Black Seed Oil Uses & Benefits
There are so many simple natural remedies with a long history of use that have been largely forgotten in modern times. From the health promoting (and hair-growing) properties of castor oil to the natural remedy uses for Apple Cider Vinegar, remedies found in nature have an important place in maintaining health. One of those is Black Seed Oil.
With all the wonderful advances in medicine & hygiene, a lot of these remedies have been pushed aside. Certainly, there is a time and a place for medicine, but research is now helping us understand the mechanism of these natural remedies that previous generations have depended on for so long.
Many doctors, especially functional medicine and naturopathic doctors, are finding success in combining conventional medical treatments with natural ways to support the body. One of these age-old remedies that has gained recent popularity is Black Seed Oil or Nigella Sativa.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black Cumin Seed Oil (also often called Black Coriander Oil or simply Black Oil) comes from the Nigella Sativa plant that is native to Asia. Recent studies on this incredibly powerful seed oil show it may be helpful in combating super bugs like MRSA or h.pylori and in cancer patients.
The plant is technically part of the buttercup family and has small, black, crescent shaped seeds. Historical accounts of Black Seed use date back as far as the times of King Tut in Ancient Egypt. Cleopatra reportedly used black cumin seed oil for beautiful hair and skin and Hippocrates was fond of using it for digestive troubles.
There are now over 600 studies showing the effects of black cumin seed oil and there is promising research on the use of black cumin seed oil for dealing with autoimmune disease (which is why I’ve been experimenting with it). Its active compounds, crystalline nigellone and thymoquinone, are the most studied, but it also contains: myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, proteins and vitamins B1, B2,B3, calcium, folate, iron, copper, zinc and phosphorous.
Uses & Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Studies have also shown that black seed oil can be useful for:
Asthma & Allergies
Multiple studies have found that black seed oil has anti-asthmatic effects and depending on the cause of asthma, it was sometimes more effective than conventional treatment. (1) The same properties make it beneficial for relieving allergies for many people.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Black seed oil is also used for skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It helps sooth inflammation and improve the speed and which skin heals. (2)
Digestion
Nigella Sativa seeds are carminative, meaning they aid in digestion and may decrease gas, bloating and stomach pain. Black seed oil is often sometimes used in remedies for intestinal parasites. In preliminary studies, it was also shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells with no negative side effects. (3)
Candida and Fungus
Black seed oil was also shown to be helpful in battling candida and fungal infections in the digestive system and on the skin.
Cancers
Other studies have shown that a compound in black seeds and oil, Thymoquinone, helps induce apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells (4) and other studies have shown this same effect in breast cancer cells (5), brain tumor cells pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, and even oral cancer cells and cavity forming bacteria . Black seed oil is also sometimes recommended as a natural protection against some of the danger from radiation and used in conjunction with conventional treatments.
Heart Health
Thymoquinone in Nigella Sativa seeds has also been shown to have a protective effect on the heart (8), promote healthy cholesterol levels and help normalize blood pressure (9).
MRSA and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
A 2010 study found that black seed oil was effective for patients with h.pylori infections (without ulcers). Studies have also shown that Nigella Sativa was effective against MRSA. (10)
Immune Health
Nigella Sativa is unique it way of supporting the immune system. it contains antioxidants, beneficial acids and b-vitamins and supports the immune system, but acts different than herbs like elderberry or echinacea that require caution for those with autoimmune disease. Black seeds seem to balance the immune system- increasing immune function but not encouraging immune reactions against the body’s healthy tissue.
It has been used in alternative HIV protocols for years and it is often recommended on various autoimmune disease forums (with testimonials from those it has helped). I first found research on black seed oil when researching my own autoimmune thyroid disease.
Skin and Hair
It is also used topically in some cultures to naturally soften, strengthen and firm skin and help increase hair growth. Some studies even suggest that it may be a very useful remedy against scars and to prevent scar formation on wounds. (11)
Black Cumin Seed Oil: What to Look For
Black cumin seed oil is the most absorbable and concentrated form, and from my research, the most effective way to consume black seeds. It is just important to make sure that it is from a quality source and preferably:
- Organic
- Pure pressed without chemical extraction
- Contains no additives or diluting oils
- Protected from rancidity by high quality light and air protective glass
This is the one I use because it is the only one I’ve found that meets all of those criteria. I even called the company and interviewed their founder to make sure that the oil met my standards. Black cumin seed oil is simply a food product that contains some concentrated compounds that may be protective of health. Just as with any food, make sure that whatever brand you use is high quality and free from harmful additives.
How I Use Black Seed Oil
I take a teaspoon of this oil straight a couple times a day. It works great to add a teaspoon or so to an oil cleansing blend, I’ve also experimented with adding it to lotions, shampoos and hair detox, and skin products with great results and I’ll be sharing those recipes soon!
The Bottom Line of Black Cumin Seed Oil
Black cumin seed oil is an amazing food that has been used for thousands of hears for its ability to support health naturally. It isn’t a panacea or a miracle drug, just a potent natural oil. It is considered safe for culinary use (or in similar amounts-no more than a few teaspoons a day).
Use common sense. Black seed oil is a food, but a nutritionally potent one. You wouldn’t drink a gallon of coconut oil or eat five pounds of liver in one sitting (I hope), so consume black seed oil as you would any food- in moderate and healthy amounts. Anyone with a medical condition or who is pregnant/nursing should check with a doctor before using this or any substance.
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