The Big 4: Black Seeds, Henna, Olive Oil and Siwak

Assalaamu Aleykum Warahmatulallah Wabarakatuhu

Black Seeds or Nigella, Henna, Olive Oil and Siwak are very well known as highly recommended by the Prophet saws. I would like to shortly introduce them all to you Insha Allah.

The Black Seed: the hadith narrates: Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "There is healing in black cumin for all diseases except death."

These seeds truly have an ability to cure various illnesses. The key though is to take them on a regular basis, and not only when the illness occurs. That way it will have a preventative effect as well as the healing effect. It improves the digestive system, expels the gasses, helps fight common colds, helps to expel kidney and liver stones, aids in hair loss, etc. Both whole and ground seeds are used, although from most of the recipes i've come across, ground seeds are used most of the time. The black seed oil is also commonly used, and the seeds and oil can be used simultaneously as well. The seeds can be added to salads, cheese, sauces and other dishes for regular use. The oil can be used externally as well as taken orally. Just make sure the oil you have is meant to be eaten and is 100% natural.

Chemical Composition - seeds contain 1.5% volatile oil, while 37.5% Non volatile oil. In addition to this Albumen, Sugar, Organic acids, Glucoside Melanthin Metarbin and bitter substances are also found. The Glucoside is toxic in nature, hence the use of Kalonji in large doses and prolonged use might be harmful.

The Olive:    Quran Surah 95 "The Fig"

1. By the fig and olive
2. And the mount of Sinai
3. And the city of security
4. We have indeed created man in the best of moulds 

I guess there are probably no one on this earth who has not yet heard about the olive and its praised qualities, although Allah knows best.
Allah's Messenger saws said, "Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree." Olive oil is extracted from the ripened fruits. The unripe and over ripe fruits contain less amount of the oil. The fruits are processed three times. The olives, oil and leaves have great benefits for skin, hair and nails, gums and teeth, delays aging process, useful in sexual weakness, treats ulcers and boils, works as an appetizer and removes constipation, treats ear ailments, relieves muscular pain, aids in case of arthritis, aids to remove gall bladder and kidney stones and also treats illnesses such as hemorrhoids, anal fissure, skin diseases, pleurisy, leprosy and what not!!!

You can enjoy olive oil by dipping some pita bread in it for breakfast, which is very popular in Morocco, use it in salads, making of bread. Although it is said that using olive oil for cooking is not recommended, you CAN use it regardless making sure you dont overheat it. It has a smoke point (the point where the oil starts to burn and break down) between 204 and 180 C.

The Siwak Stick: is the healthiest thing you can give to your gums n' teeth! The hadith reports: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Were I not afraid that it would be hard on my followers, I would order them to use the siwak (as obligatory, for cleaning the teeth).

The siwak is a natural twig fortified with natural minerals that help clean the teeth, other inhibitors that prevent gums from bleeding, cleaning agents that kill microbes and germs and a scent that gives breath a naturally fresh smell. The siwak is an ideal, natural brush that has been endowed with more than any artificial toothpaste could ever have.

Like a toothbrush, the wicks on the siwak clean between the teeth and do not break under any amount of pressure; rather, they are flexible and strong. The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums. You can read here for more information insha Allah.

Henna: in the hadith Hazrat Umme Salma (R) narrates: “In the life of Prophet Muhammed (Pbuh), no injury or thorn piercing was treated on which Henna was not applied.” (Tirmizi, Sanad-e-Ahmed)

Henna is probably most popular for its dye qualities on the hair and for making the temporary henna tatoos. But henna has several other uses to improve health an aid in ailments. It has healing properties and promotes formation of healthy flesh to fill a gap, expels fluids from the wounds.
Its gargles are beneficial in stomatitis and all ulcers of tongue, cheeks and lips. Its local application has soothing effects on acute inflammations and hot abscesses. Henna levels’ extract in oil mixed with natural wax and oil of rose, if applied locally in conditions of backache, is highly effective.

It is a clinically tested fact that if henna leaves paste is applied on the soles of the patients of small pox and chicken pox, the eyes remain unaffected with the disease and besides become dry very soon. Dry leaves of Henna if kept in clothes, serve the purpose of insect repellant. If the paste of Henna is applied on nails, the lustre of the nails increases and if applied on feet and soles, is effective in burning feet syndrome. If the nails become disfigured after getting fungal infection, it is advisable to use Henna with vinegar to restore it to normalcy. The paste of Henna is very effective in Burns and scalds. For more information please read this article.