Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) is a small herb. The seeds produce a yellowish brown volatile oil on steam-distillation, with an unpleasant odor.
It is useful in some conditions of cough and bronchial asthma. The alcoholic extract of the seeds is reported to prevent dental caries. The seed oil has antibacterial, insecticidal, bronchiodilatory, hypotensive, and immunostimulant properties.
It is also known as Small Fennel.
