Since hundreds of years, people have been using black seed oil for its therapeutic perks. Studies suggest that this oil may offer loads of health and cosmetic perks, such as it helps in losing weight, enhancing skin conditions and even treating cancer and diabetes.
In this article, we look at the science behind the advantages of Black Seed oil and explore the possible side effects and risks.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil comes from Nigella sativa, a small plant with pale purple, blue, or white flowers that grows in Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East. That’s why most of the people have used the tiny black oil seeds as a natural remedy, for thousands of years. The seeds can also be used as zest pickles, curries, and even bread in a similar way to cumin or oregano.
It also contains thymoquinone, which is the best antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that may feature tumor-reducing properties. So, in this way, consumers can ingest the black seed oil or their seeds in the form of capsules or apply it topically to benefit their skin. Besides, it is also possible to add the oil to massage oils, homemade skin-care products or shampoos, as well.
Scientifically-Proven Black Seed Oil Health Perks
The black seed oil has shown its promise in curing 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.
Here are some other examples of black seed oil health benefits to reveal:
- Helps Minimizing High Blood Pressure: Taking black cumin seed extract on a regualr basis has been shown to reduce high blood pressure issues in people whose blood pressure is mildly elevated.
- Helps Reducing High Cholesterol: Ingesting black seed oil has been shown to reduce high cholesterol. It’s high in healthy fatty acids that can help you keep up healthier cholesterol levels. Examples of these fatty acids include linoleic acids as well as oleic acid. The levels of the oils can vary depending on where the black seeds are basically grown. People can also see results when they consuming the crushed seeds.
- Helps Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: Taking oral black seed oil may help people to reduce inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
- Helps Decreasing Asthma Symptoms: The anti-inflammatory effects of organic black seed oil may extend to enhancing asthma symptoms. Not only this, its effect in dropping inflammation in the airways may also help with bronchitis symptoms like Cough, Fatigue, Shortness of breath or else.
- Helps Reducing Stomach Upset: Having pure black seeds or consuming black seed oil is associated with relieving stomach pain as well as cramps. The oil can also help to reduce gas, stomach bloating, and the incidence of ulcers as well.
Is Black Seed Oil Completely Safe?
It’s possible that organic black seed oil can boost 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, consult your doctor first before starting to take any kind of black seed oil.
Takeaway
People have used the black seeds or the oil for its therapeutic benefits, for thousands of years.
Many studies have signified that it may have loads of health and cosmetic benefits for various medical and skin conditions, although these studies often use animal or cell models rather than humans. However, remember that always talk to your doctor before taking black seed oil, and try to choose 100-percent pure/organic, therapeutic-grade, USDA-certified organic black seed oil.