Recently, people have rightfully grown immense interest in the benefits and usage of black seed oil. Numerous advantages of using this oil have been identified through extensive research conducted worldwide, ranging from treating asthma to hair and skincare. The oil is also beneficial for people with liver and kidney issues.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
The history of black seed oil dates back centuries, and its benefits have been known for just as long. The scientific name of the black seed plant is Nigella sativa, but it is also known by other names such as black onion seeds, black cumin, and black caraway. It is widely used as a spice in India, where it is known as ‘kalonji’. The Nigella sativa plant produces blue, white, or pale purple flowers. These plants are native to Western Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Benefits and Uses of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil has been in high demand since ancient times because of its many benefits. People in olden times also benefitted from black seed oil, so it was commonly grown in the areas mentioned above. Detailed research of ancient texts and the sharing of this valuable information with subsequent generations have helped keep the popularity and demand for this seed consistently high. Traditional medicine has also played a key role in highlighting and carrying on the tradition of using black seed oil. Some of the key benefits of using black seed oil are:
Antioxidant-rich
One of the primary uses of the black seed oil is that it is rich in antioxidants. Anyone remotely concerned with medical science will tell you that antioxidants are remarkably helpful in fighting damage to the cells in the body caused by free radicals, which are essentially unstable molecules. Antioxidants can protect the body from various dangerous ailments like cancer, heart disease, and the like. The main reason for the antioxidant properties in black seed oil is that it is rich in thymoquinone, which has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Weight Loss Benefits
Studies indicate that consumption of black seed oil is beneficial from the perspective of weight loss. It has a highly salubrious effect on individuals’ BMI or body mass index, which is why it is widely acknowledged from ancient times among those who would like to lower their weight and have a better BMI. Due to this, weight loss diets and programs that use black seed oil as a key ingredient have emerged lately, with many eager participants worldwide.
Benefits for the Skin
There are many benefits of black seed oil on the skin and various ailments related thereof. This has been well documented and has been acknowledged by practitioners in the medical field as well.
Benefits for Acne
Black seed oil is a popular acne treatment because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Acne is a skin condition that causes spots and pimples due to inflammatory conditions of the skin. This can lead to red, bumpy skin on the face, body, shoulders, and upper arms. Black seed oil can help reduce the appearance of acne and soothe the skin. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat acne and is now gaining popularity in the United States and other countries.
Treatment of Eczema
Black seed oil can also help to relieve eczema symptoms to some extent. This is a condition where the skin can become patchy, rough, cracked and itchy, which affects around 10% of the American population. In the case of hand eczema, black seed oil can effectively alleviate the condition to a large extent.
Treatment of Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be a dreaded condition, but black seed oil may offer some relief. Psoriasis is a condition of the skin where scales and itchy patches form. This often leads to burning and itching, especially in severe cases. Black seed oil may help to control the inflammation and provide relief for patients.
Cancer Treatment
The black seed oil contains the component Thymoquinone, which has a number of potential benefits when it comes to cancer treatment. Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of cells, leading to tumors forming in various parts of the body. Black seed oil is said to be able to influence apoptosis, or the programmed death of cells. This means that it has the potential to help shrink tumors and prevent cancer from spreading. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and determine how best to use black seed oil in cancer treatment.
Black seed oil and hair
The black seed oil has many benefits for hair that have been well-documented over the years. The thymoquinone present in black seed oil is beneficial in the regrowth and regeneration of hair follicles, which is especially helpful for those who are predisposed to balding. This is because black seed oil has highly effective anti-histamine properties. While black seed oil cannot magically give a bald person a full head of hair, it is very effective in controlling thinning hair patches.
Asthma Treatment
Asthma is a condition that constricts airways and makes it difficult to breathe. Black seed oil contains thymoquinone, which relaxes airway muscles and makes it easier to breathe. Studies have shown that consuming 0.01 oz of black seed oil twice a week can help alleviate asthma symptoms.
Lowering of Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is a global epidemic, with millions of people suffering from the condition. Black seed oil has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, making it a natural and effective treatment for the disease. While some people take black seed extract in capsule form, the oil is also seen to be effective.
Men’s Health
Black seed oil benefits for men include improving fertility. Studies have shown that black seed oil helps to improve the quality of *****, which in turn can lead to increased fertility. If you’re looking for a natural way to improve your chances of conceiving, black seed oil may be worth a try.
Impact on Brain Health
The presence of thymoquinone in black seed oil is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits for neuroinflammation. This makes it a potential preventative measure against brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Liver and Kidney functions
Although some studies on rats have shown that black seed oil has a positive effect on the liver and kidneys, these tests have not yet been conducted on humans. This implies that there is uncertainty surrounding the potential for black seed oil to improve liver and kidney conditions in humans.
Side Effects of Black Seed Oil
The consumption of large amounts of black seed oil could have negative impacts on the functioning of the kidney. In one case, a diabetic patient suffered from renal failure after consuming black seed oil for six days in a row in an attempt to treat their diabetes.
- In some cases, patients consuming black seed oil at a stretch for eight weeks were found to suffer from bloating and nausea.
- Usage of the black seed oil is also said to interfere and provide negative results where patients were prescribed warfarin and beta-blockers, like metoprolol (Lopressor).
- Those with persistent kidney issues should make it a point to consult their doctors before any consumption of black seed oil.
Black Seed Oil Dosage
Although more research needs to be done to determine precise dosages of black seed oil for various ailments, there is enough anecdotal evidence and traditional usage of black seed oil that can be used as a guide. The dosage of black seed oil depends on the reason for which it is being consumed. For example, for the treatment of asthma, taking daily capsules of black seed to the extent of 0.000035 oz is considered safe and highly beneficial.
If you’re using black seed oil for weight loss, the dosage can be much higher. Specifically, the dosage for this purpose can be as high as 0.07 oz and for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. To determine the correct dosage of the black seed oil, it is best to go by the prescription of a medical practitioner to prevent any damaging side effects. Thus, you may find yourself wondering – is black seed oil safe? In most cases, it is indeed safe, as long as the dosage is administered under medical supervision.
Can We Use Black Seed Oil for Cooking?
Here are some atypical ways you can use black seed oil for cooking:
- As a flavoring agent in various dishes, such as curries, soups, and stir-fries
- To add flavor to bread and bagels
- To add flavor to biscuits or naan bread
Besides the oil extract, the black seed in itself can be used as a spice to flavor various dishes. If you’re looking to use black seed oil as a cooking medium, similar to sunflower or mustard oil, make sure not to overdo it as the flavor can be quite strong.
As evident from the article, there are many uses for black seed oil. However, it’s important to note that proper usage and dosage are essential for the best results. Regardless of whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your hair and skin, or relieve asthma symptoms, consider the various benefits of black seed oil enumerated here and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
