Village of Ketzah and
Black Cumin Plant

The fictitious village of Ketzah was named for the Black Cumin plant Nigella sativa

Village of Ketzah

The village of Ketzah is a fictitious town in The Bronze Bow.

Ketzah was identified on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, three miles from Capernaum.

It was a small village named after the Ketzah spice which was harvested in that region.

The black and white map in The Bronze Bow Unit Study shows the location of Ketzah compared to the other towns mentioned in the story as well as the site of the attack in Chapter 19.

Ketzah Spice

Nigella sativa

Frequently referred to as "Black Cumin"

Names of Nigella sativa

Hebrew Name: Ketsah

Also known as:

• Black seed oil
• Coriander
• Black seed pepper
• Black fennel
• Cummin

Note many of those names like coriander and fennel apply to multiple plants. This is the reason the Latin name is essential.

Description

• A flowering plant whose black seeds are harvested from its ripe seed pod early in the morning
• Grown in the Middle East and Asia

Available Forms

• Whole Seed: Used in cooking. Buy online in ounces or pounds.
• Ground: Available in powder form for seasoning. Look for the Latin name as there are other cumins.
• Cold Pressed Oil: Liquid oil squeezed from the plant, its texture and processing is similar to corn oil or olive oil. Used medicinally. Used as carrier oil for essential oils (below)
• Essential Oil: (aromatic oil) Steam expressed oil used medicinally. More expensive to extract, the steam causes the essence or oils of the seeds to drip out. Abrasive and toxic if not diluted by cold pressed oils.
• Carbon Extract: Uses CO2 as a solvent to extract the oil. Less expensive than essential oils but used in a similar manner. See www.naturesgift.com
• Other forms: Teas and capsules are also available based on one of the forms above

Therapeutic Benefits

• Active Ingredient: Thymoquinone
• Used as an anti-inflammatory agent, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, and antioxidant(1) Used in traditional medicines for thousands of years. Used by herbalists and aromatherapists in modern times. Scientific research has been carried out by medical societies and health practitioners. Current government trial for Covid 19 underway.(2)

Negative Side Effects

• Allergy
• Skin reactions
• Decreased blood clotting
• Decreased uterine contractions
• Drowziness
• Increased effect of diabetic medications (3)

History

• Used since ancient times (4)
• Found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Used as a beauty aid by Cleopatra.
• Mentioned in the Bible (Isaiah 28:25-27; Matthew 23:23)
• Used by Mohammed as a cure for “all disorders”
• Prescribed by the Greek doctor Dioscorides for headaches and toothaches

Learn More

• Essential Oil Mini Class on You tube by Sheridan Simple May 2018 (6 minutes)
• Black Cumin: The Magical Egyptian Herb for Allergies, Asthma, Skin Conditions, and Immune Disorders by Peter Schleicher, Mohamed Saleh, 2000, 96 pages

References

We are not using live links since the Internet changes rapidly and old links cause problems for a site.

1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/black-seed-health-benefits
2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04347382
3. https://metrosaga.com/side-effects-of-black-seeds-oil/
4. https://www.oliverandgrapely.com/black-cumin-seed-oil-in-the-bible-and-historical-significance/

Our Bronze Bow Unit Study includes activities with the geography around Ketzah, use of the spice or essential oil, and the monograph listed above about Nigella sativa.

Print Our Bronze Bow Unit Study

Student Guide AND Teacher's Answer Key Included
$2.99 Download - 109 pages

Pages on The Bronze Bow

A timeless tale of hate and love