Health Benefits of Adding Black Seed Oil to Your Diet

Black seeds, sometimes known as black cumin, are the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. This is a flowering plant that is native to Asia and Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

It is also cousin to a popular ornamental plant that is grown in many a garden and known as love-in-a-mist or simply Nigella (Nigella damascene).

Black seed oil as a health supplement has become very popular of late but has been used traditionally for thousands of years—black seeds were actually found in the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb! It can also be used culinarily, hence the ‘black cumin’ nickname.

How to Use Black Seed Oil

Source: Eran Finkle/Flickr

Black seed oil can be purchased in capsule form or as a bottle of oil as one would find olive oil. The capsules may be taken orally, but the bottle form gives you the option to use it in other ways such as topically, massaging it directly into the skin, or culinarily.

It has a rather bitter taste, so some people prefer to take it in a pill form. Alternatively, you can mix it with lemon, or put it in smoothies if taken from a bottle.

There is also the option to lightly drizzle it on salads. Remember the strong flavor, so proceed with caution.

The seeds themselves can also be used in cooking in a similar way to how one would use cumin or caraway.

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Source: Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube

High in Antioxidants- One of the main benefits of black seed oil is its antioxidant content. Antioxidants are important in helping protect the body from oxidative stress.

One compound present in black seed oil that is of special interest is thymoquinone. This may help protect brain cells from neuroinflammation and is thought to have some anti-cancerous properties, though more research is needed.

Fights Inflammation- Thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, black seed oil has been found to help a number of skin complaints including acne, general dryness, and psoriasis. As well, some believe it helps nourish the hair and scalp and reduce dandruff.

The same anti-inflammatory effects may work for those suffering from joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Hayfever- A small study found that 9 in 10 people who used black seed oil in their nostrils reported significantly reduced sneezing and itching during hayfever season.

Reduces Yeast Overgrowth- Studies have shown that the antifungal properties of Black Seed oil helped protect against the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This can lead to candidiasis.

Ease Symptoms of Asthma- A small study showed that thymoquinone in black seed oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to relax the muscles in the airways of those suffering from asthma.

Precautions

Much more research has to be done to determine the full extent of the medical properties of black seed oil.

As well, there is no official information on dosage as there is still a need for more studies to be done on the potential long-term effects of black seed oil usage. As a result, do your own extensive research and seek advice from your healthcare provider for personal dosage recommendations.

One study showed that using black seed oil use over a three-month period showed no adverse side effects. Another study, however, that had participants taking one teaspoon of black seed oil daily over eight weeks, reported some complaints of nausea and bloating.

If you are on any kind of medication, particularly beta-blockers or Warfarin, check with a medical professional before using black seed oil. As well, if you have any kind of kidney issues, check before using black seed oil.

Source: Jennifer Ebinger/YouTube

If you are using black seed oil topically, do a skin patch test to ensure that you aren’t allergic before smearing it all over your face or body.

On the whole, black seed oil has been found to be safe for use for most people when used moderately and not for prolonged periods of time.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. Consult a medical professional before using black seed oil medicinally. 

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