Also Known as Fennel flower, Onion seed, Gith and falsely as Black Cumin or Black Caraway. Nigella is part of the buttercup family. This little seed is reputed to have been grown commercially for almost 2000 years. Rich in fatty oils especially unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (50 – 60%), oleic acid (20%). Saturated fatty acids (palmitic, stearic acid) amount to about 30% or less. There are many and varied claims for the medicinal properties of Nigella Seed from soothing an upset stomach and as a treatment for scorpion stings, to being used as an insect repellent for clothes. Originating in Western Asia it is taken by Rose Finches, Cinnamon and Tree Sparrows, Munia and Redpolls naturally, but is taken generally by all other finches.
