Black cumin Seed Oil what you need to know ?
Black seed oil is extracted from N. sativa seeds and has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years due to its many therapeutic benefits.
Studies suggest it may have numerous applications for health, including the treatment of asthma and aiding weight loss. It’s also applied topically to benefit skin and hair .
In traditional medicine, black seed oil has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. As a result, it has sometimes been referred to as “panacea” – or universal healer
While not all of its proposed medicinal uses have been proven to be effective, black seed oil and its plant compounds have been linked to several benefits for health.
High in antioxidants
Black seed oil is high in antioxidants – plant compounds that help protect cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals
In particular, black seed oil is rich in thymoquinone, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, studies suggest this compound may protect brain health
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lining of your airways swell and the muscles around them constrict, making it difficult for you to breathe.
Research has shown that black seed oil, and specifically thymoquinone in the oil, may help in treating asthma by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the airway.
May aid weight loss efforts
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, research shows that black seed oil may help reduce body mass index (BMI) in individuals with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes.
Several studies in individuals with type 2 diabetes indicate that a dose of 2 grams per day of crushed whole black seeds may significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, a measure of average blood sugar levels over 2–3 months
One study in 99 adults with type 2 diabetes found that both 1/3 teaspoon (1.5 mL) and 3/5 teaspoon (3 mL) per day of black seed oil for 20 days significantly reduced HbA1c levels, compared with a placebo
May be good for skin and hair
In addition to medical uses, black seed oil is commonly used topically to help with a variety of skin conditions and to hydrate hair.
Research suggests that due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, black seed oil may help in treating a few skin conditions, including
acne
eczema
general dry skin
psoriasis
Despite claims that the oil can also help hydrate hair and reduce dandruff
Other potential benefits:
Black seed oil may have other benefits for health, including:
Anticancer effects- Test-tube studies have shown thymoquinone in black seed oil to help control the growth and spread of several types of cancer cells
Reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis- Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, limited research suggests that black seed oil may help reduce joint inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis
Male infertility-Limited research suggests that black seed oil may improve semen quality in men diagnosed with infertility
Antifungal- Black seed oil has also been shown to have antifungal activities. In particular, it may protect against Candida albicans, which is a yeast that can lead to candidiasis
How to use black seed oil
As a supplement, black seed oil can be ingested in pill or liquid form. The oil can also be used topically on skin and hair.
If buying the liquid form of black seed oil, it’s recommended to choose a high quality product that doesn’t have any added ingredients.
Furthermore, as supplements aren’t tested for their safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s important to choose a reputable brand.
It can help to look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International, all of which test for quality.
Black seed oil has a strong flavor that’s slightly bitter and spicy. As a result, if consuming black seed oil as a liquid, you may want to mix it with another strongly flavored ingredient, such as honey or lemon juice.
For topical uses, black seed oil can be massaged onto the skin.
The bottom line
Black seed oil is a common supplement used in alternative medicine to help treat a variety of conditions.
Current research suggests black seed oil may be effective in the treatment of asthma, aid in weight loss efforts, and help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of thymoquinone in black seed oil may be protective of brain health and slow the growth of cancer cells.