According to Birdwood, it is the Black Cummin of the Bible, the Melanthion of Hippocrates and Dioscorides, and the Gith of Pliny. Ainslie mentions its use as a carminative, also as an external application mixed with sesamum oil in skin eruptions, as a seasoning for food, and as a protection for linen against insects. Forskahl, in his Medicina Kaharina, says that it is a native of Egypt, where it is called Hab-es-souda. Roxburgh believes it to be a native of Hindostan. Anyhow, it must have been long known in India, as it has a Sanskrit name, Krishnajiraka. Nigella seed is extensively used as a spice, and as a medicine; it is prescribed by the Hindus with other aromatics and plumbago root in dyspepsia. The Hakeems describe it as heating, attenuant, suppurative, detergent and diuretic, and consider that it increases the menstrual flow and the secretion of milk; also that it stimulates uterine action. They give it, too, as a stimulant in a variety of disorders which are ascribed to cold humours, and credit it with anthelmintic properties. It is sprinkled over the surface of the bread made by Mahometan bakers along with Sesamum seed. (See Cuminum Cyminum.)
The paragraph continues on p. 29; the transcription stops at “(See Cuminum Cyminum.)”. Footnote markers and the two footnotes are left out.