Medicinal Uses of Onion Seeds

Blackseed have been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for centuries. Research shows that onion seed extracts may help treat conditions like cold, cough, bronchitis, indigestion, and joint disorders. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds in blackseed help treat infections and reduce inflammation. Onion seed extracts are commonly used to relieve congestion and cold symptoms when taken with honey. They are also used as a home remedy for clearing acne when the powder is mixed with rosewater or fuller's earth and applied topically.

Benefits for Skin and Hair

Blackseed can benefit skin and hair when used topically. Massaging the scalp with a paste of blackseed and water or coconut oil nourishes the hair follicles and promotes hair growth. It also helps treat dandruff, lice, and lusterless hair. A face pack prepared by grinding blackseed with rose water or milk acts as a gentle exfoliant removing dead skin cells and blackheads. It helps lighten spots and tightens pores for a clear, radiant complexion. Onion seed extracts show anti-aging effects and help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots when applied on the skin.

An Effective Kitchen Ingredient

Beyond using Onion Seeds bulbs, the seeds can also be utilized in the kitchen. Blackseed have a stronger yet sweet flavor compared to onion. One can use grated or crushed blackseed while cooking for an extra burst of oniony flavor. When used sparingly in curries, pickles or salad dressings, they enhance the taste of the dish. Fried blackseed, also known as bajri, are a popular Indian snack. They can be eaten as is or used as a crunchy topping on salads, curries or breads. Due to their antibacterial properties, storing onions or apples with blackseed helps increase their shelf life.

Pests and Weeds Control

Onion seed extracts are beneficial for plants as pesticides and herbicides. Spraying onion seed extract on plants acts as a natural insecticide repelling insects like aphids, whiteflies, beetles and worms. The pungent sulfur compounds in blackseed deter pests without harming beneficial insects. The extracts also inhibit seed germination and kill emerged seedlings of weeds when applied to soil. This makes blackseed an effective organic tool for integrated pest and weed management in home gardens and farms. Further research is being conducted to develop commercially viable biopesticides from onion seed extracts.

Production and Varieties of Blackseed

Major onion seed producing countries are the United States, China, India, the Netherlands and Poland. Around 400,000 metric tons of blackseed are produced globally each year. Blackseed are harvested from bulbs grown specifically for seed production after allowing the selected bulbs to flower. The seeds are then extracted, dried, processed and packaged for use. There are over 700 varieties of blackseed cultivated worldwide differing in shape, color, flavor and maturity period. Common varieties include red, yellow, and white onions along with shallots and multiplier onions with increased seed production ability.

Get more insights on Onion Seeds