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Black seed oil is an age-old remedy that has been used for thousands of years. Its therapeutic benefits range from health to cosmetics, including- weight loss, skin conditions and even lower the risk of cancer and diabetes.
Also known as black cumin seed oil, Kalonji oil or Nigella sativa oil, it was historically used to treat toothache, headache, nasal congestion, asthma, arthritis, and intestinal worms. It can also be used for conjunctivitis, abscesses, and parasites.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, which is native in Southwest Asia. Widely used as a kitchen spice, black seed oil is rich in antioxidant properties.
People use this Black Seed essential oil in two ways- ingesting through the mouth as capsules or applying it to the skin. It can also be used in bathing products, skin-care products and fragrances.
Table of Contents
Uses and Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Here are some health benefits of black seed oil.
Treats Bacterial Infections
The oil from black seeds has wonderful antibacterial properties that can help in curing infections. These can even fight off bacterial infections which are even drug-resistant such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Cures Visible Scars
Once wounds or deep cuts start to heal, black seed oil can be topically applied to the wound. This will prevent scarring from the cut. But make sure that you apply the oil only after the wound starts to heal.
Skin Benefits
People with the following skin conditions can benefit from using black seed oil.
- Eczema- People with eczema in hand are able to benefit from this oil.
- Acne- Due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the black seed oil can treat acne.
- Psoriasis- The oil is also rich in antipsoriatic properties.
Encourages Weight Loss
According to studies, black seed supplements can help in lowering the body mass index of people. Another study with 250 participants showed that black seed oil by itself or in addition to turmeric can help in weight loss.
Alleviates Breast Pain
A very common symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome is – cystic mastalgia. Black seed oil can help in relieving out the pain around the breasts. Women can reap its benefits by massaging some oil over the breasts.
Reduces Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune reaction. Research suggests that taking black seed oil improves pain and stiffness in people with this condition. The participants got relief from swollen joints and morning stiffness when they took 500 mg of black seed oil in capsules, twice a day.
Treats Indigestion and Heartburn
The symptoms of indigestion, including heartburn, can be alleviated when a mixture of black seed oil, honey, and water is used. However, there is no guarantee whether it is due to black seed oil or other ingredients. Dyspepsia, a combination of symptoms of indigestion and heartburn, can be treated with black seed oil.
Lowers the Risk of Cancer
A component of black seed oil- thymoquinone- can affect programmed cell growth in several types of cancerous cells including in the brain, blood, and breasts.
Improves Fertility in Men
The findings of the clinical trial on men with lower sperm count suggest that there can be an increase in sperm count and movement with semen volume after using the black seed oil. This is a traditional treatment for male infertility.
Lowers Cholesterol
After a study on 88 adults with high cholesterol, there were results that indicated that the total cholesterol count dropped by an average of 4.78%, the bad cholesterol by 7.6%and triglycerides by 16.65%.
Some lesser-known benefits of black seed oil include-
- Birth control
- Boosts up immunity
- Bronchitis
- Reduce risk of cancer
- Relieve out congestion
- Cough
- Digestive problems
- Flu
- Headache
- Breast-feeding
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal symptoms
Side Effects of Black Seed Oil
The safety of using black seed oil for long period remains undug. Also, there is not sufficient evidence that can shed some light on what happens when the oil is used in higher amounts in food.
But supposedly there is an indication from a research study that applying the black seed oil directly to the skin can trigger an allergic rash.
Moreover, another study confirms that melanthin, a component of black seed oil, when ingested in large amounts can be toxic.
In addition to the above side effects, excessive consumption of black seed oil can damage the liver and kidneys. Additionally, the oil can interact with some medications such as beta-blockers. Hence, it is recommended that the oil be used only after proper consultation with the doctor.
Black seeds tend to lower blood clotting and thereby, increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, people who have a tendency to be anemic should avoid using black seeds.
Additionally, people who have swallowed the seeds whole have also reported problems such as stomach upset, constipation and diarrhea.
Dosage of Black Seed Oil
Generally, the following dosage is recommended for using black seed oil. Make sure that the oil you use is 100% pure, therapeutic grade and meets the food standards.
Oral
- Asthma- Asthmatic patients can take 2 grams of ground black seed daily for 12 weeks. In addition to this, 500 mg of black seed oil can be taken twice in a day for a month.
- Diabetes- Diabetic patients can benefit from the black seed powder when used twice daily for almost one year.
- High blood pressure- 100-200 mg or 2.5mL of black seed oil can be used for 8 weeks twice a day to keep the blood pressure in control.
- Male infertility- Men trying to impregnate women can take 2.5 mL of black seed oil twice a day for 2 months.
On Skin
A gel containing 30% black seed oil can be applied to breasts to get relief from breast pain.
References
- Ijaz H et. al(2017)-melanthin, a component of black seed oil, when ingested in large amounts can be toxic- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28603137/
- Namazi N et. al (2018)-black seed supplements can help in lowering the body mass index of people-https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29559374/
- Kolahdooz M et. al (2014)- clinical trial on men with lower sperm count suggest that there can be an increase in sperm count and movement with semen volume after using the black seed oil- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24680621/
