Black seed oil has been used since ancient times to cure an illness like headaches, toothache, nasal congestion, digestive illness, parasites, and many common illnesses.
Black seed is also known as black cumin seed is the source of black seed oil. The black seeds are obtained from a plant known as Nigella or Kalonji (scientific name is Nigella sativa). The black seeds are also known as black cumin, Roman coriander, fennel flower, etc. The seeds are very small and black in color.
Black seed has also been dubbed as the “Blessed seed” because of its many medicinal uses. The seeds aside from curing common illnesses can also be used to treat more critical health problems like cancer, diabetes, immune problems, etc. The health benefits of black seed oil have been elaborated further in this article for your knowledge.
Read the article to find out more about the health benefits of black seed oil use.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is very potent in treating some common as well as major illnesses. Below I have discussed the most useful benefits of black seed oil use:
1. Diabetes
In a recent study conducted by the Indian Council for Medical Research, the black seed oil has been found to be effective in preventing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The researchers found that the oil helps in regeneration of the insulin-producing pancreatic cells of your liver. This aids in insulin production and hence maintains the sugar level in your blood. There are also no side effects in using the oil.
The common medication, ‘metformin’, which is used to treat diabetes, causes many side effects like bloating, headaches, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, etc. Compared to this using black seed oil for treating diabetes is safer and healthier.
2. Good Liver
The liver is the site where all the toxins produced in your body is processed. And it also produces bile which is the key in digestion. Therefore, a healthy liver is a must for the proper functioning of your body.
Researchers have found that black seed oil is beneficial for the health of your liver. If you are suffering from poor liver health due to medication, alcohol and liver disease then using black seed oil can help you regain your liver health. It helps in healing the damaged liver cells and prevent further damage and disease of the liver.
3. Fighting Obesity/ Weight Loss
In recent times, a study published in The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders has suggested that black seed oil is effective in aiding weight loss. Scientists have found it the most effective natural cure for obesity.
The oil does not directly remove fats from your body, but it works indirectly by reducing the following:
- Appetite
- Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Glucose absorption
- Liver gluconeogenesis
- Blood glucose level
Fenugreek Oil can also be used for weight loss.
4. Cancer
The chemicals thymoquinone and thymol hydroquinone have antitumor property. These chemicals are present in black seed oil which makes its a cure for cancer cells.
Scientists have given proof of this. The research conducted by some scientists using black seed oil showed 52% decrease in the cancer cells of mice.
Thymoquinone has been shown to have a positive effect in killing cancer cells when combined with chemotherapy. Also, it decreases the side effects and toxicity of chemotherapy drugs.Turmeric Essential Oil is considered as anti-cancerous oil. It also helps diabetic patients.
5. Acne Removal
Black seed oil is a good remedy for acne treatment. Black seed oil has the antibacterial property which kills the bacteria which cause acne.
Applying black seed oil directly to the skin may cause allergy in some. So it is better to take the steam from the black seed on your skin to remove acne.
You can take a few drops, usually 10, of the oil in 2 liters of boiling water. Put a towel over your face and close your eyes.
Take the steam on your face through the towel. Do this for 5 minutes and clean your face with a clean towel. Do this for at least a month to see a reduction in acne.
6. Hair Benefits
This is the most common use of black seed oil. Black seed oil has been used to treat hair loss for a long time. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant property makes it good for hair growth.
The oil makes hair follicles strong and promotes faster hair growth and increases the hair volume. Also keeps the hair moisturized.
If you are suffering from hair loss or poor quality hair then, applying black seed oil will help. You can apply the black seed oil directly or mix it with olive or coconut oil.
Mix the oil with olive or coconut oil in a ratio of 1:1 and apply to your hair. Keep for half an hour and wash hair. You will get healthy, beautiful hair and definite hair growth!Grapeseed oil is also wonderful for the hair growth, you can use it.
7. A Toothache And Headache
Black seed oil is a very good painkiller/ analgesic. It is effective in relieving toothache. If you are having a toothache take a small amount of oil on cotton and apply 3-4 drops on the affected tooth. It will help ease the pain.
Headaches can also be relieved. Just inhale the scent of the oil when you have a headache and the pain will subside. Soak a piece of cloth or handkerchief in the oil and then use it.Dental problems can also be treated by the Clove Oil.
8. Hay Fever
People suffering from hay fever (allergy from pollen) in spring have been found to benefit from the use of black seed oil.
The oil has anti-inflammatory property so it can stop the swelling and redness of eyes and running nose, sneezing and burning sensation caused by pollen allergy.
You can take a teaspoon of oil every day in spring to help with the allergy. Add it to milk or any other beverage to mask the taste.
9. Asthma
Black seed oil treatment can be given to asthma patients to help them avoid frequent asthma attacks. You can use a vaporizer to diffuse the scent of the oil in the room with the patient.
Inhaling the scent of black seed oil helps relax the air passage which gets inflamed due to allergy in asthma attacks. The anti-inflammatory property of black seed makes it a good medicine for asthma.
10. Antibacterial Use
The oil has a strong antibacterial property which can be exploited to treat bacterial infections of the body.If you are suffering from diarrhea and food poisoning, you can take a teaspoon of the oil with some light beverage to soothe your stomach. The oil kills and removes the bacteria which cause your stomach to become upset.
Applying black seed oil to your skin will help remove any bacteria residing on your skin. Mix black seed oil with coconut or olive oil and apply to skin.Black seed oil is very effective in clearing away bacterial infections be it inside or on the body.
11. MRSA Infections
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of bacteria which has become immune to most antibiotics which make it hard to treat MRSA infections. This strain of bacteria can only be treated with black seed oil.
Researchers in Pakistan have shown that black seed oil can kill MRSA bacteria effectively. This is the most important benefit of using black seed oil because it can prevent an MRSA epidemic from happening.
12. For Fever
Black seed oil has an antipyretic effect which helps lower the fever. You can mix a few drops of oil with water and spray the mixture over your body when you have a fever. The oil will help soothe your body and lower your body temperature.
13. Healthy Diet
Black seed oil can be taken along with your regular diet. It will aid your body functions and keep you healthy and active. You can take it with any beverage like juice or milk. You can also add it to your salad or any other food that you take.
It helps reduce your blood cholesterol and maintain a healthy level in your blood. Keeps you active and induces deep sleep to help you relax better.
14. Additional Uses
Applying the oil to the inside of your nose can help clear sinus blockage.
Warm the oil and apply to joints to relieve pain. This is an effective relief for those who suffer from joint pain in arthritis. The anti-inflammatory property of black seed oil reduces the inflammation of the joint and give relief from pain.
Possible Side Effects And Safe Dosage Of Black Seed Oil
Not much research has been done to provide enough evidence about the side effects of black seed oil use. Black seed oil does not cause any side effect if you use it in small dosage. 2-3 teaspoon of oil consumption and use is safe. A large amount of oil can have a negative effect on your health.
Avoid giving this oil to babies and small children. Some people might be allergic to the oil, so it is better to test first with just 1-2 drops. If you find yourself having allergic reactions, then avoid using the oil and find some alternatives.
Remember always to use the oil diluted if you are applying it to your skin and hair. Mix it with coconut or olive oil in a ratio of 1:1 before use.
Precautions
1. Pregnant And Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant women are advised not to consume black seed oil. Not much evidence is there to support this claim, but it is said that the oil slows down or may even stop the contractions of the uterus.
Breastfeeding women should also avoid taking this oil because it is not safe for the baby. Again not much evidence is available. But it is better to avoid using the oil and be safe than deal with any negative results.
2. Blood Clotting
The oil has a negative effect on blood clot formation. It slows down the rate at which blood clots. So if you or anyone you know has blood disorder of any kind it is better not to take the oil in any form.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
Black seed oil is said to lower blood pressure. People with low blood pressure should avoid taking the oil because it can lower the blood pressure to a dangerous level.
4. Lowers Blood Sugar Level
If you have diabetes you can take black seed oil to lower your blood glucose level. But always try to maintain your blood sugar level because taking too much of the oil can lower your sugar level to a dangerous level. So keep on monitoring your sugar level if you are taking black seed oil.
5. Surgery
It is best to stop the use of black seed oil before and after a surgery for some time. As I have discussed above that the oil reduces blood sugar level, blood pressure, and blood clotting and this may interfere with the surgery. May cause bleeding and interfere with medication.
Always take the oil on an empty stomach one hour before a meal or bedtime. Mix it with some beverage or juice or honey. Always use the oil in diluted form. Also, if you are on any medication, please consult your doctor about the safety of black seed oil use with the medication.
Chemical Properties Of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil has a unique chemical constitution which may be the reason for its wide range of medicinal use and health benefits.
The seeds contain a lot number of chemicals known as phytochemicals which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. They contain at least three different types of phytochemicals, namely-
1. Thymoquinone
This chemical is a powerful antioxidant and is anti-inflammatory. This chemical has also been found to be anti-cancer. The presence of this chemical might attribute to the use of black seed oil in treating asthma, liver detoxification, cancer, etc.
2. Thymohydroquinine
This chemical has found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This property attributes to the antiseptic use of black seed oil.
This chemical woks by killing the harmful bacteria, fungus, and parasites that enter the body and cause illness. This chemical also has an antitumor effect which is useful for treating cancer cells.
3. Thymol
This chemical shows an antiviral property. It can be used to treat TB and other viruses. This chemical has antitumor property too. Hence, it is an effective cancer cure.
The presence of these chemicals in black seed oil makes it a versatile medical tool for fighting against a wide range of health problems.
Final Talk
Black seed oil has many health benefits. It is a very natural and potent cure for many ailments. With careful use and correct dosage of the oil, one can benefit from this oil greatly. Be careful while using this natural remedy. And consult your doctor before using the oil on a regular basis.
