Black Herbs And Spices (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

Before we look into the different lists of herbs and spices, let’s consider what makes them different from each other.

Spices are parts of plants that are bark, fruits, seeds, and fruits. While herbs are the leaves, stems, and flowers we use in cooking, spices are normally dried. On the other hand, herbs can be used fresh or dehydrated.

So many restaurants and people have been termed “bad cooks” because they did not add enough salt and spices to the food they prepared. Just imagine how our taste buds will be so plain and boring without herbs and spices.

Black Spices (uses, health benefits, and where to buy them)

Apart from the taste and aroma spices and herbs give to food, there are so many health advantages you stand to gain when you regularly use them. Some spices are eaten raw, used in cooking foods and making medicines. Read on to get to know each of them and their different uses.

1. Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum )

Black cardamom, or Queen of spices, as she is called by some, is an aromatic spice. It is used mainly in Indian dishes and has a lot of benefits. It is also called “hill cardamom.” It is refined by some cultures into a special oil and used for cosmetics and medicines.

It is used medicinally to treat coughs, heart-related issues, and some other respiratory problems like asthma, whooping cough, and bronchitis. It is one of the numerous spices that can be chewed.

The seeds gotten from black cardamom are said to have some antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They protect your oral health, boost your immune system and prevent infections. Black cardamom seeds, powder, and tea are available from Amazon and Walmart.

2. Black cumin (Nigella sativa)

Nigella Sativa is the scientific name for black cumin. You can also call it black seed, Roman coriander, or black caraway. It is a spice that is also used in making herbal medicines. It is prominent in Africa, the southwest of Asia and some parts of the Mediterranean. It takes on the aroma of fennel and the strong flavor of nutmeg, though they are not related.

The oil extracted from black cumin is used by Muslims to make medicine. These medicines are used to treat different health-related issues such as lactation, postpartum, and menstrual issues. Black cumin seeds have properties of quinine and an abundance of thymoquinone. It has also been proven clinically that it has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Most herbal stores will definitely sell black cumin, or better yet, purchase it from Amazon.

3. Black mustard seeds (Brassica alba)

Just as the name implies, black mustard is the plant that produces the seeds. There are over 30 varieties of mustard plants. Black mustard is more difficult to harvest. That is why other species like white, brown, dark yellow mustard, etc are more prominent than black mustard.

Oil from the seed is extracted and used for colds, rheumatism, strained joints, and arthritis. Black mustard leaves are also used in foods like salads as a spice and condiment.

However, black mustard seeds have some side effects, especially when taken raw and excessively. It can lead to heart failure, coma, dizziness, and even death. It can also lead to skin damage when left on the skin longer than it should stay.

Pregnant women, diabetic patients, and people who have recently had surgery should not use the blacstard seeds. If they must use them, it should be in a very small quantity. You can buy black mustard seeds from Amazon, Walmart, or any spice and condiment store around you.

4. Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Black pepper is one of the most common spices that serves multiple purposes in meals. It is made from ground pepper and has a very strong and sharp flavor that is always outstanding in meals. It is known as the king of spices.

This spice is more than just a cooking staple; it was used in the ancient days to make medicines because of its high level of potent plant properties like piperine and antioxidants. Scientific tests show that black pepper has the potential to reduce cholesterol levels, fight and destroy cancerous cells, induce weight loss and can be used as a pain reliever.

A sprinkle of this black spice when ground in your fish, meat, or poultry when marinating is very tasty. It gives a confident taste to dishes and bonds well with some other seasonings like curry, garlic, turmeric, and cumin. You can buy it from Tridge, Amazon, Walmart, or any grocery store you prefer.

5. Black salt (Kala namak)

Other names for black salt are kala namak and Himalayan black salt. It is cultivated and originated in India. It is mainly mined by the Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi. When it was found, people used it for ayurvedic medicine. This is because they considered it therapeutic and holy.

In modern times, black is mainly used as an ingredient for cooking dishes. Its sulphuric properties are what give it its taste and smell. It also has iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium content. Surprisingly, it has a low sodium concentration and is rich in antioxidants.

Using black salt makes your digestive system work better, helps your liver make bile, cuts down on gas, and stops you from getting bloated. The significant level of potassium found in black salt helps your muscles by reducing spasms.

However, too much of everything is bad. And black salt is one spice you do not want to overuse because of the fluoride it contains. Overusing black salts can lead to kidney stones and thyroid problems.

It causes issues because it does not have iodine properties like common table salt. Black salts should be used together with other salts that contain iodine.

However, if you use black salt to treat digestive or toxin-related issues in your body, make sure you only use small amounts. Buy black salt from Amazon, Walmart, Spice Jungle, and any supermarket or grocery store around you.

6. Carom seeds (Trachyspermum ammi)

Carom seed is obtained from the ajawin herb. It is mostly common in Indian dishes. It is a very bitter spice that looks almost like cumin seeds and has a taste and smell similar to thyme. They can be ground into powder and used as a spice in many major dishes.

These Carom seeds are not just attractive; they are also richly laden with vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients. They are widely linked to so many health benefits and have been used in India for medicinal purposes till date.

Some laboratory tests show that Carom seeds are efficient at reducing high triglycerides and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, fighting ulcers, etc., and they are also anti-inflammatory. However, pregnant women should steer clear of Carom seeds as they will have a diverse effect on the fetuses.

If you want to purchase Carom, Amazon, Indiamart, Walmart supercenter, and Spices N Beyond sell the powder and seeds.

7. Celery seed (Apium graveolens)

Celery is a very common vegetable. However, this plant offers more than just a stalk. One part of the plant that is also very delicious and nutritious is the seed. Unfortunately, it is not popular.

Celery seeds have been used in many Eastern medicines to cure different ailments of the skin, guts, and intestine.

Currently, celery seed is used by most chefs as a major spice when cooking.

If you are looking for a spice rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutrients, you should definitely consider celery seeds. It also has very low calories, carbs, and protein.

Consuming foods that are rich in iron protects you against anemia and aids the body system in producing red blood cells. You can get celery seeds from seeds4garden, Walmart, natural spices, and any grocery or condiment store around you.

8. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cloves are gotten from the tree as flowers. They are scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum. They can be purchased in ground or normal forms and are used to roast, flavor beverages, and add flavor to cakes.

They are aromatic spices that are sweet. Cloves have so many health benefits and, as such, are used in traditional medicine. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, a rich source of manganese, high antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties.

These properties are what make it efficient to fight cancerous cells, improve liver health, minimize oxidative stress and regulate blood sugar. Skin and hair therapists also recommend cloves to treat infections on the scalp. You can get cloves from FarmersSpice, Amazon, American Spice, and Walmart.

9. Cinnamon

This is one of the oldest spices in the world, mostly used in our meals as a source of seasoning. The scientific name is Cinnamorum verum and it is described as the most loved aromatic spice. They come in different varieties, with Ceylon cinnamon proving to be the best, hence more expensive.

Uses if Cinnamon

1. Cinnamon, like other spices, is used to provide seasoning for our meals.
2. Essential oils are used for food, liquor, perfumes, etc.

The health benefits of cinnamon

1. It is rich in very active polyphenol antioxidants.
2. They aid in lowering the risk of disease due to the presence of antioxidants.
3. Cinnamon has indicated that it increases awareness of hormones.
4. This spice reduces blood sugar levels and also has an anti-diabetic effect.
5. They aid in safeguarding against cancer.

10. Poppy seeds

The Papaver somniferum is originally from the Eastern Mediterranean, and the flower comes in several colors, mainly white and yellow.

Uses of poppy seeds

1. They are used in baked goods and traditional dishes all over the world.

Health Benefits of poppy seeds

1. Unwashed seeds can be contaminated with pain-relieving compounds like codeine, thebaine, morphine, etc. But do not eat unwashed poppy seeds due to the health risk involved.
2. Oil from poppy seeds reduces the risk of heart disease.
3. Poppy seeds aid digestion and safeguard against certain illnesses.

11. Star anise

This is a spice obtained from the fruit of a Chinese tree, illicium verum. The name is derived from the star-shaped pod from which they obtain the seeds for this spice. It is not only popular because of its flavor but also its medicinal value.

Uses of Star Anise

1. It is used to provide extra flavor for our desserts and drinks.

Health Benefits of star anise

1. Star anise helps to reduce symptoms of depression.
2. These seeds reduce acid secretion in the stomach and protect against ulcers.
3. They stop the growth of fungi and bacteria.
4. Their compounds aid in preventing bone loss and reducing flashes.

12. Peppercorns

“Black peppercorn” refers simply to green peppers that have been cooked and dried. They come in color variations like pink, black, or green and are usually ground over any type of dish.

Uses of peppercorns

When it comes to peppers, no matter the varieties, they have one general purpose, which is to add heat to our food.

Health Benefits of peppercorns.

1. There are a great number of minerals that aid bone health.
2. It is evident that they have cancer-fighting properties, tackling free radicals in the body.
3. Peppercorns possess several compounds that have been proven to tackle inflammation in animals. We cannot say the same for humans because it hasn’t been scientifically proven.
4. Extracts from peppercorns can improve blood sugar control. More research is needed, though.

13. Piper guineense

This is a West African piper variety. The spice extract from the dried fruit is popularly known as ashanti pepper.

Uses of piper guineense

1. Like other peppers, it is used for flavoring in our meals.
2. It may be used to preserve food.
3. They are sometimes used as medicinal herbs.

Health Benefits of piper guineense

1. There is the presence of an antioxidant which helps to combat infection.
2. They possess anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Piper guineense aids brain functioning.

Black Herbs (Uses, Health Benefits, And Where To Buy Them)

The term “black herb” refers to a wide variety of herbal plants, not necessarily black in color but with dark color ranges, possibly purple, blue, or even black. Some include black cohosh, black seed, lavender, etc.

1. Black cohosh

The black cohosh belongs to the Ranunculaceae. It originated from the east side of North America, from southern Ontario to central Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas. It grows in cultivars of woodland territory, often located in little woodland openings.

Uses of Black cohosh

1. It is often used for menopausal symptoms.
2. Roots of this plant may be utilized as medicine for estrogen related issues.

Health benefit of black cohosh

Black cohosh has quite some benefits, mostly related to women’s health or balancing hormones in the body. Besides menopausal benefits, there is little proof to back up its usefulness for other conditions.

1. One of the basic reasons for cohosh use is to tackle menopausal symptoms.
2. Most articles online claim it increases fertility or may help get pregnant. Though there is no scientific proof for this claim,
3. Though there is no scientific support, black cohosh may help sleep as it may reduce sleep disturbance.
4. Helps in weight loss.

Despite this benefits, some people who take the cohosh have reported a few demerits like

1. Breast pain
2. Breast enlargement
3. Digesting upset
4. Infection
5. Vagina spotting and bleeding.

2. Black seed

Nigella sativa is a small flowering plant often grown in South West Asia, North America, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. The shrub of N. sativa yields fruit with an inner black seed, commonly called black seeds. Nigella sativa may also be called black cumin, black caraway, nigella, etc.

Uses of black seed

1. It may be used for the treatment of cancer.
2. Black seed may be used to boost the immune system.

The health benefits of black seed

Most of the major benefits of black seeds are from the oil extract. They include

1. Studies indicate that oil from black seeds may help reduce body mass index, hence aiding weight loss.
2. They assist in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
3. The presence of thymoquinone in black seed oil may help protect brain health by reducing neuroinflammatory activity.
4. Black seed has been proven to reduce the risk of inflammation and aid in the relaxation of muscles.

3. Dark opal basil

This annual herb is particularly grown for its edible quality. It is a variety of Ocimum basilicum with very deep purple, often mottled leaves. They belong to the mint family.

Uses of dark opal basil

1. It can be used for culinary purposes.
2. Because of its color, this herb may sometimes be used for decorative functions.

Health Benefits of dark opal basil

1. They may aid digestion or the digestive process.
2. Support the function of the liver and aid the body’s detoxification.
3. They are good for heart health.

4. Lavender

The word lavender originally comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash. Lavender is mostly identified by two species traits: its color and fragrance. But it is evident that both the flower and its extract have long roots in herbal medicine.

Uses of lavender

1. There, flowers and oil are used to make herbal medicines.
2. Lavender is highly regarded for skin and beauty purposes.
3. Lavender oil can be used to heal minor burns and bug bites.
4. It is used to aid in reducing pain from headaches, sores, sprains, and toothaches.

Health benefit of Lavender

1. Lavender extract can be utilized for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and depression.
2. Consumption of lavender tea aids digestive function.
3. Oil extract from lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Black sage

There are many varieties of sage, but the two most common cultivars are the common sage( Salvia officinalis) and the Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia). It is a staple herb for different cuisines all over the world, and it is a member of the mint family.

Uses of sage

1. People make use of sage for memory and thinking skills.
2. It may also be used for pain after surgery, lung cancer, sore throats, etc.
3. Sage can be used for high cholesterol and menopause symptoms.
4. Sage may be utilized as an organic cleaning agent.
5. It can also be used as a pesticide because of its strong aroma.

Health Benefits of Sage

1. Sage is nutrient dense, especially the vitamins, particularly vitamin K.
2. It is an abundant antioxidant linked with health benefits like promoting brain function and lessening cancer risk.
3. The presence of antimicrobial characteristics makes it beneficial to combat dental plague.
4. It aids in reducing flashes and irritability, which are menopausal symptoms.
5. It can also help reduce blood sugar levels.
6. Sage aids bone health.

Side effects

If taken in excess, sage can cause seizures and damage to the liver and the nervous system due to the presence of a chemical known as thujone in some species.

Basically, herbs and spices are good for consumption but should be taken in an adequate proportion. Some herbs should not be taken by pregnant women or diabetic patients, and you should also know your allergies before using or trying new herbs and spices to avoid adverse effects.