Kalajaji — Black Caraway

Ayurvedic herb Kalajaji (Nigella sativa) — Black Caraway. Pharmacological properties: Rasa Katu, Tikta, Virya Ushna, Vipaka Katu. Balances Vata, Kapha.

Ayurvedic Herbs A–Z 1 min read
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Nigella sativa (Kalonji) is a potent stimulant for digestion and respiration, used to pacify vata and Kapha.

ⓘ Information
PropertyValueDescription
RasaKatu, TiktaKatu (Pungent) — stimulates digestion, circulation, expectorant; Tikta (Bitter) — detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
GunaLaghu, RukshaLaghu (Light) — easy to digest, promotes lightness; Ruksha (Dry) — absorbs moisture, drying
ViryaUshnaUshna (Hot) — heating, increases metabolism and Pitta
VipakaKatuKatu (Pungent) — post-digestive pungent, lightening
PrabhavaDeepana, Garbhashaya ShodhakaDeepana — kindles digestive fire without digesting ama; Garbhashaya Shodhaka

Sanskrit Synonyms

In the classical Ayurvedic texts, Kalajaji is known by the following Sanskrit names:

Kalonji, Upakunchika, Sushavi, Prthvika

Parts Used

The medicinal parts of Kalajaji are: bija.

Main Indications

Kalajaji is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:

Sutika Roga, Agnimandya, Gulma, Anaha, Krimiroga.

Dosha Effects

Kalajaji pacifies Vata, Kapha.

It may aggravate Pitta when used in excess or in sensitive individuals.

Usage

Kalajaji is used in classical Ayurvedic formulations. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation based on your constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API)

Source: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH

Rasa (Taste)Kauu, Tikta
Guna (Quality)Laghu, Rūkṣa
Virya (Potency)Uṣḍa
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect)Kauu
Karma (Action)Rucya, Saṇgr¡hi, Cakṣuṣya, Garbh¡¿ayavi¿odhana, Pittala, Dipana, P¡cana, Medhya, Hrdya, V¡takaph¡paha, Krmighna
Dose1-3 g of the drug in powder form.
Therapeutic Uses: Gulma, ādhm¡na, Atis¡ra, Krmiroga
Important Formulations: N¡r¡yaḍa Cūrḍa, K¡´k¡yana Guuik¡
Botanical Name: Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranunculaceae)
Part Used: Sd.

Therapeutic Uses (IMPPAT Database)

Source: Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT) v1.0 — CC BY 4.0

Part UsedTherapeutic UseIdentifiersReferences
leafSkin diseasesMESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0ZISBN:9770972795006
seedAbdominal painMESH:D015746,UMLS:C0000737, SYMP:0000457, ICD-11:MD81.4ISBN:9788171360536
seedAbortifacient agentsMESH:D000019,UMLS:C0000782, ICD-11:JA00.1ISBN:9770972795006, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedImmunostimulantMESH:D000276,UMLS:C0001551ISBN:9788172362461
seedAmenorrheaMESH:D000568,UMLS:C0002453, DOID:13938, ICD-11:GA20.0ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536
seedAnalgesicsMESH:D000700,UMLS:C0002771, ICD-11:XM49F7ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461
seedAnemiaMESH:D000740,UMLS:C0002871, DOID:2355, ICD-11:3A9ZISBN:9788172362461
seedAnesthesiaMESH:D000758,UMLS:C0278134ISBN:9770972795006
seedAnorexiaMESH:D000855,UMLS:C1971624, DOID:8689, ICD-11:MG43.7ISBN:9788171360536
seedAnthelminticsMESH:D000871,UMLS:C0003158, ICD-11:XM4EC0ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedAnti-bacterial agentsMESH:D000900,UMLS:C0279516, ICD-11:XM8XH0ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedAnticonvulsantsMESH:D000927,UMLS:C0003286, ICD-11:XM07T3ISBN:9770972795006
seedAntifungal agentsMESH:D000935,UMLS:C0003308, ICD-11:XM83G4ISBN:9770972795006
seedAnti-inflammatory agentsMESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedAntimutagenic agentsMESH:D016587,UMLS:C0085168ISBN:9770972795006
seedAntineoplastic agentsMESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392ISBN:9770972795006
seedAntioxidantsMESH:D000975,UMLS:C0003402ISBN:9770972795006
seedAntipyreticsMESH:D058633,UMLS:C0003419, ICD-11:XM1RS7ISBN:9770972795006
seedAntirheumatic agentsMESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461
seedAntispermatogenic agentsMESH:D000988,UMLS:C0003433ISBN:9770972795006
seedAnxiety disordersMESH:D001008,UMLS:C0003469, DOID:2030, ICD-11:6B00ISBN:9770972795006
seedAppetite stimulantsMESH:D019167,UMLS:C0376447ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedArthritisMESH:D001168,UMLS:C0003864, DOID:848, ICD-11:FA2ZISBN:9770972795006
seedAscitesMESH:D001201,UMLS:C0003962, ICD-11:ME04ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172362461, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedAsthmaMESH:D001249,UMLS:C0004096, DOID:2841, ICD-11:CA23ISBN:9770972795006
seedBronchial spasmMESH:D001986,UMLS:C0006266ISBN:9789327275590
seedBronchodilator agentsMESH:D001993,UMLS:C0006280, ICD-11:XM0W90ISBN:9788172362461
seedCardiotonic agentsMESH:D002316,UMLS:C0007209, ICD-11:XM91S1ISBN:9770972795006
seedCatharticsMESH:D002400,UMLS:C0007422, ICD-11:XM6GE9ISBN:9770972795006, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedCentral nervous system depressantsMESH:D002492,UMLS:C0007681, ICD-11:XM6QP4ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461
seedChemopreventionMESH:D018890,UMLS:C0282515ISBN:9770972795006
seedColicMESH:D003085,UMLS:C0232488, ICD-11:MD81.4Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedCommon coldMESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9789327275590, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedConjunctivitisMESH:D003231,UMLS:C0009763, DOID:6195, ICD-11:9A60ISBN:9788171360536
seedContraceptive agentsMESH:D003270,UMLS:C0009871ISBN:9770972795006
seedCoughMESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9789327275590, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedDental cariesMESH:D003731,UMLS:C0011334, DOID:216, ICD-11:DA08.0ISBN:9788172362461
seedDiabetes mellitusMESH:D003920,UMLS:C0011849, DOID:9351, ICD-11:5A14ISBN:9770972795006
seedDiarrheaMESH:D003967,UMLS:C0011991, DOID:13250, ICD-11:ME05.1ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536
seedDigestive system diseasesMESH:D004066,UMLS:C0012242, ICD-11:DE2ZISBN:9770972795006
seedDiureticsMESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9789327275590, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedDysenteryMESH:D004403,UMLS:C0277526, DOID:12384, ICD-11:1A40.ZISBN:9788171360536
seedDysmenorrheaMESH:D004412,UMLS:C0013390, ICD-11:GA34.3ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536
seedDyspepsiaMESH:D004415,UMLS:C0013395, ICD-11:DD90.3ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172362461
seedEczemaMESH:D004485,UMLS:C0013595ISBN:9770972795006
seedEdemaMESH:D004487,UMLS:C0013604, ICD-11:MG29.1ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461
seedDisorder of ejaculationUMLS:C0235969ISBN:9788172362461
seedExanthemaMESH:D005076,UMLS:C0015230Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedEye infectionsMESH:D015817,UMLS:C0015403, ICD-11:9C20.2Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedFeverMESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedFlatulenceMESH:D005414,UMLS:C0016204, ICD-11:ME08ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedFurunculosisMESH:D005667,UMLS:C0016867, ICD-11:1B75.0ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9789327275590
seedGalactogoguesMESH:D056669,UMLS:C2717873ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedGoutMESH:D006073,UMLS:C0018099, DOID:13189, ICD-11:FA25ISBN:9770972795006
seedHeadacheMESH:D006261,UMLS:C0018681, ICD-11:8A81.ZStandardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedHelminthiasisMESH:D006373,UMLS:C0018889, ICD-11:1F90.ZISBN:9788171360536
seedHemorrhoidsMESH:D006484,UMLS:C0019112, DOID:9746, ICD-11:DB60.ZISBN:9788172362461, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedHypercholesterolemiaMESH:D006937,UMLS:C0020443, ICD-11:5C80.0ISBN:9770972795006
seedHypoglycemic agentsMESH:D007004,UMLS:C0020616ISBN:9788172362461
seedHypotensionMESH:D007022,UMLS:C0020649, ICD-11:BA2ZISBN:9788172362461
seedInsecticidesMESH:D007306,UMLS:C0021576, ICD-11:XM3K66ISBN:9770972795006
seedJaundiceMESH:D007565,UMLS:C0022346, ICD-11:ME10.1ISBN:9788171360536, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedKidney calculiMESH:D007669,UMLS:C0022650, ICD-11:GB70.0Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedKidney diseasesMESH:D007674,UMLS:C0022658, DOID:557, ICD-11:GC2ZISBN:9770972795006
seedLactation disordersMESH:D007775,UMLS:C0022927, ICD-11:JB46.7ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9789327275590, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedLaxativesMESH:D054368,UMLS:C0282090, ICD-11:XM62T3ISBN:9770972795006
seedLipid peroxidationMESH:D015227,UMLS:C0023775ISBN:9770972795006
seedLiver diseasesMESH:D008107,UMLS:C0023895, DOID:409, ICD-11:SA0ZISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172362461
seedLung diseasesMESH:D008171,UMLS:C0024115, DOID:850, ICD-11:CB40.YPharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedMenstruation-inducing agentsMESH:D008600,UMLS:C0025346ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III, Standardization of Single Drugs of Unani Medicine Part - II
seedMumpsMESH:D009107,UMLS:C0026780, DOID:10264, ICD-11:1D80ISBN:9770972795006
seedNeuralgiaMESH:D009437,UMLS:C0027796, ICD-11:MG30.5ZISBN:9770972795006
seedOsteoporosisMESH:D010024,UMLS:C0029456, DOID:11476, ICD-11:FB83.1ISBN:9770972795006
seedParalysisMESH:D010243,UMLS:C0522224ISBN:9788171360536, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedPeriodontitisMESH:D010518,UMLS:C0031099, DOID:824, ICD-11:DA0CISBN:9770972795006
seedPharyngitisMESH:D010612,UMLS:C0031350, DOID:2275, ICD-11:CA02.ZISBN:9770972795006
seedPuerperal disordersMESH:D011644,UMLS:C0034040ISBN:9770972795006
seedRabiesMESH:D011818,UMLS:C0034494, DOID:11260, ICD-11:1C82Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedRadiation-protective agentsMESH:D011837,UMLS:C0034540ISBN:9770972795006
seedGeneral tonic for rejuvenationMESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9780387706375, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9789327275590, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedScorpion stingsMESH:D065008,UMLS:C0238417, ICD-11:NE61ISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172361266, ISBN:9788172363130, Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedSkin diseasesMESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0ZISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788171360536, ISBN:9788172361266
seedSnake bitesMESH:D012909,UMLS:C0037379Pharmacognosy Of Indigenous Drugs Volume III
seedTonsillitisMESH:D014069,UMLS:C0040425, DOID:10456, ICD-11:CA03.ZISBN:9770972795006
seedUlcerMESH:D014456,UMLS:C0041582ISBN:9770972795006
seedUterine contractionMESH:D014590,UMLS:C0042130, ICD-11:GA16.YISBN:9770972795006, ISBN:9788172363130
seedVitiligoMESH:D014820,UMLS:C0042900, DOID:12306, ICD-11:ED63.0ISBN:9770972795006
seedVomitingMESH:D014839,UMLS:C0042963, ICD-11:MD90.1ISBN:9770972795006
seedEructationMESH:D004884,UMLS:C0014724, ICD-11:MD91ISBN:9770972795006
seedDiaphoreticUMLS:C1707737ISBN:9770972795006
whole plantAntineoplastic agentsMESH:D000970,UMLS:C0003392ISBN:9788172362461
whole plantContraceptive agentsMESH:D003270,UMLS:C0009871ISBN:9788172362461
whole plantVitiligoMESH:D014820,UMLS:C0042900, DOID:12306, ICD-11:ED63.0ISBN:9788172362461
ImmunostimulantMESH:D000276,UMLS:C0001551ISBN:9770972795006
AmenorrheaMESH:D000568,UMLS:C0002453, DOID:13938, ICD-11:GA20.0ISBN:9788173717055
AnalgesicsMESH:D000700,UMLS:C0002771, ICD-11:XM49F7ISBN:9788173717055
AnorexiaMESH:D000855,UMLS:C1971624, DOID:8689, ICD-11:MG43.7ISBN:9788173717055
AnthelminticsMESH:D000871,UMLS:C0003158, ICD-11:XM4EC0ISBN:9788173717055
Anti-inflammatory agentsMESH:D000893,UMLS:C0003209, ICD-11:XM7XD1ISBN:9788173717055
AntipyreticsMESH:D058633,UMLS:C0003419, ICD-11:XM1RS7ISBN:9788173717055
Antirheumatic agentsMESH:D018501,UMLS:C0003191, ICD-11:XM95N2ISBN:9770972795006
Appetite stimulantsMESH:D019167,UMLS:C0376447ISBN:9788173717055
Bronchial spasmMESH:D001986,UMLS:C0006266ISBN:9780387706375
Common coldMESH:D003139,UMLS:C0009443, DOID:10459, ICD-11:CA00ISBN:9780387706375
CoughMESH:D003371,UMLS:C0010200, ICD-11:MD12ISBN:9788173717055
DiarrheaMESH:D003967,UMLS:C0011991, DOID:13250, ICD-11:ME05.1ISBN:9788173717055
DiureticsMESH:D004232,UMLS:C0012798, ICD-11:XM4D06ISBN:9788173717055
DysenteryMESH:D004403,UMLS:C0277526, DOID:12384, ICD-11:1A40.ZISBN:9788173717055
DysmenorrheaMESH:D004412,UMLS:C0013390, ICD-11:GA34.3ISBN:9788173717055
DyspepsiaMESH:D004415,UMLS:C0013395, ICD-11:DD90.3ISBN:9788173717055
EndophthalmitisMESH:D009877,UMLS:C0014236, DOID:4692, ICD-11:9C21ISBN:9788173717055
ExpectorantsMESH:D005100,UMLS:C0015314ISBN:9788173717055
FeverMESH:D005334,UMLS:C0015967, ICD-11:MG26ISBN:9788172363130, ISBN:9788173717055
FlatulenceMESH:D005414,UMLS:C0016204, ICD-11:ME08ISBN:9788173717055
GalactogoguesMESH:D056669,UMLS:C2717873ISBN:9788173717055
GoutMESH:D006073,UMLS:C0018099, DOID:13189, ICD-11:FA25ISBN:9770972795006
HalitosisMESH:D006209,UMLS:C0018520, ICD-11:MD94ISBN:9788173717055
HeadacheMESH:D006261,UMLS:C0018681, ICD-11:8A81.ZISBN:9788173717055
HelminthiasisMESH:D006373,UMLS:C0018889, ICD-11:1F90.ZISBN:9788173717055
HemorrhageMESH:D006470,UMLS:C0019080, ICD-11:MG27ISBN:9788173717055
HypohidrosisMESH:D007007,UMLS:C0020620, DOID:11155, ICD-11:EE01.ZISBN:9788173717055
InflammationMESH:D007249,UMLS:C0021368ISBN:9788173717055
Insect repellentsMESH:D007302,UMLS:C0021572ISBN:9770972795006
InsecticidesMESH:D007306,UMLS:C0021576, ICD-11:XM3K66ISBN:9770972795006
JaundiceMESH:D007565,UMLS:C0022346, ICD-11:ME10.1ISBN:9788173717055
Lactation disordersMESH:D007775,UMLS:C0022927, ICD-11:JB46.7ISBN:9788173717055
Menstruation disturbancesMESH:D008599,UMLS:C0025345, ICD-11:GA20.30ISBN:9788172363130
Menstruation-inducing agentsMESH:D008600,UMLS:C0025346ISBN:9788173717055
ParalysisMESH:D010243,UMLS:C0522224ISBN:9788173717055
General tonic for rejuvenationMESH:D012060,UMLS:C0035016ISBN:9788173717055
Skin diseasesMESH:D012871,UMLS:C0037274, DOID:37, ICD-11:EM0ZISBN:9788173717055
Snake bitesMESH:D012909,UMLS:C0037379ISBN:9770972795006
Urination disordersMESH:D014555,UMLS:C0042035, ICD-11:GB0YISBN:9788173717055