Black Seed Oil

What is black seed oil?

Obtained from the Nigella Sativa (n. sativa) plant, black seed oil (n. sativa oil) begins life as the seeds of a fruit. Found in Eastern Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East, these wonder seeds have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries with a long history of use dating back to ancient Egypt. It has been used to treat ailments ranging from diarrhea through to hair loss The seeds possess a bitter taste that has often been compared to oregano and is valued as an ingredient in many recipes.. This essential oil can also be found online as black cumin seed oil.

Besides being called black seed oil, the essential oil is also known as kalonji oil, black cumin, black caraway and even black onion seed oil.

Black seed is available in oil, capsules or in seed form. Black seed oil has all the benefits available from the n. sativa plant in liquid form. Organic black seed oil is a natural product that has been obtained from n. sativa plants grown without the aid of synthetic chemicals, harmful pesticides or genetically modified materials.

Wherever possible, we suggest organic black seed oil when it is available.

The oil can be ingested, used for cooking or applied topically according to your specific health needs.

What are black cumin seeds used for?

There are several ways that black cumin seeds can be used. Most commonly, they are used in tablet form to provide health benefits such as reducing blood pressure and alleviating the symptoms of asthma. They can also be added to cooking dishes as a spice in seed form to add flavour. Additionally, black seed oil can be applied to the skin for beauty purposes such as eliminating acne and the softening of skin.

What are the health benefits of Black seed oil?

For many, the biggest appeal of black seed benefits are the health related in that it provides to those who consume it regularly. The black seed oil benefits include:

It can reduce hypertension[1] – Taking black cumin seed oil products for a few months has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. N. sativa is known to have demonstrable antioxidant, hypotensive, diuretic and calcium channel blockading properties that make it effective in helping to reduce blood pressure, Clinical trials have shown kalonji or black seed oil to be most effective in helping to reduce blood pressure levels for people exhibiting moderate levels of high blood pressure.
Contains powerful antioxidants including thymoquinone [2]and t-anethol. Antioxidants are known to prevent cellular damage from free radicals and oxidants. Research suggests that antioxidants can guard the body against chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress including diabetes and heart disease. The antioxidant thymoquinone in particular has been shown to have powerful anti inflammatory and other health properties. Many nutritionists and biologists see thymoquinone as one of the most powerful antioxidants available. It is considered to be the most beneficial property produced by the nigella sativa plant. Thymoquinone has also been shown to alter molecular and signalling pathways in degenerative diseases.
It has been shown to assist in aiding weight loss[3]. Clinical trial studies have shown that black seed supplements may assist in reducing a person's overall BMI (Body Mass Index) Furthermore, the journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders has found that black seed oil can have a role to play in tackling obesity.
May help to fight bacteria. Studies have been very promising in this area[4]. One clinical trial showed that black seed oil was effective when applied topically to children suffering staphylococcal infections of the skin. Further studies have shown that Kalonji is effective in fighting MRSA - a bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. Further studies need to be conducted in this area , but the initial indicators are that the use of black seed in traditional medicine was justified.
It can help maintain healthy cholesterol[5]. Cholesterol is a necessary fat like substance in the body, however too much cholesterol can cause cardiac problems. Clinical trials have shown black seed to be effective in both increasing the good HDL cholesterol while causing a significant reduction in the level of bad ldl cholesterol. Interestingly, black seed or kalonji oil was shown to be more effective in reducing bad levels than the seed itself while the seed helped increase good levels.
It is beneficial for asthmatics[6] – The anti-inflammatory properties contained within can reduce inflammation in the airways which is a significant advantage for those suffering from asthma.
May help regulate blood sugar levels[7]. A clinical trial has shown that black seed taken over a period of three months greatly reduced average blood sugar, fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance. In 2016 the British Journal of Pharmaceutical research indicated that nigella sativa oil was substantially important in treating diabetes as it enhanced insulin production as well as glucose tolerance. The journal also noted that nigella sativa oil seemed to be responsible for a proliferation of beta cells.
N. sativa seed oil may also assist in treating diabetes patients with complications such as neuropathy[8], atherosclerosis and nephropathy
A 2013 clinical study[9] showed that diabetic rats when treated with a high dosage of n. sativa oil gained therapeutic effects from the the treatment
There is also some scientific evidence to show that n. sativa oil may be helpful in treating liver and kidney disease[10]
Can reduce inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, however persistent inflammation can lead to degenerative diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Indications are that black seed can help fight inflammation. One clinical study showed that a small sample of test subjects suffering rheumatoid arthritis taking just 1000mg of oil per day showed noticeable improvement after a period of eight weeks. Clinical trials on rats have shown promising results in this area, however further studies are required on human subjects to find exactly how and why black seed is anti-inflammatory.
It can ease an upset stomach – Taking the product regularly can help to reduce bloating, gas and ulcers therefore relieving stomach cramps and associated pain. Research in relation to stomach ulcer treatment at this stage has been limited to animal clinical trials, however, the results have been fairly promising.
May protect you from liver damage. Studies have shown that kalonji may have an anti-inflammatory effect on damaged liver areas although more research needs to be done.[10]

What are the potential side effects of using black cumin seed oil?

While black cumin (kalonji/black seed) is assessed by health authorities as being likely safe when taken in small quantities as either a food additive or a remedy, there are some situations where care needs to be exercised not to consume too much black seed oil.

There is evidence to show that black cumin seed can slow blood clotting which would make it unwise for people suffering bleeding disorders to consume.

Taking large amounts of kalonji while pregnant is considered unsafe as black seed is thought to slow contractions of the uterus.

As black seed can slow clotting, lower blood pressure and reduce blood sugar, it is recommended that consumption of black seed cease at least two weeks prior to surgery.

Who should not take black seed oil?

Theoretically, black seed oil could cause complications for people suffering low blood pressure or hypoglycemia as intake of the oil could exacerbate these conditions. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels and blood pressure should be undertaken in these cases.

What is black seed oil good for?

If you’re still wondering what is black seed oil good for besides the health benefits, the oil is used for various skin conditions and beauty applications these include

Acne treatment by consistently applying a lotion containing 10 percent black seed oil
Hair hydration
The reduction of psoriasis and eczema
Skin softening
Topical application can reduce inflammation and promote faster healing of wounds

How does nigella sativa oil benefits skin and hair?

It is naturally anti bacterial making it an ideal natural remedy for acne.

Topical application of the oil allows it to interact directly with the skin and hair - helping to reduce irritation and redness and making the skin softer.

The ingredients Nigellone and Thymoquinone promote hair health and may help to prevent hair fall and stimulate hair growth. The effect of Thymoquinone in particular on hair has been well documented. The sativa oil is also said to significantly improve scalp health and may even reverse the effects of greying hair - whether this is due to the effect of thymoquinone or to the n. sativa seed itself is unknown.

Black seed oil is best mixed with other natural ingredients like olive oil, honey or coconut oil when applied to the skin or hair.

How do I use black seed oil on my face?

There is much evidence to suggest that using black seed oil (also known as nigella seed oil) in a moisturiser or face mask application can provide a complexion that appears smoother and clearer.

An effective moisturiser can be made by mixing 9 ml of black seed oil with 30 ml of jojoba carrier oil, 30 ml of sweet almond carrier oil, 20 ml of borage carrier oil 15ml of rosehip oil and 6 ml of vitamin E liquid. The mixture should be shaken vigorously to ensure it is blended well. Before applying it, the face should be cleaned then patted dry. Then rub about 7 drops of the mixture in your palms to warm it up before massage it gently into the face with light upward strokes. Care should be taken to avoid the eyes.

A nourishing face mask can be made by combining 1 Tablespoon of black cummin seed oil with 3 tablespoons of raw organic honey and 3 tablespoons of finely ground apricot shell exfoliant. After gently washing the face, apply 1 tablespoon of this paste to the face and gently massage the mixture into the face and neck using a circular motion. Allow the mask to soak into the skin for approximately 10 minutes then use a warm rinse to assist with massaging the mix deeper into the skin while washing off the mask. Then moisturise the skin with two drops of black seed oil.

Can black seed oil regrow hair?

There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that applying black seed oil to thinning areas of the scalp may help to generate new hair growth. At this stage, although there are plenty of websites claiming success in this area, the evidence is anecdotal only. There is no dedicated black seed oil for hair, all black seed oil would suffice.

Can you cook with black seed oil or black seed extract?

It is easy to incorporate black seed extract or oil into your cooking. Incorporating black seed extract or black cumin seed oil into your diet will aid digestion and help to improve appetite. You can use it straight by the teaspoon full or you can blend it with other ingredients to make a wonderful dressing.

A simple dressing recipe would include the following ingredients

:1/4 cup of black cumin seed oil

:1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

:1/4 cup of olive oil

: 2 tablespoons of honey

: 2 tablespoons of mustard

: 1 finely chopped garlic clove

Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

The dressing will make a perfect addition to a number of salads and grain based dishes. It can also be used as a vegetable dip. Once made it should be kept in a refrigerated airtight container to keep fresh.

Black cumin seed oil Australia

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References

1. Nigella sativa and Its Protective Role in Oxidative Stress and Hypertension

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3606739/

2. Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed and its active constituent, Thymoquinone

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633670/

3. Effects of Nigella Sativa Oil with a low calorie diet on Cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women - a randomized controlled clinical trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26029855/

4.Black cumin (Nigella Sativa) and its constituent (thymoquinone) and its constituent (thymoquinone): a review on antimicrobial effects https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387228/

5. The Effects of 8 -week Nigella Sativa supplementation and aerobic training on Lipid profile and VO2 max sedentary overweight females https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3950745/

6. Medicinal benefits of Nigella Sativa in bronchial asthma: a literature review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6111118/

7. Black Seed Thymoquinone Improved Insulin Secretion, Hepatic Glycogen Storage, and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5857299/

8. Cardiovascular Effects of Nigella Sativa L. and its Constituents

https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/cardiovascular-effects-of-inigella-sativai-l-and-its-constituents-3555.html

9. Nigella sativa Oil Has Significant Repairing Ability of Damaged Pancreatic Tissue Occurs in Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237145917_Nigella_sativa_Oil_Has_Significant_Repairing_Ability_of_Damaged_Pancreatic_Tissue_Occurs_in_Induced_Type_1_Diabetes_Mellitus

10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387231/