What Is Black Seed Oil?
The number of natural remedies on the market has been on the rise over the past few years, with more people recognizing the amazing effects of plants that were used by our ancestors to treat various ailments. One of the best old remedies that has gained popularity in recent years is black seed oil, also known as the Nigella sativa.
Black seed oil goes by several other names, like black cumin seed oil, black oil, or black coriander oil. This is very powerful oil that has been extensively studied, with recent studies showing that it can help fight h pylori in cancer patients.
Black Seed Oil is derived from a plant in the buttercup family with small crescent shaped seeds that give it the name black seed. The use of this plant dates to the ancient years in Egypt when the country was ruled by King Tut and Cleopatra. Cleopatra is known to have used the oil to maintain beautiful skin and hair. The seed was also used by Hippocrates to treat various digestive problems.
This is probably the most studied plant, with over 600 studies all trying to show the effects of black cumin oil in treating autoimmune diseases. The main active compounds in the seed that have been highly studied are the thymoquinone and the crystalline nigellone.
However, these are not the only compounds in the seed, as it also contains stearic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, proteins, calcium, folate, iron, vitamins B1, B2, & B3, copper, phosphorous, and zinc. It is a great seed with a lot of compounds that help benefit the health in so many ways.
How Is Black Seed Oil Used?
Black seed oil can be taken orally or applied on the skin, depending on the reason for use. A tablespoon of this oil once or twice a day is okay. However, when looking to apply it to the skin or skull, adding it to your shampoo or lotion will give some excellent results.
What Are The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil?
The plant has been used during the Egyptian times and dates back to 3,300 years ago It was found in the Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt, which goes to show its long use. Here are some of the benefits of black seed oil:
1. Asthma And Allergies
Various studies have shown the anti-asthmatic properties of black seed oil. The plant has been used to treat asthma and found to be more effective than most traditional methods. However, the treatment depends on the cause of the asthma.
These anti-asthmatic properties have made black seed oil quite good in relieving allergic reactions in people. People who are allergic to dust and other particles have found relief by using this oil.
2. Treatment Of Psoriasis And Eczema
If you happen to suffer from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, black seed oil can help heal them. The oil has been found to have a soothing effect on the inflammations on the skin that are the leading causes of most skin problems.
Application of these oils helps speed up the time that which it takes the skin to heal from various ailments.
3. Digestion Problems
We mentioned earlier how Hippocrates used the black seed oil to treat digestion issues. The Black seeds are carminative and aid in the digestion process. The black seeds can also help with bloating, stomach pains, and problems to do with stomach gas. The oil is sometimes used to treat intestinal parasites. The oil has also been found to help kill the parasites and help people live a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, further studies on the use of the oil have found that it helps to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells without having any negative side effects. The oil has what we call the antispasmodic effect on the muscles of the colon. It helps relieve most forms of intestinal cramps or pains.
4. Fighting Fungus And Candida
Black seed oil has been shown to be quite effective in fighting fungal and candida infections on the skin and the digestive system. The oil has the anti-fungal properties, helping fight various fungal ailments. The oil is a good solution when suffering from fungal infections on the skin.
5. Helps Fight Cancer
This is where most research is undergoing currently, with suggestions that a compound in the black oil has the properties to help fight cancer. The compound Thymoquinone has been shown the help induce the death of cells in leukemia, a process commonly known as apoptosis. By causing the death of cells, the compound helps prevent the spread of cancer in the leukemia cells.
The same has also been observed in the brain tumor cells, the cancer cells, cervical cancer, oral cancer cells, and the pancreatic cancer cells. The compound also helps kill the bacteria that form the cavity. The black seed oil has even been used as a form of treatment against the danger of certain radiations in combination with other conventional treatment methods.
The oil has been found to compare to most chemotherapy agents where it helps suppress cancer causing agents. However, the safety profile when using the oil is much higher. Studies have shown the oil can greatly help reduce the population of living cancer cells in patients with lung cancer.
6. Promote A Healthy Heart
The Thymoquinone compound which has the cancer-fighting abilities has also been shown to have some protective effects on the human heart. The compound has been found to help promote healthy cholesterol levels in the human body. This results in various health benefits related to normal levels of cholesterol in the body.
Good cholesterol levels have been found to help normalize blood pressures, which ensures the heart is well-protected from heart attacks and strokes that can lead to death.
7. Used In The Treatments Of Patients With MRSA And Helicobacter Pylori
A study done in 2010 has shown that amazing healing effects of the black seed oil on MRSA and the H. pylori. The black seed oil helps treat patients with the Helicobacter pylori as long as they don’t have ulcers.
8. Helps Improve The Immune Health
The Nigella sativa oil has a unique way of supporting the immune system. The black seed oil works effectively in balancing the immune system. This way, the oil helps increase the body’s immune system and helps prevent it from reacting to the healthy body tissues.
The oil does this by containing special b-vitamins, antioxidants, and beneficial acids that support the immune system. These antioxidants, acids, and b-vitamins acts in a different way compared to some herbs that don’t work for people with autoimmune diseases.
Herbs like Echinacea and elderberry can help with the immune system, but are not advised for people with autoimmune diseases. However, when it comes to black seed oil, there is nothing stopping people with autoimmune diseases from getting the full immune benefits. The oil has been used in several HIV protocols where it helps boost the immune system so that it can fight the virus without affecting the body’s T-cells.
If you happen to research treatments for autoimmune diseases, most treatments you will find online with have the black seed oil as one of the active ingredients.
9. Healthy Hair And Skin
In ancient Egypt, the black seed oil was used to maintain the hair, help with growth, and beautify the skin. The oil is still being used topically in most cultures to help make the skin softer, firmer, and strengthened. The black seed oil also has beneficial effects in naturally growing human hair.
Individuals suffering from baldness or loss of hair can regrow the lost hair by applying the black cumin oils on the affected spots of the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of the skin will further help soothe the skull and deal with flakiness conditions. The oil also kills any viruses and fungal infections on the head. It is a great remedy for those fighting lice, especially if they have long hair.
The oil has been used to help treat scars and prevent scars from happening. It is a very effective natural remedy for wounds and scars. The black cumin oil is known to promote melanin production and can be a great way to have beautiful skin. Cleopatra was known to have a beautiful complexion, and her skin could be related to her use of black seed oil.
10. It Helps Fight Type I And II Diabetes
Black cumin has been found to help cause gradual regeneration of the beta cells in the pancreases. This helps fight both types of diabetes by increasing a number of insulin concentrations. A high level of insulin helps reduce the elevated glucose levels that cause diabetes.
Various research studies done on mice have shown the ability of the black cumin oil to fight type I diabetes. The oil also helps increase the sensitivity of the liver cells to insulin, something that also works to prevent type 2 diabetes.
11. Weight Loss
Recent studies done in 2013 have shown the immense effects of the black seed oil in weight loss. The plant has what we call the anti-obesity property that makes it one of the best natural weight loss remedies in the world.
The seeds have a special anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to greatly suppress appetite while improving the absorption rates of glucose. This helps prevent the storage of excess fats in the body and promote the loss of the excess weight.
Possible Side Effects
The main problems with black cumin oil usually arise from the extraction process. The oil must be extracted, processed, and packaged properly to retain most of its properties and be 100% safe for consumption. It can easily go rancid if most of these conditions are not met.
The black seed oil is known to have very low side effects when properly maintained because it is extracted from naturally growing seeds. The seeds come from the Nigella sativa and are considered relatively safe. There is very little chance for the addition of artificial ingredients that might cause harmful side effects. However, there are a few concerns when taking the black seed oil or applying it on your skin.
The black seed oil is quite safe when swollowed by individuals that are not sensitive to its use and in amounts that are safe in food. However, this oil might increase the risk of bleeding and is advised against individuals with bleeding disorders. It is also not good when used in high amounts, especially for individuals with immune diseases.
The black seed oils might lower blood pressure, requiring careful monitoring from a qualified healthcare professional. It has also been reported to cause drowsiness and sedation. It is not recommended for use when driving or using heavy machinery.
A drop of blood pressure, even in minimal amounts, can also lead to poor transport of oxygen to the brain, heart, and other important organs of the body. When the blood pressure goes too low, it can be life threatening.
Pregnant women should not take black cumin oils for any reason, as the oils have been known to affect the contraction of the uterus. However, more research is undergoing in this area to discover exactly how it can affect pregnancy.
There are several other allergic reactions one has to look out for if using black seed oil. If accidentally ingested, the plant is known to cause an allergic reaction where there will be swelling of the skin, lips, face, tongue, or throat. Vomiting and nausea are other common side effects one can expect. There are other individuals that can experience abdominal cramping.
Is Black Cumin Oil Safe?
After looking at some of the common side effects, it is important to ask whether the oil is safe for human consumption. However, even without the supplement, you can go for the real seeds and incorporate them into your diet. The seeds can be added to various dishes like:
- Stir fries, curries, and soups
- The seeds can be toasted and sprinkled on flatbreads
- The seeds can be ground and added to other seasonings like fennel and mustard
- Toasted and sprinkled over biscuits and bagels
Consuming the black cumin oils in food amounts is relatively safe and will not have any side effects as compared to taking the black cumin oils supplements. However, before you take your black cumin oil, it is always recommended that it is from a high-quality source. Some of the preferred sources are organic, pure pressed without any chemical extraction, and one that comes without any diluting oils or additives.
The manufacturing company must produce it in some of the best facilities where it is protected from rancidity by using protective glass and high-quality light. Basically what you have to ensure here is that the company meets high production standards and that the supplement is safe to use on your body without any worries.
Top Black Seed Oil Products
The amazing benefits of the black cumin oil haven’t gone unnoticed, with several manufacturing companies producing several products with the black cumin oil as the main ingredient. Most of these products are capable of giving you the healing benefits of these plants, but always take them in the recommended dosages.
Some of the leading products of the black cumin oil are:
- El Captain Nigella Sativa Virgin Black Oil
- Certified Organic Eight Cold Pressed Black Seed Oil
- Organic Black Seed Oil
- Halal Everyday Cold Pressed Black Seed Oil
- Best Natural 100% Pure Natural Black Cumin Oil
- Sweetsunnal Cold Pressed Black Seed Oil In Soft Gel Capsules
- Black Seed Extract In 60 Vegetarian Capsules
- Premium Black Seed Oil
- Sweet Sunnah
- Nigella Sativa Black Seed Oil
The list of top products is endless, but these are among the leading brands in the market that have been highly rated and recommended. Most of these products are readily available in the market and come without much restriction as they are classified as supplements.
Most can be bought directly online while others can be bought over the counter. They are relatively safe, but it is still highly recommended that you follow the right dosages and recommended periods for when to take them.
Black Seed Oil Final Words
The use of the Black Seed Oil as a daily supplement can greatly help improve your healthy without causing any serious side effects. This is a very potent herb that was cultivated thousands of years ago and has since been used to benefiting mankind in so many ways.
The cumin oil offers several medicinal properties that make it remain highly important in the medicine world. Some of the common medical properties of the oil include:
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-bacterial
- Analgesic
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic
- Antiviral
- Hypersensitive
- Insulin sensitizing
The black cumin oil is relatively safe and has a lot to offer, making it one of the best supplements in the market currently. You can order any of the black cumin products today and be on your way to enjoying a healthy lifestyle full of the black cumin oil benefits.
