Initial trials have shown that black seed may have an ability to increase the male sperm count.

e) Babies and toddlers

In addition to its many nutritional components, black seed contains carotene, which is essential for infant growth. During the toddler years, black seed provides children with all the energy they require for this active stage of life. Regular usage of black seed, which increases its immune system strengthening effect on the body, will decrease the length and severity of natural childhood illnesses, particularly during winter when children are most susceptible to contracting colds and flu.

f) Black seed for the elderly person

Which its rich nutritional, energy-giving value, in combination with immune system strengthening properties, black seed is an ideal health supplement for the elderly person.

17. MORE USES OF BLACK SEED

Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in Qanun (Canon of Medicine) says “Black Seed Acts as an Expectorant, it stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.”

Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyya in “Medicines of The Prophet” lists up to 50 illnesses cured by the Black Seed.

These include:-benefits bronchitis and cough, helps increase body tone, digestive tonic, quells belching, dries up damp stomach, quells colic pain - stomach gas cholic, expels worms from intestinal tract, removes patches of leukoderma, benefits some skin allergies such as Acne & Eczema, opens obstruction, stimulates menstrual period, increase flow of breast milk, quells quarta phlegmonous fever and can cause excessive salivation.

He also says that its oil retains the nervous system, helps pertussis, dry cough, asthma, and bronchial respiratory complaints.

Taking the oil unmixed internally can cause gripe and greatly irritates the digestive system.

He also states that it helps abnormal absence of menstruation (Amenorrhoea) and menstrual difficulties (dysmenorrhoea), kills intestinal worms and can promote abortion in very high doses, (doses in excess of 20g Black Seed) it helps tertian fever, paralysis, and piles among other illnesses. 

Stomach worms: Removes the stomach worms and intestinal worms.

Colds: If boiled and applied to the head, it cures cold and rheumatic tendency.

Moles: It can be applied to remove the developed moles from the body, cleans the skin and regularizes the menses.

Headaches: Its paste cures the headache, breaks the boil.

Phlegmatic swelling: If taken with vinegar, it removes the phlegmatic swelling.

Eye Pain: It is mixed up with the oil of Ersa and smelled to cure eye-sore or pain.

Tooth ache: Its gurgle cures the toothache.

Urine discharge: It regularizes the urine-discharge if it is taken.

Mosquitoes: Its smoke drives away the mosquitoes and bugs.

Fevers: It cures the phlegmic and melancholic fevers. A little of it in a bit of cloth tied round a patient cures his cold and cough and fever of fourth day.

Breast Milk: If taken, it increases the milk of the woman.

Abdominal Ailments: parches the moisture of the belly, cures griping colic, pain of the chest, and cough, nausea and vomiting, dropsy and the disease of the spleen.

Complexion: If taken with oil regularly, it reddens the complexion, and fairs it.

Stomach worm: If taken with vinegar, it kills the stomach-worm.

Phlegmatic Fever: If taken with lemon-juice mixed with sugar or honey, it cures fourth day fever and phlegmic fever.

Bladder Stone: If taken with honey, it removes the bladder stone.

Leprosy: Its paste with vinegar cures leprosy and the colocynth deadens the intestinal worm.

Manly Potency: Its paste with olive oil applied to the penis improves the manly- potency.

Mental Disease: Qatada (radhiyallahu anhu) says that twenty one (21 grains of kalaunji should be kept in a bit of cloth, bound up and boiled, first day two drops of the boiled water should be administered into the right nostril and one into the left, second day one into the right and two into left one and one into the left. This treatment is an effective precaution against any mental disease.

Contraction of uterus: A decoction of Black Seeds can promote contraction of the uterus after birth and it benefits eruptive skin diseases.

Gout: Adding to one’s diet helps GOUT, and it can balance the uric acid in blood.

Reduces Swellings: Also helps reduce swellings, and remove scales in ringworm.

Gall Stones & Kidney stones: Crushed Black Seeds sweetened with Honey can help dissolve gall stones and kidney stones and when taken over a few days, it increases urine, menses and milk.

Growth of Hair: Ointment of Black Seeds stimulates growth of the beard, and can prevent hair graying.

Common Cold: Powdered Black Seeds with oil of Coriander Seeds relieves common cold, opens obstructions and dissolves wind. 

18. REMEDIES FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS

      1)      Cough / Asthma : Rub the chest and back with black seed diluted in olive oil (1:5). Inhale the vapour of the oil.        One may also take 1/4 teaspoon of black seed oil placed under tongue.

2)      Diarrhea : Mix a tablespoon of black seed oil with a cup of yogurt. Drink mixture twice a day for 3 days.

3)      Headaches / Head Colds

Remedy 1:

Mix

•         l tbsp. ground black seed

•         l tbsp. ground anise seed

•         l tbsp. powdered cloves

Take one teaspoon of this mixture before meals. Keep mixture in mouth until it can be swallowed. Do not take with water. 

Remedy 2: Take 1/2 teaspoon of black seed oil 2-3 times daily.

4)      Muscular Pain / Rheumatism : Mildly heat a small amount of black seed mixed with olive oil and then stroke the painful area intensely with preparation.

5)      Skin Conditions :

Recipe 1: Internally - Take 1/2 teaspoons black seed oil 2-3 times a day.

Recipe 2: For a clear complexion, mix 1/2 teaspoon of black seed oil with a tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the face with this mixture and leave on for one hour. Wash with soap and water.

6)      Dizziness and ear infection: Use it as a drop for the ears for “infection”; and drink it in tea and rub under your cheek and at the back of your neck for dizziness

7)      For women and delivery: It is the best thing for helping with the pains of labor. Boil the black seed with honey and drink.

      For skin diseases: Mix a unit of the black seed oil with a same unit of rose water and 2 units of brown flour. Before you use the mix rub the area with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Lightly apply the mixture to the skin and then expose to the sun every day.

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PENGALAMAN PESAKIT / TESTIMONIAL

Disini saya ingin memetik pengalaman-pengalaman pesakit yang telah mengunakan Habatus sauda yang dipetik dari buku terbitan Media Synergy. Diharapkan para pembaca dapat mengambil menafaat daripada penggunaan habatus sauda.

A. SAKIT LUTUT SEMBUH

Wan Zaimah binti Wan Nawan, 67 tahun, Besut, Terengganu.

Wan Zaimah mengalami penyakit ini sejak 5 tahun yang lalu. Lutut Wan Zaimah terasa ngilu ketika melakukan aktiviti harian seperti solat dan senaman. Bahkan, kedua lututnya sukar digerakkan. Pelbagai ubat telah digunakan untuk mengatasi masaalah ini termasuklah perubatan moden mahupun tradisional. Namun begitu, penyakit ini tidak juga sembuh.

Pada suatu hari, Wan Zaimah memperolehi herba yang disebut masyarakat sebagai ubat yg pernah digunakan pada zaman Nabi Muhammad S.A.W..  Fakta ini diperkuatkan lagi dengan hadis yang menyatakan ubat ini mampu menyembuhkan pelbagai penyakit. Dengan penuh keyakinan, saya meminum ubat tradisional yang bernama habbatus sauda, sebanyak 3 kali sehari atau sebiji sekali makan. Berkat keyakinan tersebut, ditambah dengan ubat Nabi Muhammad s.a.w., selepas dua bulan, rasa ngilu dibahagian lutut saya berkurangan. Saya tidak sakit lagi sewaktu melakukan senaman harian.

Syukur Alhamdulillah ke hadrat Allah s.w.t. kerana sehingga kini saya merasa sihat dan mampu melakukan aktiviti harian setelah penyakit yang saya alami beransur sembuh. Pengalaman ini menambahkan keyakinan saya bahawa habbatussauda mampu mengatasi rasa ngilu pada tulang. Selain itu, saya merasakan keluhan lain berkurangan.

 B. ALERGI UDARA DINGIN HILANG SELEPAS TIGA HARI

 Norlida binti Mamat, Senawang, Negeri Sembilan

Ibu kepada dua anak ini termasuk dalam keluarga bahagia. Pekerjaannya dalam bidang kewangan di sebuah bank di ibu kota dan kesibukan menguruskan keluarga menyebabkan kesihatannya terjejas. Dia menderita alergi udara dingin, terutamanya penyaman udara. Kebiasaannya apabila terkena udara dingin, dia secara langsung akan bersin dan selsema. Setelah memakan ubat, alergi ini hilang. Keadaan ini kembali apabila tubuhnya lemah.

 Norlida telah mencuba beberapa jenis ubat moden, tetapi alerginya tetap juga tidak sembuh. Beberapa makanan juga dipantang agar alerginya berkurangan. Menyaksikan keadaan ini, suaminya bertanya kenalan terdekat  mengenai perubatan tradisional yang mampu mengatasinya. Kemudian, seorang rakan menyarankan suaminya  mendapatkan kapsul nigella sativa atau jintan hitam yang mempunyai khasiat antihistamin dan mampu menyembuhkan pelbagai jenis penyakit. Norlida memakan kapsul ini sebanyak tiga kali sehari.

Dalam tempoh tiga hari, kesihatannya kembali pulih. Norlida berpendapat ubat yang diberikan suami cukup mujarab kerana alerginya tidak berulang lagi walaupun berada ditempat dingin. Bagi memastikan tahap kesembuhan, Norlida telah menguji tahap alerginya di tempat dingin pada tahap paling sejuk. Hasilnya, dia tidak bersin lagi. Alerginya telah hilang.

C. SEMBELIT HILANG, BERAT BADAN MENJADI SEIMBANG DAN AIR SUSU IBU BERTAMBAH

Norazlina binti Takiyudin, 29 tahun, Mentakab, Pahang

Umumnya, orang yang mengalami kelebihan berat badan sukar untuk menurunkannya kembali. Hal ini dialami Norazlina. Berat badannya mencapai 63 kg dengan tinggi sekitar 157 cm. Masalah ini mengganggu aktiviti hariannya. Pelbagai cara telah diusahakan bagi mencapai keinginannya agar berat badannya kembali ideal semasa anak dara. Norazlina telah mencuba pelbagai ubat untuk mengurangkan nafsu makan. Bahkan, dia melakukan diet dengan tidak mengambil makanan berkarbohidrat. Melalui diet ini, dalam tempoh sebulan berat badannya menurun sebanyak 5 kg. menurut doctor, system pencernaan Norazlina kurang baik. Selain itu, dia mengalami masalah kesukaran membuang air besar setiap hari, iaitu 2-3 kali sehari.

Atas nasihat seorang rakan, Norazlina cuba memakan jintan hitam atau habbatussauda sebanyak 3 kali sehari. Setiap kali makan, dia mengambil 2 biji kapsul. Selepas memakan jintan hitam, system pencernaannya beransur pulih. Bahkan, dalam tempoh seminggu, pembuangan air besarnya teratur dan tidak mengalami sembelit lagi. Pola pemakanan dan senaman yang teratur menyebabkan berat badannya berkurangan sebanyak 3 kg sebulan.

Selain masalah pembuangan air besar teratur, sembelitnya juga hilang. Air susunya bertambah banyak. Seterusnya, ia meningkatkan tenaga batin untuk tempoh yang lama.

D. RASA GATAL BERKURANGAN

Hasmah binti Shafie, 61 tahun, Langkawi, Kedah

Hasmah menderita penyakit gatal di badan selama 10 tahun. Gatal akibat alergi tidak berkurangan meskipun dia telah berpantang dengan beberapa jenis makanan. Selain itu, dia mencuba beberapa jenis ubat yang diperolehi daripada doctor. Hasmah tertarik dengan ubat tradisional setelah membaca artikel yang diberikan menantunya. Pada hari tersebut, menantunya memberikan artikel mengenai khasiat habbatussauda. Ibu kepada tiga orang anak dan dua cucu ini aktif mengikuti pengajian islam tertarik setelah membaca artikel tersebut. Tanpa ragu-ragu, dia ingin mencuba habbatussauda.

 Seterusnya, Hasmah membeli produk habbatussauda berupa kapsul untuk dimakan sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan sebiji kapsul. Selepas sebulan lebih memakan habbatussauda, gatal gatal dibadannya beransur sembuh dan sekali sekala rasa itu timbul pada waktu malam. Kemudian, dia mengurangkan ubat antialergi menjadi sehari sekali dan secara rutin dia memakan habbatussauda.

E. JERAWAT HILANG DALAM 10 HARI

Mohammmad Shamsul Bahri bin Kamarulzaman, 26 tahun, Gombak

Jerawat membuatkan seseorang hilang keyakinan diri. Masalah ini dialami seorang remaja bernama Mohammad Shamsul Bahri. Dia telah berpantang dengan pelbagai makanan yang merangsang pertumbuhan jerawat. Kaedah tradisional dan moden yang digunakan tidak Berjaya menyembuhkan jerawat. Semakin hari, semakin banyak jerawat dialaminya.

 Atas nasihat seorang rakan, Mohammad Shamsul Bahri cuba memakan kapsul habbatussauda sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan sebiji kapsul. Dalam masa yang singkat, jerawatnya mulai hilang. Keadaan ini memberi semangat baru kepadanya untuk memakan kapsul habbatussauda setiap hari. Lama-kelamaan jerawat Mohammad Shamsul menghilang dari wajahnya. Kini, jerawat tidak muncul  lagi. Namun begitu, Mohammad Shamsul Bahri tetap memakan kapsul habbatussauda setiap hari. Dengan cara ini dia bebas daripada jerawat.

F. MENGATASI ASMA SEWAKTU HAMIL

Fadillah binti Mohammed, 30 tahun, Shah Alam

Kesihatan fadillah terjejas selepas diserang penyakit asma ketika mengandung. Fadillah mengalami sesak nafas selama tiga hari dan sukar untuk tidur. Teofilin dan Salbutamol yang diberikan doctor tidak berjaya menyembuhkan penyakitnya. Namun begitu, dia tidak mahu mencuba ubat lain. Dia beranggapan ubat tersebut  memberi kesan negatif terhadap kandungannya yang berusia beberapa bulan.

Bagi mengatasi masalah ini, suaminya memutuskan untuk membawa Fadillah menjali rawatan di pusat perubatan. Kebiasaannya, doctor memberikan suntikan kortiko steroid sebagai perubatan sementara. Tetapi, kaedah ini tidak dilakukan oleh Fadillah memandangkan dia sedang mengandung. Keadaan ini membuatkan mereka bingung tentang ubat yang sesuai untuk ibu mengandung. Atas saranan seorang sahabatnya yang bernama Devi, Fadillah membuat keputusan untuk mencuba kapsul habbatussauda.

 Fadillah memakan kapsul habbatussauda sebanyak satu biji kapsul sehari selama  seminggu. Kini, dia merasakan badannya kelihatan sihat dan penyakit asmanya tidak berulang lagi. Setelah sembuh, Fadillah mengurangkan sukatan habbatussauda kepada satu biji kapsul setiap 2 hari sekali.

G. GATAL DISEBABKAN ALERGI HILANG TANPA MENINGGALKAN KESAN

Sulaiman bin Salleh, 62 tahun, Yan, Kedah

Keluarga Sulaiman gemar memakan makanan laut. Pada 2 tahun lalu, mereka pergi ke sebuah pantai di daerah Pulau Langkawi. Sempena merayakan tahun baru, mereka memesan makanan dari berbagai jenis ikan air masin. Dengan penuh selera, Sulaiman memakan ikan laut yang disajikan. Bahkan, dia menghabiskan lebih daripada tiga ekor ikan kakap merah bakar.

Selepas sambutan tahun baru, Sulaiman merasakan gatal-gatal di bahagian punggung dan tapak tangan. Rasa gatalnya membuatkan masa tidurnya terganggu. Keadaannya bertambah teruk apabila terkena air bisa setelah menggaru. Kejadian ini dialaminya selama tiga hari. Dan dia telah berusaha dengan salep antigatal. Namun begitu, ubat itu gagal memberikan hasil yang memuaskan.

 Pada suatu hari, salah seorang rakan Sulaiman menyarankan agar beliau memakan habbatussauda. Menurut rakannya, habbatussauda sangat baik untuk alergi,gatal-gatal dan masalah kulit lain. Hal ini kerana ia mengandungi jintan hitam. Sulaiman yakin dengan pernyataan rakannya kerana dia adalah seorang pakar herba.

Sewaktu di rumah, Sulaiman memakan kapsul yang disarankan temannya sebanyak tiga kali sehari. Keesokannya, Sulaiman merasa puas hati kerana gatal-gatal di bahagian tangan dan kesannya hilang.

H. REMATIK HILANG DAN TIDUR NYENYAK

Shaidatul Akmal binti Mohammad Razali, 30 tahun, Kuala Lipis, Pahang

“Rasa nyeri berulang kali sehinggakan saya menyapu sampah pun terasa”. Itulah kata-kata yang sering diluar oleh ibu muda beranak satu ini. Keluhan ini dialaminya selepas pulang dari Kuala Lumpur pada 3 tahun lalu. Setelah dihitung, berpuluh kali penyakit ini menyerang dalam tempoh sebulan.

 Pada awalnya, dia mengalami sakit badan dan nyeri di bahagian sendi tangan kanan. Lama kelamaan tangan kanannya terasa ngilu dan sukar untuk digerakkan. Rasa sakit yang perit menyebabkan dia tidak selesa tidur. Akhirnya, Shaidatul Akmal membuat keputusan untuk menjalani pemeriksaan di pusat perubatan. Selepas pemeriksaan, doktor mengesahkan dia menghidap penyakit rematik di bahagian tendon sebelah kanan. Doktor menyarankan dia menjalani pemeriksaan dengan pakar saraf. Kemudian, doktor memberinya ubat penahan sakit. Shaidatul Akmal menghabiskan kesemua ubatnya itu. Setelah habis, penyakit tersebut berulang kembali.

 Seterusnya, Shaidatul Akmal berjalan untuk menemui pakar saraf. Dalam perjalanan dia terserempak dengan rakannya. Dia menceritakan masalah tersebut kepada rakannya. Kemudian, sahabatnya menganjurkan agar Shaidatul Akmal  memakan herba habbatussauda sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan 2 biji kapsul. Selain itu, dia digalakkan memakan habbatussauda sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan 1 biji kapsul. Rakannya mengatakan ubat tersebut berkesan setelah tiga hari memakannya.

Selepas tiga hari, Shaidatul Akmal mampu menggerakkan badan dan dapat tidur lena sepanjang malam. Kini, dia terus memakan habbatussauda sebanyak tiga kali sehari dengan sebiji kapsul.

Diet is the top medicine, and the stomach is the home of disease; give each person what he used to (of food and medicine) – Al Harith Kalada (The renown Arab doctor).

Al Harith stated that the stomach is the residence of the disease. The stomach is a curved organ that looks like a gourd and consists of three layers of delicate and neutral components called fibers and surrounded by flesh. The fibers of one layer are arranges longitudinally, while the second layer’s fibers are horizontal and the third slanting. The tip of the stomach has more nerves, while the bottom has more flesh and its interior is coated and fuzzy. The stomach is located in the middle of the abdomen, leaning more to the right side, created in this shape by the wisdom of the All-Wise Creator.

The stomach is indeed the residence of the ailment; it is the center of the digestion and maturing process of all food and drink. After that, the digested food descends to the liver and the intestines. Meanwhile, excess amounts of partially digested substances that the stomach was not able to digest completely remain, either because the amount of nourishment was excessive, spoiled, or were not consumed in proper order, or all of these reasons. Some of this excrement remains in the stomach and the body is not able to completely discard them, and this is why the stomach is the residence of ailments.  

Stomach can be described as a mobile “Septic Tank”. Normally septic tank is dirty and smelly. It is full of worms, bacteria and excretes bad smell. Similarly, if the stomach does not process food completely and discard waste products fully, it will enhance the growth of worms, bacteria and excrete toxic gas. The worms and bacteria will multiply rapidly when the environment in the stomach is conducive for them to do so. These worms and bacteria will consume food nutrients and also attacking body organs and many parts of the body. When the body immune system is strong, it would be able to fight, control and destroy the bacteria. However, when the body is weak and the immune system is weak, it will begin to attack body organs and its functions without any obstruction. These bacteria can cause many ailments including cancer, skin diseases etc.

As for the toxic gas, it will move to different part of the body. Gaseous substances and moistures ascend from the stomach to the upper parts of the body and cause many ailments, such as conjunctivitis. When the body’s resistance is strong, it will push these gaseous substances to the nose and cause a congestion that usually accompanies colds. When these substances are pushed up through the uvula and the nostrils, they cause angina. When these moistures are pushed towards the side, they cause pleurisy, and when they reach the chest they causes pneumonia. When the moistures reach the heart they cause rapid pulse, and when they reach the eyes they cause conjunctivitis. When they reach the intestinal cavity, they cause diarrhea and when they reach the brain they cause forgetfulness. If the brain receives excessive amounts of these gaseous moistures, they might cause heavy sleeping. This is why sleep is wet while awake is dry. When the septic gases unsuccessfully seek to depart from the body through the head, they will cause headaches and less sleep. When these gaseous attack one side of the brain, they cause migraines. If the gases reach the cerebral divider and cause it coldness, hotness or wetness, it will cause sneezing. If the gases cause the accumulation of phlegm in the central divider, so that its hot nature becomes weak, they cause unconsciousness and stroke. If the gases excite the black bile, they will cause obsession, and if they reach the nerves, they will cause real epilepsy. When the cerebral nerves receive these gases they will suffer from facial paralysis. If these gases were caused by inflame yellow bile that heats the brain, they will cause cerebral tumors, and when the chest receives a part of these gases, they will cause pleurisy.

Current technology is focus more on treating diseases instead of solving the root cause of diseases. The root cause of all diseases is due to dirty stomach. Al Harith indicates the importance of eating less food and preventing the heart from fulfilling its desires. This will lead to healthy body which is free from all kind of diseases.

Black Seed Enhance Body Immune System

Black seed is the best natural herb which improves food digestion and prevents constipation. The stool will be soften and completely removed from the stomach during the call of nature. It will create clean stomach which is free from bacteria, worms and unwanted toxic gas.

Black seed is hot and dry in the first degree. It is good, mild medication that does not cause any side effects. Due to it hotness, it will kill all worms, bacteria in the intestine and also remove fat from intestine internal layer. Subsequently, this would enable the blood to absorb food nutrient more effectively and efficiently.  The blood will contain a balance food nutrient, free from bacteria and help to improve body functions. Consequently, the body immune system will be strengthened since it does not require fighting bacteria excessively.

Early Sign on Improvement of Body Health:

1)      Good excretion of unwanted waste product. You will feel your rectum/lower intestine is empty every time you complete your call of nature.

2)      Urination is very good and almost clear in color. It shows that your urine is clean.

3)      You will be free from headache especially when there is change of weather.

4)      Your body will have strong resistance against cold and flu

5)      Your body will be more energetic  

6)      This will be followed with improvement to your general health

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 23 Nov 2003 - 0:00 PDT

 
Taking too many painkillers can damage some people’s kidneys permanently, scientists claim.

Overuse was defined as taking two doses of full strength aspirin or extra strong paracetamol every day.

The risk only affects people who are susceptible - most people, including cardiovascular patients taking small doses of aspirin - are not at risk.

But doctors told the American Society of Nephrology they had no way of spotting the few who are at risk.

The researchers found that heavy use of aspirin or paracetamol - defined as 300 grams a year - was linked to a condition known as small, indented and calcified kidneys (SICK).

The condition was detected in patients with irreversible kidney failure by carrying out computed tomography (CT) scans.

Changes in the kidneys

Over 200 patients treated for kidney failure across the US were scanned for SICK and asked about their use of painkillers.

Seven per cent were found to have SICK, and a third of those patients had overused analgesics.

Scientists from the National Analgesic Nephropathy Study said: ‘We conclude that heavy use of analgesics at least nine years prior to the development of irreversible kidney failure is associated with the anatomic changes of small, indented and calcified kidneys.’

Dr Vardaman Buckalew, a kidney specialist at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina said: ‘If a patient does have SICK, there is an increased likelihood of analgesic abuse.’

He added: ‘We think just some individuals are susceptible, But there is no way yet to figure out which individuals are susceptible and which aren’t.’

A spokeswoman for the National Kidney Research Fund told BBC News Online: ‘Large doses of some analgesics, including aspirin and paracetamol, may depress kidney function in patients who already have kidney disease.

She added: ‘Extremely large doses of aspirin and paracetamol can cause acute renal failure, usually when taken as a suicide attempt.

‘And there is some anxiety that if large doses can cause disease in many subjects, lower doses may cause it in a few subjects.

‘The advice is don’t take analgesics unless you really need them, take single drugs such as aspirin and paracetamol, carefully study the instructions - and if you have any kidney disease, seek medical advice before taking analgesics.’