Black Seeds (Nigella sativa):
A nutrient-rich seed, also called black cumin or kalonji, prized for its thymoquinone content (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory). Used in pharmaceuticals (immune support, respiratory health), cosmetics (anti-acne, haircare), and food (spice, natural preservatives).
**Primary Sources:**
– **Top Producers:** India, Egypt, Pakistan, Syria, and Turkey.
– **Growing Regions:** Native to the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and North Africa; cultivated in arid/semi-arid climates.
**Key Fact:**
Dubbed “the seed of blessing” in ancient texts, it has been used in traditional medicine (e.g., Ayurveda, Unani) for millennia. Wild-harvested or farmed sustainably for oil extraction and whole-seed trade.
