Upakunchika, also known as Nigella sativa, is an annual flowering plant native to Europe, Spain and Jammu Kashmir in India. It grows 20-30 cm tall with pale blue or white delicate flowers and black seeds contained in follicles. The seeds have various chemical components and properties that give it medicinal uses. According to different scholars, it is a carminative, digestive aid, and helps treat fever, indigestion, and respiratory illnesses while boosting appetite, strength and eyesight. The dosage is 1-3 grams of the seeds which are the useful part of the plant.