Black seed oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, is derived from Nigella sativa, i.e., a black cumin plant native to the Middle East, southern Asia, and Eastern Europe.
The fruits of the black cumin plant contain tiny black seeds. The seeds have been long used in a wide range of natural remedies.
The Remarkable History of the Oil
Archaeologists found black seeds in the tomb of King Tut, which means that the seeds have been used as a fork remedy since ancient times.
In addition, black cumin seed oil has been long prized in various cultures all over the world. Moreover, the earliest use of the seed was actually recorded in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.
In fact, the Islamic prophet Muhammad considered this oil a natural remedy for any health problem except death. As a result of this, the oil has been long used in Prophetic Medicine.
Also, the oil was used by Hippocrates to promote digestion and improve liver health. A few centuries later, the oil was also used in the treatment of skin rashes, head colds, snakebites, abscesses, and even tumors.
Healing Properties of the Oil
A large number of studies have proven the health benefits of black seed oil. That’s not all, more therapeutic effects and health benefits of the oil continue to be found.
Additionally, black seed oil possesses volatile oils, minerals, and fatty acids, which promote good health. However, thymol, thymohydroquinone, and thymoquinone are some of the most powerful compounds present in the oil. These compounds have an ability to prevent and reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Here are the most important health benefits of the oil:
– Lowers Inflammation
In fact, the free radicals, i.e., the by-products of detoxification and normal body functions, are the main culprit of inflammation. Fortunately, antioxidants present in certain food can protect you from free radical cell damage. Namely, black seed oil has incredible antioxidant properties that prevent free radical damage, thus reducing inflammation. These properties can also slow down aging and lower your risk of many ailments.
– Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
According to a study, the daily consumption of black cumin seed oil can decrease total and bad (LDL) cholesterol, and blood pressure. These abilities of the oil along with the antioxidant abilities can help decrease your risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
– Supports Gut Health
The regular intake of the oil can reduce acid levels in your gut as well as strengthen the delicate mucus layer lining the stomach. It can also prevent ulcer formation and protect against damaging toxins such as stress and alcohol. What’s more, it can also lower gut inflammation, thus preventing colitis, leaky gut, and many other digestive problems.
– Provides Relief from Asthma and Allergies
The oil can dilate the bronchial tubes, thus helping in the treatment of asthma and any other lung and bronchial-based conditions. A 2010 study showed that the oil is beneficial for reducing asthma symptoms. Another study that involved 66 patients with sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion caused by allergies had a significant improvement in their symptoms after taking black cumin seed oil.
– Decreases Anxiety
Black cumin seed oil supplementation has been found to elevate the tryptophan levels in the blood and brain. Tryptophan is actually an amino acid, which balances hormones, regulates mood, and reduces anxiety. According to a study, adolescent boys who received 500 mg of the oil every day for a month had a great improvement in their anxiety and mood.
– Improves Memory and Brain Health
The antioxidant properties of black cumin seed oil have an ability to enhance your brain health. A 2013 study involved 40 elderly participants who were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group that received 500 mg capsules of black cumin seed oil 2 times a day within a period of 9 weeks experienced a significant improvement in learning abilities, attention, and memory compared to the control group.
– Prevents the Development of Cancer
The oil offers beneficial effects in cancer treatment. Moreover, Thymoquinone is the most potent anti-angiogenic, antitumor, and anticancer ingredient of the oil. This ingredient can improve the ability of the immune cells to detect, hunt down, as well as kill abnormal or cancerous cells. It has also been found that black cumin seed oil supplementation can improve the effectiveness of the immune cells that are responsible for identifying and destroying cancer cells.
Side Effects of Black Cumin Seed Oil:
Breastfeeding and pregnant women and those trying to conceive should consult a doctor prior to introducing the oil to their health regimen because of its estrogenic abilities. When the oil is taken along with certain drugs it may elevate the risk of some side effects.
Consumption Tips
It is recommended to buy organic oil packaged in a dark bottle that does not possess any additives. Also, the oil can be found in capsules. You can get the health benefits by taking one capsule of 500 mg or a couple of teaspoons of the oil every day. Another option is to add a teaspoonful of the oil to your smoothies or juices. You can also add some ground seeds to yogurt or salads. It can be also topically applied by adding a bit of it to your regular skin moisturizer.
Here Are 3 Simple Recipes with Black Cumin Seed Oil
Original Black Cumin Prophetic Remedy
The Prophet Mohammad used a mixture of honey and black cumin. Simply mix 1 teaspoon each of honey and black cumin seed or black cumin seed oil and then consume it.
Black Cumin Seed Oil Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. of raw, organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp. of High-Quality Black Cumin Seed Oil
- Pepper and salt to taste
- Some turmeric
- Some ginger
Instructions:
All you need to do is mix all the ingredients until well combined.
Black Cumin Seed Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp. of ground black cumin seeds
- A cup of water
- A tsp. of raw, organic honey
Preparation:
Boil the water and the ground black cumin seeds.
Then, remove it from the heat and allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes.
You should strain it before consuming.
Finally, add the honey and stir it well.
Conclusion
Black cumin seed is a fantastic natural remedy thanks to its miraculous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-enhancing properties. As it can effectively balance and boost the immune system it can act as a powerful and safe addition to each health regimen.
Source: theheartysoul.com