black cumin

What is black seed oil

Nigella sativa is a small flowering shrub with purple or white-tinged flowers that grows in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia.

While it may look unsuspecting, the shrub produces fruits that have tiny black seeds. These black seeds have been used in remedies for thousands of years.

Archaeologists even found black seeds in King Tut’s tomb, emphasizing their importance in history for healing and protection. They’re also used in cooking to add flavor to breads, curries, and pickles. When eaten, the seeds have a bitter flavor that’s often compared to cumin or oregano.

Some additional names for black seed oil include:

black caraway

black cumin

black onion seed

kalonji

Black seed oil has been shown to have antioxidant properties. These can help relieve inflammation inside the body and on the skin. Herbs and supplements are not monitored by the FDA. Research and use reputable brands.

Black seed oil health benefits

Black seed oil has shown promise in treating some of the most common health conditions, including high blood pressure and asthma. It also shows strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans — yeast that can overgrow in the body and lead to candidiasis. Examples of other black seed oil health benefits include:

Reducing high blood pressure:

 Taking black cumin seed extract for two months has been shown to reduce high blood pressure in people whose blood pressure is mildly elevated.

Reducing high cholesterol: Taking black seed oil has been shown to reduce high cholesterol. It’s high in healthy fatty acids that can help you maintain healthier cholesterol levels. Examples of these fatty acids include linoleic acids and oleic acid. The levels of the oils can vary depending on where the black seeds are grown. People may also see results when consuming the crushed seeds.

Improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Taking oral black seed oil may help to reduce inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Decreasing asthma symptoms: The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil may extend to improving asthma symptoms. Its effect in reducing inflammation in the airways may also help with bronchitis symptoms.

Reducing stomach upset: 

Eating black seeds or taking black seed oil is associated with relieving stomach pain and cramps. The oil can help to reduce gas, stomach bloating, and the incidence of ulcers as well.

Black seed oil is also thought to have anticancer properties. It may help fight against skin cancers when applied topically.

Portions of black seed oil known as thymoquinone and other seed potions were able to reduce the growth of tumors in lab rats. The oil also may help to reduce the tissue damaging effects of radiation that is used to kill cancer cells. But these results haven’t been studied in humans. Black seed oil shouldn’t be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments.

Black seed oil beauty benefits

Black seed oil has several applications and benefits for problematic skin conditions. The oil is found in many health foods stores and pharmacies. Examples of applications for beauty and skin include:

Acne:

 According to the Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, applying a lotion prepared with 10 percent black seed oil significantly reduced the incidence of acne after two months. Those who participated in the study reported 67 percent satisfaction.

Hydrating hair: Black seed oil can be applied to human hair to soften it and promote shine.

Psoriasis:

 Applying black seed oil has been shown to reduce the incidence of psoriasis plaques.

Softening skin: Black seed oil has been added to oils and moisturizers to improve skin moisture and hydration.

Wound healing:

 Application of black seed oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and the presence of bacteria to aid in wound healing. While it doesn’t seem to be helpful in growing new collagen fibers, it does stimulate other growth factors to help the body create new, healthy skin.

Remember, black seed oil shouldn’t replace prescription treatments that a doctor may give you. But it does have some beauty benefits that can work in addition to these treatments to enhance your skin.

Is black seed oil safe?

It’s possible that black seed oil can increase the effects of medicines that the body processes through the cytochrome P450 pathway. Enzymes in this pathway metabolize 90 percent of common medications. Examples of common medications can include beta-blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor) and the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin).

If you take any prescription medications regularly, talk to your doctor before starting to take black seed oil. You shouldn’t stop taking any of your regular medications without talking to your doctor first.

Black seed oil can be helpful to liver function, but taking too much black seed oil can also be harmful to your liver and kidneys. If you have problems with either of these organs, talk to your doctor to determine a safe dose (if any). Also, topical black seed oil can cause allergic reactions. Do a patch test before applying it to a large area on your skin.

Black seed oil uses

If you’re looking to expand your palate, you can incorporate black seeds into your dishes. Suggestions on foods to add black seeds to include:

toasted and sprinkled on flatbreads like naan

toasted and sprinkled over bagels or biscuits

added to soups, curries, and stir-fries

grinding them and mixing them with other seasonings like mustard, fennel, and cumin seeds

You can also purchase black seed oil at most health stores and pharmacies. The oil is often packaged into capsules for daily consumption. It’s also sold as an oil that can be applied to the skin and hair or taken by the spoonful.

Active Components

Despite the wealth of historical lore, researchers didn’t begin focusing on black cumin seed until a little over 40 years ago. Since then, there have been about 800 studies conducted in universities verifying the healing properties of this seed. With a hundred different chemical constituents, including abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids, black cumin seeds are jam-packed with beneficial goodness.  Its active compounds, crystalline nigellone and thymoquinone, have shown to have the most benefit.

Yet these little seeds also contain 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. They’re also an excellent source for Omega-3 fatty acids.

According to Garik Mkrtumyan, the co-founder of Zatik, “There is a higher shelf life to the Omega-3 in black cumin seeds than other sources of Omega-3.” One recent study even shows that black cumin oil is more effective than the Omega-3s in fish oil.

Best Sources:

Studies have shown that the percentage of phytochemical content in black cumin seeds can vary greatly, depending on the region in which they’re grown. According to Mkrtumyan, “the most premium quality black cumin seeds which have the highest phytochemical content come from Tunisia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. This has to do with the harvest and climate times.”

Top Benefits Of Black Cumin Seed Oil:

Relief of allergies and asthma: Many studies have shown how black cumin seed oil alleviates asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. The seed’s thymoquinone is shown in one study to be superior to the drug fluticasone in an animal model of asthma. In a study tested on human subjects, boiled water extracts of black seed showed a potent anti-asthmatic effect on asthmatic airways. Another randomized, placebo-controlled human study of chemical weapons injured patients found that boiled water extracts of black seed reduced respiratory symptoms, chest wheezing, and pulmonary function test values, as well as reduced the need for drug treatment.


According to Mkrtumyan, “Research’s strongest claim with the black cumin seed oil has to do with its healing benefits to the respiratory system. My son suffers from allergies and I have asthma and we see a direct benefit from continued use of the oil. The recommended dosage is 2 0r 3 teaspoons taken twice a day – but this amount can vary based on the season and the needs of the individual.”




















2.Immune System Boost: Black cumin seeds contains antioxidants, beneficial acids and b-vitamins that balance the immune system. They have been found superior to almost every other natural remedy when used for autoimmune disorders. One study on rats found that black cumin seeds increased the immune response. Also, while herbs such as echenesia and elderberry can be dangerous for those with autoimmune disease. But according to studies and personal testimonies, black cumin seeds seem to balance the immune system increasing immune function but not encouraging immune reactions against the body’s healthy tissue. Another case presentation study highlights the complete recovery and sero-reversion of adult HIV patient after treatment with Nigella sativa concoction for the period of six months.


3. Anti-cancerous: Many studies show the reduction of cancer tumor linked to black cumin seed oil. In one study, the anticancer properties of black cumin seed were shown to cause a direct reduction of breast cancer cells. The thymoquinone in black seed has been shown to help induce apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells. Other studies have shown this same effect in brain tumor cells, cervical and pancreatic cancer, and oral cancer cells and cavity-forming bacteria (7). 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.




In cases of colon caner, cell studies have found that black seed extract compares favorably to the chemoagent 5-fluoruracil in the suppression of the cancer’s growth, but with a far higher safety profile. Further research on rats also showed how black seed’s significant inhibitory effects, without observable side effects.



4. Anti-Inflammatory: According to Mkrtumyan, the oil of the black seed has shown anti-inflammatory properties “on several inflammation-based models including experimental encephalomyelitis, colitis, peritonitis, oedama, and arthritis through suppression of the inflammatory mediators prostaglandins and leukotriens.” One French study as well as another study in Iran showed how black cumin seeds’s thymoquinone strongly inhibits fMLF-induced neutrophil functions and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. Another study demonstrated that thymoquinone inhibits inflammation induced activation of MAPKs, NF-KB and ROS generation followed by suppressing the gene expression of c-Fos and NFATc1 in osteoclast precursors.



5. Anti-microbial:

 Mkrtumyan attests that “black seed may also have benefits in fighting unwanted microbes including “bacteria, viruses, helminths, and fungus.” Once again, thymoquinone has shown to be the active ingredient that goes to war against harmful microbes in our body.




MRSA has even been wiped out by black cumin oil. Here’s one study that links this to the thymoquionone in black cumin seeds. Another study conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College researchers set out to determine just how potent black seed oil is against some of these superbugs and pared it against several antibiotics such as Amoxicillin, Gatifloxacin, and Tetracycline. According to the study, “Out of 144 strains tested, most of which were resistant to a number of antibiotics, 97 were inhibited by the oil of black cumin.”



6. Digestive Aid: These powerful little seeds are carminative, meaning they aid in digestion and may decrease gas, bloating and stomach pain. Intestinal parasites have been successful fought off with this oil. One study traced the gastroprotective properties of black seed to thymoquoinone. One study showed how black seed inhibits the growth of colon cancer cells with no negative side effects.


7. Improves the Quality of Hair, Skin, and Nails: For centuries, black cumin seed oil was used topically to soften, strengthen and firm skin and help increase hair growth. It minimizes dark spots on the face and discoloration. It can encourage better moisture-retention, giving hair more luster and body. However, Mkrtumyan’s findings show that “some of the essential components of the oil can cause irritation when used topically. The same benefits can be derived from the oil when taken internally, without any irritation or side-effects.” There have en been studies on the seed as a useful remedy against scars and to prevent scar formation on wounds.


8. Heals skin problems like eczema and psoriasis: Black seed oil has also proved to be very beneficial for those who suffer from skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. According to a recent study, it helps sooth inflammation and improve the speed and which skin heals.



9. Cardiovascular Benefits:

 Studies have also shown that black seed’s thymoquinone has a protective effect on the heart. Other studies show how it promotes healthy cholesterol levels and a study shows how it normalizes blood pressure.





10. Inhibits Candida and fungus growth: 

Multiple studies show how black seed oil helps battle candida and fungal infections both externally, on the skin, and internally, in the digestive system. An in vitro study showed how black seed prevented the grown of Candida on Soft Denture Reliner.