Once again, nature has provided us with a way to stay healthy. Black cumin seed oil is quickly gaining notice for all its amazing health and beauty benefits. While some may already know about how it can help with skin issues, few know that you can fight inflammation and bacteria with black cumin seed oil.
What is black cumin seed oil?
Black cumin seed oil, sometimes simply referred to as black seed oil, comes from a small flowering shrub with purple or white-tinged flowers that grows in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia. These shrubs produce fruits that have tiny black seeds. The oil is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant native to southwest Asia (commonly called black cumin). Also known as kalonji oil, black caraway, or black onion seed, nigella sativa oil is an amber-hued oil used in cooking and is said to offer a range of health benefits. One of the key components of black seed oil is thymoquinone, a compound with antioxidant properties.
People have used black seed oil for its therapeutic benefits for thousands of years but seems to just now be picking up steam among the natural health industry as a possible ingredient in supplements. Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, asthma, arthritis, and intestinal worms. It has also been used for conjunctivitis, abscesses, and parasites.
What are the health benefits of black cumin seed oil?
The ability to fight inflammation and bacteria are most notably its health benefits. Several of the health conditions that people seek out this oil for are inflammation-related, including:
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Psoriasis
Other health benefits of black seed oil according to Healthline include:
- Reducing high blood pressure
- Reducing high cholesterol
- Improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- Decreasing allergy symptoms
- Reducing stomach upset
- Reducing gas and stomach bloating
- Reducing the incidence of ulcers
- Fighting diabetes
- May reduce risk factors in women who are obese
- May improve blood sugar levels
It can also help with several skin conditions related to bacteria.
What studies have been done on black cumin seed oil?
There have been several studies done on black seed oil to date, including 2013 study that compared the benefits of N. sativa with those of prescription medications; black seed oil reduced the severity of hand eczema in this small study. Recent studies have shown that the thymoquinone in black cumin seed oil can influence programmed cell apoptosis in several types of cancer cell, including brain cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer cells. According to another 2013 study on rats, black seed oil may reduce liver and kidney disease issues and improve organ structures. An article in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism suggested that black seed oil may have antidiabetic properties and improve blood sugar levels. A placebo-controlled clinical trial on men with abnormal sperm and infertility has found that black seed oil can improve sperm movement and increase sperm count and semen volume.
Should you add this oil to your health routine?
Black seed oil appears to hold promise for several health issues related to inflammation and bacteria. However, it’s always best to consult a medical professional before you add any supplement to your existing health routine. Also, If you are considering purchasing black seed oil or any other natural supplement, it’s always best to buy from a trusted natural supplement company to ensure you’re getting the highest quality product possible. Black cumin seed oil is definitely something to consider if you’re looking for help in fighting inflammation and bacteria.
