Lately, Black Seed Oil has become rather popular and many are benefiting from this potent healing oil.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil comes from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. It is also known as black cummin and is used in curry and stews. The seed of the flowering herb has been used medicinally for centuries, predominantly for beauty and skincare purposes. Black seed oil has been explored for benefits related to heart health, arthritis, weight loss and much more.
When pressed into oil, N. sativa is used medicinally as a topical oil or taken as capsules. The oil has a high level of antioxidant compounds. Thymoquinone is thought to be the main antioxidant responsible for its strong anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Black seed oil is high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-6 monounsaturated fats, which may play a role when the oil is used for beauty purposes.
Potential Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
1. Skin Benefits
Black seed oil has been used successfully for acne, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as general use to soften and moisturize the skin.
2. Allergy Relief
A small study has shown that black seed oil can help with seasonal allergies. After six weeks of putting black seed oil drops in their noses, an overwhelming number of participants (more than 90%) said that hay fever symptoms went away or remarkably improved. It helped with sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses.
3. Asthma
Some evidence suggests that Black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory effects may help open up constricted airways to improve airflow, thus helping those with Asthma.
4. Heart Health
Black seed oil may be useful in lowering the risk for heart disease. Research has shown taking black cumin seed extract may reduce high blood pressure. In other studies, it has been shown that black seed oil can help to lower cholesterol. The healthy fatty acids in black seed oil helps to improve overall cholesterol levels. Powdered seeds were used to promote improvements in cholesterol profile.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Some research shows that taking a daily dose of black seed oil each day can help painful symptoms with Rheumatoid Arthritis, such as joint pain. This could be from the anti-inflammatory effects of the antioxidant provided by the healthy fats and antioxidant Thymoquinone in the oil.
6. Weight Loss
There is evidence that black seed oil may contribute to reduction in BMI (body mass index), therefore improving body composition and helping with obesity.
7. Cancer
In lab tests, studies have shown that thymoquinone can kill cancerous cells. This may mean it can have benefits for skin cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and more.
At Herbs4You, we now carry Black Seed Oil. Stop by and pick some up.
We’re here to help YOU!
Amy Willis MH, CTN
RESOURCES:
Black Seed Oil: Health Benefits, Uses & Nutrition Facts (foodsforbetterhealth.com)
About the Author
Amy Willis M.H., CTN