What is Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has been used to treat all kinds of ailments for thousands of years, with its alleged health benefits touted for just as long. In fact, reports even point to the fact that it was found in King Tut’s tomb.

Scientifically referred to as Nigella sativa, black seed is a flowering plant found in Asia and the Mediterranean, and has been used in traditional medicine making for several thousand years. It is said to boost the immune system, manage pregnancy disorders, help control blood pressure, control diabetes and fight cancer, cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease, to name a few.

This article explores some of the health benefits offered by black seed oil and how to identify whether you’re buying a supplement that’s good quality and will deliver the intended health benefits.

What are the benefits of organic black seed oil?

Black seed oil has been used in ancient medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as arthritis, multiple infections, toothaches and headaches. The key ingredients in organic black seed oil include the omega-3, 6 and 9 family of fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A, Thymoquinone, Thymol and Nigellone – all of which work collectively to boost skin, hair and joint health as well.

This study found that by consuming just 5ml of organic black seed oil each day for about 8 weeks can help you lower blood pressure, as long as you’re generally healthy and don’t have any serious pre-existing health conditions.

An animal study demonstrated how the omega-3 fatty acids in black seed oil can reduce inflammation which is typically caused by a high-fat “western” diet. In fact, this review confirms black seed oil’s ability to offer strong anti-fungal and anti-pathogenic properties too.

In a controlled trial, black seed oil supplementation was shown to help improve symptoms of asthma, while this review suggests that consuming organic black seed oil can help manage diabetes.

Another review suggests that Nigella sativa can help those struggling to lose weight by reducing BMI and waist girth.

The above are just some of the benefits of orally consuming organic black seed oil. Current research indicates that it is perfectly safe to take it in relatively large doses for up to 3 months. However, overdosing on the supplement may lead to stomach upsets, constipation, vomiting and allergic skin reactions in some people.

How to identify good quality black seed oil

When looking for a high-quality black seed oil supplement, always look for the words “virgin”, “cold-pressed” and “certified organic” on the label. A high-quality and natural black seed oil supplement will always be cold-press extracted from small and oblong-shaped black seeds, which helps to keep its health benefits intact. It also means that no solvents have been used in the extraction process.

Virgin, cold-pressed black seed oil will, by definition, always be “organic” – meaning that it will maintain the original plant sterols, natural antioxidants, trace minerals and omega fatty acids. So, as long as your black seed oil is certified organic and virgin cold-pressed, you’re investing in the same therapeutic medicine people have been using for centuries to boost their health and wellbeing!

Is black seed oil beneficial for the skin and hair too?

It is, absolutely! Did you know black seed oil is being used in more than 2,000 countries to help with thinning hair and regrowth? The way it works is that it reduces inflammation in the scapular skin, reducing flakiness and sensitivity. Apply it directly and consistently to your scalp, and you will notice much better hair growth, density and overall health.

One of the most common causes of hair thinning and hair loss (other than genetic factors) is inflammation and wounds in the scalp. Black seed oil helps to soften the scapular skin and hydrates each hair follicle, giving you thicker and more consistent growth over time.

There’s research backing the fact that black seed oil reduced inflammation in the skin, which in turn, leads to healthier hair growth. Another study clearly shows how black seed oil mixed with other oils, such as coconut, henna and Indian gooseberry, reduced hair loss in men and women aged between 17 and 40.

This study demonstrates the positive effects of Nigella sativa (black seed oil) when applied directly to the skin, to improve hair growth and scapular health.

There are also many studies that vouch for black seed oil’s positive effects on general skin health, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects – people suffering from acne and other skin conditions can particularly benefit from it. Plus, it also helps to deal with dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, as well as softens up the skin and helps fight eczema.

This study shows how black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are beneficial for the skin – while this study reveals how black seed oil can help deal with symptoms of specific skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema, acting as a skin softener, moisturizer and hydrator. Its anti-inflammatory properties encourage wound healing, with inflammation and wounds being one of the most common causes of certain skin conditions, including acne.

This detailed study revealed a number of benefits of topically applying black seed oil, such as helping to deal with skin pigmentation, acne, hypersensitivity reactions, acne psoriasis, wound healing and more – thanks to its anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick recap – Benefits for overall health and hair & skin

Use a quality black seed oil supplement and you can prevent greying, dandruff, dryness, itching and other scapular conditions, thanks to the hydrating, soothing and moisturizing properties. The abundant concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients can restore damaged hair of practically every type.

People suffering from certain skin conditions can definitely benefit from black seed oil. Its therapeutic effects on the skin have been widely documented, such as a reduction in the symptoms of acne, eczema and psoriasis as well as other conditions like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, cold-pressed virgin black seed oil offers a variety of health and well-being benefits such as the management of blood pressure and diabetes as well keeping the kidneys and cardiovascular system healthy, to name a few.

Always buy your black seed oil with natural ingredients, and fewer added ingredients to be sure you’re buying a reputable product.