Black seed oil is an herbal ingredient rich in bioactive compounds and antioxidants and has found its way into many beauty shops, medicine cabinets, and typical pantries. Black seed oil has numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation.
In addition, the black seed oil also aids in weight loss. It’s used to boost hair and skin health.
It’s derived from an Eastern Europe and Western Asia plant called Nigella Sativa (N. sativa). This herb is also used to treat other diseases, such as
- Back pain
- Infections
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
Below, we shall look at more potential benefits of this herb and its powerful medicinal properties.
Read on.
Health Benefits Of Black Seed Oil
Also known as Roman coriander, black cumin, black caraway, and fennel flower, N. sativa seeds have been used for centuries for their science-backed beauty and health benefits.
Let’s take a look at the real benefits of black seed oil below.
Skin Conditions Treatment
Black seed oil has great beauty benefits. Though further research may be necessary, black cumin oil may help treat or reduce symptoms such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and vitiligo.
Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist in California, says this herb lowers the symptoms of these dermatological conditions due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hence, your doctor may recommend applying it to the affected area.
Weight loss
If you’re not a gym lover but want to lose weight, consider taking black seed oil. The appetite suppressant effects in black cumin seeds help overweight people to shed weight.
Though more research could be needed, clinical studies show that daily intake of 2,000 mg of black seed oil for 8 weeks by 45 overweight or obese women resulted in loss of body weight due to decreased appetite.
Also, their waist circumference, body mass index, and body fat decreased. Unhealthy weight loss could also combat obesity, high blood pressure, and other metabolic disorders.
So, dietary supplement oil, a low-calorie diet, and numerous Bodybuilding Rotator Cuff Exercises could effectively help you lose weight.
Wound Healing
Thymoquinone, a compound found in black cumin seeds, is said to be responsible for stimulating tissue growth, which aids in wound healing.
Besides, thymoquinone is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which also help speed up the healing of wounds. Still, black cumin oil increases the formation of collagen in the body.
Therefore, people with diabetic wounds, burns, or excisions may benefit by taking black seed oil. There’s little scientific evidence backing up these claims, though. Therefore, more research is necessary as the only available research is minimal and based on animal studies.
Boosts Hair Health
One of the health benefits of black seed oil on your hair is preventing hair loss and boosting its growth. Though most people associate hair growth with cactus plants or honey, black cumin seeds, according to a small study, also help in hair follicle production.
Besides, just like the cara cara oranges and blood oranges, black cumin oil may help strengthen the hair, improve its texture and volume, and give it a shiny appearance.
The healthy, essential fatty acids in black cumin seeds, for example, omega 9, 3, and 6, and antioxidant properties are also said to boost the health of your hair.
The anti-inflammatory properties in this herbal oil reduce scalp conditions such as flaky, dry scalp. Further research is still needed to confirm these claims.
Aids in Blood sugar control
The hypoglycemic properties of black seed oil supplementation help lower blood sugar levels.
According to the medical director of Case Integrative Health in Chicago and an infectious disease expert, Casey Kelley, this herbal oil reduces A1c and fasting blood sugar levels.
Treat Psoriasis
Though it’s not clear yet if the treatment of psoriasis was effective due to black cumin seeds or other ingredients used in the treatment, some people claim that the seeds are a natural remedy for Psoriasis.
Therefore, further research might be necessary to back up these medicinal uses.
Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome
High blood pressure patients were given 2.5 ml of black-seed oil twice daily for 8 weeks. After the 8 weeks, patients recorded lower blood pressure levels.
Levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, and bad cholesterol also decreased. This means the oil could also aid in preventing heart disease and any other cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors.
What Do I Need To Know Before Taking Black Seed Oil?
Though the positive effects associated with black seed oil are numerous, there are a few adverse effects, too. For example;
Increased bleeding risk and slow blood clotting: If you have a bleeding disorder or are undertaking medicine such as Warfarin or Heparin and others that affect blood clotting, don’t take nigella sativa oil.
Some side effects of black seed oil are:
- Vomiting
- Allergic reactions
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
Engaging your doctor before taking black seed oil if you’re nursing or pregnant is always good. Also, how much oil a child should take depends on their age.
So, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child nigella sativa oil so that they can prescribe the correct amount based on their age and health status.
What Happens To Your Body When You Start Taking Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is rich in:
- Zinc
- Niacin
- Folic Acid
- Copper
- Phosphorous
- Calcium
- Thiamin
- Iron
Therefore, when you start taking black seed oil, your immune system may go up, and the allergic reactions may lower because it acts as an antihistamine.
Also, some studies suggest that these seeds prevent pregnancy, fight cancer, and reduce swellings.
Apart from the other issues I have discussed above, black seeds may also be used during menstrual cramps, hay fever, and asthma, among other conditions, but scientific evidence is lacking. So, consult your doctor before taking the oil.
How Long Does It Take To See The Benefits Of Taking Black Seed Oil?
According to past studies, it wasn’t until 2 months (8 weeks) that a group of women started seeing the benefits of black seed oil. These women were obese or overweight and took the oil twice (2,000 mg) daily.
How To Take Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is best taken raw. Cooking black seed oil results in the loss of all the nutrients. However, since the oil has a strong taste, you can add it to your lavender tea or smoothies or drizzle it on salads.
If you’ve not taken the oil previously, starting with a teaspoon daily is best to see how your body reacts to it.
Parting Shot
Don’t miss out on the health benefits of black seed oil anymore. For example, lowering blood pressure, treating allergic reactions, boosting hair health, treating skin diseases, wound healing, and aiding in weight loss; the benefits are excellent!
However, some side effects are associated with black seed oil, including allergic reactions, vomiting, stomach upset, and constipation.
It’s, therefore, best to see your doctor before you take the oil. Also, ask your doctor for advice on the best amount to take. Be extra careful with black seed oil if you’re pregnant, nursing, or giving your child, and strictly follow the doctor’s advice.
