By: @shatiachesson
Black seed oil is an intriguing natural supplement with a rich history as a multipurpose natural remedy. The Black Seed has been used worldwide for over 3000 years in many different cultures and traditions and is still used today in modern society. “A cure for everything but death” is a common saying used in Islamic culture to describe this oil.
Origin
Completely different from the orange-hued cumin in culinary, this type of cumin comes from a plant called “Nigella sativa”, which is also known as black caraway or fennel flower. Nigella sativa is a small flowering shrub with purple and/or white-tinged flowers belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. Black seed oil is the substance derived from the small, black crescent-shaped seeds of the Nigella sativa plant which is used for therapeutic aid, chronic healing, and holistic beauty remedies.
Nutrient Profile
When it comes to the skin, black seed oil is the ultimate solution for addressing a wide range of conditions like aging, fine lines, wrinkles, eczema, psoriasis and acne.
The oil contains two powerful antioxidants called thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone, which work synergistically to eliminate harmful free radicals from skin cells. Black seed oil is also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties such as essential fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids and flavonoids, which all work together to provide the skin with moisture and long term nourishment. Studies have found Black Seed to be high in protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C and niacin as well as calcium, potassium and iron. These are some of the very nutrients that modern science has found humans are lacking most in present day society.
Immune Boosting
Black seed oil provides many of the same nutrients that the FDA recommends to help prevent disease and slow down the aging process, which can also help to significantly boost human immunity over time. Recent research has provided evidence that most illnesses arise because of an imbalanced or dysfunctional immune system, as this inhibits your body’s natural ability to defend itself. Researchers have concluded that black seed can significantly boost the human immune system if, and when, taken over time.
How To
The method you use to take black seed oil will depend on the benefits you want to see. See below:
Tip #1 For immunity support, take 1 tablespoon* of black seed oil a day. *Dosage can vary by use for each individual. It's recommended to first speak with your healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.
Tip #2 The traditional method of using black seed oil is to turn it into a drink by mixing it with a little honey or lemon juice in warm water.
Tip #3 For skincare benefits, you can ingest black seed oil and apply it topically.
Tip #4 When using topically, black seed oil can be massaged onto the skin or diluted into other skincare products.
Tip #5 Avoid heating black seed oil or using it for cooking, as high temperatures can degrade the compounds that are behind black seeds’ benefits
Choosing a High Quality Black Seed Oil
When buying the liquid form of black seed oil, it’s recommended to choose a high quality product (ie. organic, cold pressed, and from a reputable brand) that doesn’t have any added ingredients.
Supplements aren’t tested for their safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It can help to look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International as these are all tested for quality.
