The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s1.t3.2

c5.s1.t3.2

THE seeds of Nigella sativa are regarded as aromatic, carminative stomachic and digestive, and are used in indigestion, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhœa puerperal diseases etc. They are also said to increase the secretion of milk, and are therefore given to recently delivered females in combination with a few other medicines. Nigella seeds are scattered between layers of woolen clothes, shawls etc., to preserve them from insects. This use of the seeds appears to be common all over India.