Black Seed Oil - Top Benefits and Uses

Black seed oil is a herbal product extracted from the seeds of the plant Nigella sativa. It has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years mainly due to its therapeutic effects. This plant is seen in Eastern Europe and Western Asian regions.


 

Chemical Constituents

Black seed oil is 32 - 40% of the total composition of Nigella sativa seed. This oil contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and trans-anethole and it contains aromatic constituents thymoquinone, dihydrothymoquinine, cymene, carvacrol, etc.


Benefits of Black Seed Oil

  • It supports and boosts the immune system
  • Promotes the wellness of lungs and other respiratory organs
  • Provides antioxidant support
  • Having bioactive ingredients to provide beauty care
  • Can be used in the form of capsules
  • Beneficial for the digestive system – carminative
  • Used as a galactagogue (stimulate or increase the flow of milk in lactating mothers)
  • Diuretic
  • Used as an emmenagogue (stimulate or increase the flow of menstrual blood)
  • It is a laxative
  • Side effects are rare when used in the correct dosage

It is used to treat a wide range of conditions like:

  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion
  • Pain and inflammation
  • Infections
  • High blood pressure
  • Back pain
  • Used to treat acne
  • Psoriasis
  • Worm infestation, especially in children

Lowering Blood Pressure

A meta-analysis of a clinical trial found that Black seed oil has a short-term effect on lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Lowering Cholesterol Level

Intake of black seed oil has shown some effect in reducing the total cholesterol and LDL.

Controls Blood Sugar Level

Several studies have shown that it is beneficial for stabilising the blood sugar level. Black seed oil helps reduce haemoglobin A1C – a measure of long-term blood sugar control.

Effect on Gastrointestinal System

Anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil may help to alleviate symptoms like bloating, indigestion, nausea, abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation etc. Some studies have proven that black seed oil effectively prevents colitis, pancreatitis and other GIT disorders.

Helps in the Treatment of Asthma

Studies found that thymoquinone in the black seed oil may help in treating asthma by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in the airway.

Acne Treatment

Black seed oil may have some effect in reducing acne. It may be because of black seed oil's anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. About 78% reduction in acne severity and acne lesions are seen.

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis, a chronic condition characterised by scaly red patches on the skin can be treated with black seed oil. Some studies in humans and animals show that black seed oil could reduce the severity of psoriasis. Applying herbal creams containing black seed oil to the affected area for 12 weeks can reduce psoriasis symptoms.

Treatment of Eczema

Black seed oil may reduce specific symptoms of eczema and protect skin against infections.

Infertility Treatment

A clinical trial in 2014 found that Black seed oil  has some effect on improvement in sperm movement and increases sperm count and sperm volume.

Weight Loss

It is effective in promoting weight loss and decreasing body fat. A study found that a daily intake of 3 grams of black seed oil per day for eight weeks followed by a low-calorie diet experienced a more significant reduction of body weight and fat around the abdomen.

Vitiligo Treatment

Studies show that it is beneficial for the treatment of vitiligo. Applying a cream containing Black seed oil  to the skin twice daily improved the pigmentation in the hands, face, and genital region after six months.

Topical application of black seed oil for six months significantly reduces the lesion size on arms, trunk, head and neck. This black oil may be due to the ability of this oil to spread melanin within the skin.

Treatment of Cancer

Research has shown that black seed oil impacts programmed cell death in several cancer cells like brain cancer, leukaemia, breast cancer etc.

Effect on Liver and Kidney Cells

The antioxidant properties of black seed oil have a protective effect on both liver and kidney cells. The active ingredient thymoquinone reduces oxidative stress – which is the cause of the imbalance of free radicals.

According to a study conducted in 2019, it is found that  Black seed oil  helps to reduce the size of kidney stones and also helps to eliminate them from the body.

Effect in Reducing Inflammation

Studies have shown that black seed oil contains potent anti-inflammatory ingredients. So, intake of this helps prevent some chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, which are caused mainly due to inflammatory changes in the body.

Source of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential for health. Black seed oil is a powerhouse of antioxidants – it can prevent most chronic illnesses and maintain health.

Boosts Wound Healing

The compound thymoquinone in the black seed oil can stimulate tissue growth and promote wound healing. It can be used for treating burns, diabetic wounds, etc., due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects.

Support Hair Growth

Due to its anti-microbial and antioxidant properties, black seed oil is widely used in hair care products like shampoos, hair masks etc. It helps improve the hair's shine, texture, volume and strength.

When black seed oil is mixed with coconut oil and applied to the hair, it is found that it increases hair growth.

Prevention of Metabolic Syndromes

Intake of about 2.5ml of Black seed oil twice daily for eight weeks helps prevent many metabolic disorders. There is a marked reduction in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL and fasting blood sugar. It has a tremendous effect on reducing belly fat, thus helping to reduce obesity.

Summary

Black seed oil is a blissful herbal ingredient with various health and beauty benefits. It has powerful bioactive substances that can reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, improve skin and hair health, and helps to manage obesity. People taking any medication, pregnant women, breastfeeding women etc., should talk to their doctor before using any herbal supplements. Black seed oil  is affordable and available at Amala Earth.