Benefits of Black Seed Oil

 

Black seed oil is known as a natural remedy used for centuries to treat a number of ailments and health conditions. Modern scientific research has verified many claims on the efficacy of black seed oil as a supplement and traditional medicine. In this article, we look at the Black seed oil benefits along with the characteristics of the plant.

What is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is an aromatic oil that is usually extracted from the seeds of the Indian Nigella sativa plant. The oil may also be derived from black cumin seeds that are grown in other countries. The seeds are charcoal-coloured, pungent smelling and are known as Kalonji in India. The oil is bright yellow in colour and has a distinct smell and flavour.

Kalonji is an important herb in Ayurveda. It is often used to make inhalants, ointments, and gargles, as well as herbal oils. Black cumin is also used in Ayurvedic oil blends, Ayurvedic massage oils, and Ayurvedic incense.

Characteristic of the Nigella Sativa Plant

Apart from the Middle Eastern and South Asian nations, the Nigella Sativa plant can be found in a few African nations as well. The herb has a height range of 60 to 100 cm. The seeds are one of the most vital components of the plant.

The numerous health advantages of black cumin have led to its widespread cultivation and use in traditional medicine.

What are the health benefits of using Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil has been used for centuries as a remedy for many health problems.

Wound healing

Oftentimes wounds take a bad shape and a long time to recover. Wound healing has a due process of its own. A strong, white fibre called collagen is produced with the help of red blood cells and serves as the base for new tissue.

Over this tissue, new skin starts to grow. Using topical solutions of honey, black seed oil, and especially their mixture can speed up and improve wound healing. [1]

Deals with hair loss

Several commercial hair products use Black seed oil as an essential ingredient. It’s important to maintain hygiene and cosmetology in the hair to make them grow healthier and reduce hair fall to as less as possible.

Modern tools and techniques are frequently damaging to hair health. Black seed supplements can help deal with these issues. Black seed oil is frequently included in hair care products like hair masks and shampoos because of its antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics. [2]

Beneficial to skin

Lack of a pigment called melanin in the skin, which causes vitiligo. Melanocytes create the pigment melanin in our body, which gives your skin its colour. When you have vitiligo, your skin is unable to produce enough melanin because your melanocytes are not working. Black seed oil also helps with Vitiligo, a condition that causes the loss of skin pigmentation.[3]

Weight loss

Obesity can have causes like food, environment, genetics or even stress. It can also result in health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon).

A significant effect has been observed recently concerning decreasing weight on taking the Black Seed supplement. [4] This makes Black seed beneficial to a large number of people in today’s time who are struggling with obesity.

Anti-diabetic effects

The exact causes of diabetes are hard to trace but in all cases, Blood sugar levels increase. This is a result of the pancreas' insufficient insulin production. Both types of diabetes may be brought on by a combination of genetic and environmental reasons.

Renal illness, heart attacks, strokes, blindness, and lower limb amputation are all significantly exacerbated by diabetes. For the treatment of diabetes, nigella sativa may be used as an adjuvant to oral antidiabetic medications.[5]

Traditional Use of Black Seed Oil in Ayurveda

Black cumin seeds are often used in Ayurvedic oils. They are used as a common ingredient in many Ayurvedic oils used for massage. Black cumin seeds are also added to herbal decoctions. They are also added to Ayurvedic tea blends.

Rasa (taste): pungent, bitter
Vipaka (post-digestion taste): Pungent
Virya (action): Heating

Black cumin seeds are said to be beneficial for the digestive system. They can help with indigestion, colic, and other gastrointestinal problems. They can also be used as a natural remedy for diarrhoea, according to Ayurvedic claims.

Modern Scientific Research on Black Seed Oil

Several recent pieces of research have testified to Black Seed Oil benefits, making its efficacy more reliable than just the ancient texts. Some of them are listed below.

• “Synergistic effect of honey and Nigella sativa on wound healing” [6]
• “A Review on the Cosmeceutical and External Applications of Nigella sativa”[7]
• “Vitiligo: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Treatment” [8]
• “Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial” [9]
• “Effects of Nigella Sativa on Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review” [10]

How to take Black Seed Oil as a supplement?

You can take Hesh’s Black Seed Oil orally in amounts of 1-2 grammes each day. But before consuming the oil, you might want to combine it with honey or lemon juice due to its potent flavour. Find out from a healthcare professional what dosage would be appropriate for your condition.

Side effects of using Black Cumin Oil

Some people may experience a burning sensation, itching or irritation when using black cumin oil. If you are allergic to black cumin, you are advised to stay away from black cumin oil as well as it may cause a severe reaction.

Black cumin oil is safe for children and pregnant women, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming it. Those who are on blood-thinning medications are advised to consult a doctor before consuming the oil.