Black seed oil comes from a native plant found in the southwest region of Asia called Nigella Sativa. From the Quran to the Bible, the mention of black cumin seed is held in high regard and why wouldn’t it? It is one of the oldest known herbs to mankind and dates back to more than 3,300 years. In fact, the small seeds were first found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. The seed, as well as its oil, is used in Chinese Herbalism and Ayurveda. The herb is not just used for medicinal purpose but can also be added to food for various health benefits.
Origin of Black Cumin Seed
History says that black cumin seed oil was used for the first time in ancient Egypt by the Assyrians. It was then used by various royal figures for beauty such as Nefertiti and Cleopatra. It is believed that King Tut asked his subjects to sprinkle black cumin seeds in his grave in order to reap its benefits even in the afterlife.
Prophet Muhammad was quoted to have said, “Hold on to the use of the black seed for indeed it has a remedy for every disease except death” (Sahih Bukhari vol. 7 book 71 # 592). According to the Old Testament (28:25-27), the oil is called “the remedy of every illness”. In the book Tibb-e-Nabavi’ that lists natural drugs, black cumin seeds have been recorded as one of the best herbs for problems such as cold, headaches, allergies, infections, toothaches, digestive disorders, and inflammatory disorders.
Medicinal Properties
According to NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), above 1,000 studies have been conducted on the uses and benefits of black cumin seeds and oil. Following are a few medicinal properties of black cumin seed oil:
Anticancer
Anti-inflammatory
Hypertensive
Anticoagulant
Anti-hypertensive
Analgesic
Insulin-sensitizing
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Antioxidant
Antiviral
Antispasmodic
The Uniqueness of Black Cumin Seed Oil
There are plenty of ingredients in black cumin seed oil, 100 chemical compounds to be exact. However, the two compounds that make this oil so special are thymohydroquinone and thymoquinone. These two ingredients have antioxidant properties that are responsible for healing.
Crystalline Nigellone is an active ingredient found in the oil, which happens to be the king of chemicals. It helps treat a variety of health conditions. Another great ingredient is phytosterols which allow for the natural product of hormones, bile acid, and pro-vitamin D. These actions aid in preventing endocrine disorders, cardiovascular disease, and immune deficiency.
How Is Black Cumin Seed Oil Used
There are plenty of ways you can use black cumin seeds and its oil.
You can add 2 tablespoons of the oil daily in your food
The seeds can be sprinkled on foods such as flatbread, biscuits, and bagel
The oil can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied topically
A few drops of the oil can be added to the bath
There are even capsules that can be taken for strengthening hair and skin
Aromatherapy
Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil
Protects Skin and Hair When applied topically, black cumin seed oil works wonders for the skin. It helps treat eczema and is also an impressive antihistamine that helps reduce hair loss from androgenic alopecia. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that strengthen the scalp and discourage dryness and dandruff.
Aids in Weight Loss The black cumin seed oil has anti-obesity properties that herbal medicines lack. The oil triggers liver gluconeogenesis, cholesterol, and triglycerides that help lose weight and lessen appetite.
May Prevent Cancer The black cumin seed oil might contain a certain combination of chemicals that can prevent lung cancer, colon cancer, brain tumor and a few other forms of cancers. In fact, the oil can help reduce the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Helps Lower High Blood Pressure The black cumin seed oil contains a high level of healthy fatty acids that helps lower blood pressure. A spoon a day in food can help people maintain their blood pressure and even improve it.
Fights Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) The black cumin seed oil has an inhibitory effect on various strains of bacteria, especially MRSA. Infections such as listeria, salmonella, E. coli, etc. have become quite resistant to antibiotics. The unique chemicals in this oil show promising results in the treatment of MRSA.
Boosts the Immune System The benefits of black cumin seed oil for the immune system were first observed in the 1960s. The antioxidants in the oil slow down cartilage degeneration, which has an inhibitory effect. There are plenty of other compounds that enhance cell reactions, and this is what boosts the immune system.
There are plenty of other benefits of black cumin seed oil such as it helps eliminate insomnia, reduces seizures, treats acne, reduces bad cholesterol, improves digestion, boosts fertility, reduces allergies and helps with digestion.
It’s amazing how such a small seed can offer so many health benefits. So, why not start using this kind of herb from today? If you are interested in knowing more about such beneficial oils, visit teamCTN and explore our blog.
