Nigella (Nigella sativa)
These tiny black seeds are a member of the buttercup family. They are also
sometimes referred to as black cumin.
Curative Qualities: Nigella is used in Indian medicine as a carminative and
stimulant and is used against indigestion and bowel complaints. In India it is
used to induce post-natal uterine contraction and promote lactation. The seed
yields a volatile oil containing melanthin, nigilline, damascene and tannin.
Melanthin is toxic in large dosages and Niugelline is paralytic, so this spice must
be used in moderation. In Islam, it is regarded as one of the greatest forms of
healing medicine available. The prophet Muhammad once stated that the black
seed can heal every disease-- except death.
Aroma: The seeds have little bouquet, though when they are rubbed they give off
an aroma reminiscent of oregano.
Character: Slightly bitter and peppery with a crunchy texture.
Heat Level: 3

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Nutmeg comes from a large tropical evergreen tree that prefers volcanic soil. It is
really two spices in one. Mace is the red membrane, or aril, that covers the
nutmeg "nut" and nutmeg is the dried inner nutmeat. It is used in spice mixes like
garam masala, ras el hanout, gâlat dagga and baharat. In the 14th century a
pound of nutmeg was worth one cow or three sheep. It is a staple for pumpkin
pie and eggnog around the holidays. It is best when freshly ground as it loses its
flavor in that form. In the sixties nutmeg was tried for it's hallucinogenic
properties. Perhaps that is why it is said to be an aphrodisiac. In large doses it is
toxic.
Curative Qualities: Used in small dosages nutmeg can reduce flatulence, aid
digestion, improve the appetite and treat diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Nutmeg’
s flavour and fragrance come from oil of myristica, containing myristicin, a
poisonous narcotic. Myristicin can cause hallucinations, vomiting, epileptic
symptoms and large dosages can cause death. These effects will not be induced,
however, even with generous culinary usage.
Aroma: Sweet, aromatic and nutty.
Character: Nutty, warm and slightly sweet.
Heat Level: 1

Onion (Allium cepa)
This relative of the lily and cousin of garlic has been around since before recorded
time. In ancient Egypt the onion was a symbol of eternity because of its circle
within a circle structure. Onions were placed in
the eye sockets of King Ramses the fourth, who was entombed in 1160 B.C.
Onions were found in the tomb of King Tut and said to have been fed to the
builders of the pyramids.
Curative Qualities: Antiseptic, diuretic, expectorant and rubefacient. Onion's
antiseptic properties as a juice or paste have been used for wound healing, skin
complaints (acne), insect bites, hemorrhoids, boils, toothache, ('as moch for that
purpose as to lay an unyon to my lytel fynger for the tothe ache', Brinklow,
1545), ear ache and respiratory complaints. The raw juice is diuretic and the
whole onion is an appetite stimulant and digestant. It has been used as a
vermifuge. It is believed to stimulate the liver and is beneficial to the heart and
nervous system.
Aroma: Sharp. Raw onions when cut or bruised may irritate the eyes and nose.
Character: Generally pungent and bitter with a sweet note. Onions actually cover
the whole gamut of aroma and pungency from mild to intolerable.
Heat Level: 3-7

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
In ancient times the Greeks and Romans held oregano as a symbol of joy and
happiness. In fact, it was a tradition for Greek and Roman brides and grooms to
be crowned with a laurel of oregano. This is the herb that gives pizza it's flavor.
Hard to believe it was essentially unknown in the United States before World
War II! Greeks and Romans used it on everything, even to flavor wine. This herb
has more flavor when dried.
Curative Qualities: The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both
of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Oregano contains
numerous phytonutrients - including thymol and rosmarinic acid - that have also
been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based
damage to cell structures throughout the body.
Aroma: Warm and slightly bitter.
Character: Pungent and aromatic.
Heat Level: 1
Chumley & Stella's Co. - 1006 State Route 94 - Blairstown, NJ - 07825
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Spice Information
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