Proven Health Benefits of Black Seed and Black Seed Oil (Evidence Based)
Black seed oil contains many medicinal and therapeutic properties that are good for your skin and general health. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of black seed oil is great for treating skin conditions and skin infections. Black seed oil is also good for your hair as it can boost the condition of your hair and may even prevent hair loss. You can also take black seed oil capsules for weight loss, to lower cholesterol, and manage diabetes symptoms.
Black seed oil is also called kalonji oil, black cumin seed oil, or black caraway oil. The use of black seed oil for treating various ailments goes back centuries. Recent scientific studies have confirmed many of the traditional uses of kalonji oil for improving the appearance of skin, your hair, and boosting your overall health.
In this article, you will learn about the many reasons why black seed oil or black cumin oil is good for you. You will also find out how to use black seed oil to take advantage of its many health benefits.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil) is produced by pressing oil from the tiny black seeds (Nigella seeds) that grow on the Nigella sativa plant. Researchers say that the Nigella sativa plant is a medicinal plant with many health benefits. Oil extracts from the black seeds (Nigella seeds) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. (1)
Many of the amazing health benefits of black seed oil are due to a compound called thymoquinone. The journal Advances in Phytomedicine reports that thymoquinone is the main active compound that makes black seed oil so good for your health. (2)
Black seed oil also has antiseptic properties that can relieve pain when applied to the skin or wounds. (1)
Black seed oil (black cumin oil) has a pungent bitter taste that some people describe as peppery or spicy. When consuming high-quality black cumin oil for its medicinal purposes, many people advise not to smell the oil but just consume it.
Nutritional Value of Black Seed Oil
Most of the nutritional value of black seed oil comes from the rich content of unsaturated fatty acids that have antioxidant properties. Black seed oil contains large amounts of linoleic acid and oleic acids. (1)
Scientists have also found that black seed oil (kalonji oil) has strong antioxidant qualities. Black seed oil helps to kill off free radicals in the body that can cause oxidative damage. (3)
The benefits of thymoquinone in black seed oil have been linked with antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic activity. (4)
What is Black Seed Oil Good For?
Black seed oil is good for your health because of its scientifically proven health benefits. Scientific studies have confirmed that black seed oil is good for your skin, hair, and liver. Black cumin oil is also good for you because it can help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Here are the proven health benefits of Nigella sativa oil.
Black Seed Oil for Weight Loss – What Science Says
Is there any scientific research to suggest that black seed oil is good for weight loss?
In 2018, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that black seed supplementation has an anti-obesity effect. Taking black seed (Nigella sativa) can help to reduce body weight and lose belly fat. (5)
One trial involving overweight women found that taking black seed oil to supplement a calorie-controlled diet helped to speed up weight loss. At the end of the trial, the group taking black seed oil experienced a significant reduction in body weight compared to the group who didn’t take the supplement. (6)
In the trial, women took a dose of 3 grams of black seed oil for weight loss. This was divided into 1 g black seed oil capsules 3 times a day before meals.
Research has also shown that taking black seed oil for weight loss also helps to reduce complications associated with obesity. One clinical trial found that taking black seed oil can help to reduce inflammation in obese women. (7)
Some studies have found that supplementing your weight-loss diet with black seed oil only results in minor weight loss. (8)
Black Seed Oil (Black Cumin Seed Oil) For Skin
Using black seed oil for your skin is good to help moisturize your skin and treat various inflammatory skin conditions.
The anti-microbial, analgesic, and soothing properties of kalonji oil (black seed oil) mean that it is an excellent therapeutic topical application to keep skin healthy.
Nigella sativa helps treat eczema
Medicinal compounds in black cumin seed oil mean that you can use it to soothe dry skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Research published in 2018 found that thymoquinone gives black seed oil its anti-inflammatory effect. Applying oils containing thymoquinone such as black seed oil helps to treat outbreaks of dermatitis. (9)
Other studies have found that using black seed oil for eczema is just as effective as Betamethasone. This is a steroid cream used in treating eczema to relieve itching and flaking skin. Patients applied black seed oil to irritated skin twice a day for 4 weeks have seen the best results. (10)
Find out about other natural ingredients that can help treat eczema.
Black seed oil can alleviate psoriasis symptoms
Oil extracted from black cumin seed can also help treat the symptoms of psoriasis.
One study on mice with psoriasis-like skin lesions found that regularly applying black cumin seed oil reduced skin inflammation and helped skin heal properly. The scientists concluded that black cumin seed oil could be a natural treatment for psoriasis. (11)
Further reading: 12 ways to treat psoriasis outbreaks naturally.
Black cumin seed oil (black seed oil) for acne
The antibacterial properties of kalonji oil mean that it is good for treating acne and helping to get rid of inflamed, red pimples.
One clinical study on adults with acne found that applying lotion with 10% black seed oil helped to reduce the number of pustules in a 2-month period. Nearly 60% of patients experienced a reduction in their symptoms of acne thanks to the black seed oil acne treatment. (12)
Other studies have shown that an anti-acne gel containing black seed oil is just as effective as the acne pharmaceutical drug amoxicillin. (16)
Learn about other ways to treat outbreaks of acne and how tea tree oil can help in your fight against pimples.
Kalonji oil is good to stop skin infections
Black seed oil has powerful antimicrobial properties that mean it can help treat skin infections and prevent wounds becoming infected.
One clinical trial revealed that extracts of Nigella sativa seed oil can treat skin infections on infants. The researchers found that black seed oil was just as effective as the pharmaceutical antibacterial ointment Mupirocin. Applying black seed oil treated Staphylococcal bacterial infections. (13)
Find out how to take care of wounds properly and how to prevent scabs from forming.
Black seed oil may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Black cumin seed oil is good to apply to your face and neck because it can help to reduce the visible appearance of aging.
In one trial involving mice, black seed oil was taken as a supplement to improve skin condition. The antioxidant and anti-apoptosis (preventing cell death) properties of black seed oil had an anti-aging effect on the skin and helped to offset the visible effects of aging. (14)
Applying products containing black seed oil also helps to moisturize the skin, reduce pigmentation, and heal skin lesions. (15)
Did you know that there are many more oils that help reduce the appearance of fine lines?
Black Seeds Oil for Hair
Kalonji oil is also good for your hair and may even help to prevent hair thinning and bald patches. Also, because it has antifungal properties, black seed oil is good for keeping your scalp healthy and free from dandruff.
Black seed oil can boost hair growth and may prevent hair loss
One of the reasons to apply black seed oil to your scalp is to help hair grow quicker and strengthen your hair strands.
The thymoquinone content of black seed oil can help increase hair thickness and density. One trial on 20 people who had the hair-thinning disorder telogen effluvium found that applying a lotion containing black seek oil helped to treat hair thinning. After a 3-month period of treatment, 70% of the patients had increased hair thickness. (16)
Another trial found that combining black seed cumin oil with coconut oil helps to boost hair growth. Scientists found that the rich content of short chain fatty acids in black seed oil along with anti-inflammatory properties helped to promote hair growth. The black seed oil easily penetrates hair roots to improve hair quality. (17)
One study on the medicinal compounds in black seed oil found that black seed oil works similar to the antihistamine cetirizine. (18) A study from 2018 found that applying topical lotions containing 1% cetirizine can help to treat androgenetic alopecia. (19)
Learn about other natural ways to make your hair grow faster and what natural supplements can help hair to regrow faster.
Black Seed Oil May Help Treat Dandruff
Oil from Nigella sativa seeds contains antifungal compounds which can be useful in getting rid of dandruff.
The International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research reported that black seed oil can effectively treat fungal infections like dandruff and other scalp conditions. (20)
Further reading: Dandruff vs dry scalp: Find the differences and the best treatments.
Black seed oil is antifungal and can help treat scalp ringworm
The fungicidal effect of black cumin seed oil means that applying the oil topically is good to treat fungal infections like ringworm.
Studies into the benefits of black seed oil have found that its antifungal effect destroys dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are fungus and are often the cause of fungal skin infections like ringworm on the scalp or skin. Black seed oil helps to inhibit the spread of dermatophytosis infections. (21)
Some of the best natural remedies for ringworm include tea tree oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil.
Other Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Apart from helping to lose weight, improving your skin’s health, and promoting hair growth, there are many more benefits to using black seed oil.
Black Seed Oil Helps Lower Cholesterol
Taking black seed oil capsules regularly can help to bring down your cholesterol levels naturally.
The cholesterol-lowering potential of black seed oil is due to thymoquinone in the black seed extracts. Nigella sativa oil also contains polyphenols that help to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown that black seed oil supplements can help to lower LDL cholesterol (or, “bad” cholesterol). (8)
Further reading: the top 10 ways to lower your cholesterol without medication.
Black Seed Oil Can Help Relax Muscles
Consuming pure black seed oil in the form of capsules also has a relaxing effect on muscles and can help prevent symptoms of asthma.
Many studies have shown that black seed oil is a muscle relaxant. Black seed oil helps to soothe muscle contractions in the trachea and prevent coughing fits due to allergic reactions. (22)
Black seed oil also has relaxant effects not only in the trachea, but also in vascular, gastrointestinal and urogenital smooth muscles. (22) Smooth muscles are one of the types of muscle tissue in the body that support tissue of blood vessels and hollow internal organs such as the stomach, intestine, and bladder.
Black Seed Oil Can Reduce Symptoms of Diabetes
Taking the highest quality black seed oil supplements can be good if you have diabetes because of its effect on blood glucose levels.
A trial involving diabetic rats found that black seed oil together with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can significantly reduce elevated blood glucose levels. Scientists have identified black seed oil as having potential in managing type 2 diabetes. (23)
There is also evidence that supplementing your diet with black seed extracts helps to reduce fasting blood glucose and can be used as an adjuvant therapy to controlling diabetes symptoms. (1)
Did you know that there are many foods that also help to prevent blood glucose spikes after eating?
Compounds in Black Seed Oil Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Taking black cumin seed oil regularly could be good if you suffer from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
One randomized double-blind clinical trial found that taking 500 mg black seed oil capsules twice a day helped to improve inflammation symptoms. Over an 8-week period, patients reported a significant reduction of their symptoms. (24)
Taking black seed capsules for osteoarthritis can help reduce knee pain as effectively as over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol. (29)
Learn about which essential oils you can use to get rid of pain and inflammation quickly.
Black Seed Oil Can Boost Male Fertility
There are also health benefits for men who regularly take black seed oil.
One trial involving infertile men found that taking 5 ml black cumin seed oil a day helps to improve semen quality. The men took 2.5 ml black seed oil capsules twice a day. After 2 months, scientists found that sperm count increased, sperm structure improved, and semen volume was greater. (25)
If you are trying to father a child, learn about what you can do to increase the quality of sperm naturally.
Black Seed Oil is Good for Your Liver
Kalonji oil is good for your liver’s health because thymoquinone helps to prevent oxidative stress from damaging liver tissue.
A 2014 study found that powerful antioxidants in black seed oil can prevent tissue scarring in the liver. Black seed oil can treat damage to the liver caused by alcohol, drug use, and infections such as hepatitis. (26)
Apart from taking black seed oil for your liver, learn about other foods and herbs to cleanse toxins from your liver.
Black Seed Oil for Asthma Conditions and Allergies
Black seed oil helps cure allergic reactions and can help reduce the symptoms of asthma.
One trial found that people with moderate allergic reactions benefited from taking black seed oil supplements. Patients were given 0.6 – 0.8 g of black seed oil. After 6 weeks of taking black seed oil supplements, nearly 80% of those with moderate allergy symptoms showed signs of improvement. (18)
Find out what other essential oils are helpful to relieve allergies.
Black Seed Oil Has Anticancer Properties
Because pure black seed oil contains powerful antioxidants such as thymoquinone, black seed oil has potential use in treating various types of cancer.
One study found that thymoquinone from black cumin seed inhibits the spread of breast cancer cells. (27)
Another study found that black seed oil extracts can be used to help treat pancreatic cancer. (28)
Learn about growing scientific evidence that eating the proper foods can help protect you against cancer.
How to Use Black Seed Oil (Black Cumin Oil)
You can take black seed oil in the form of capsules or you can buy organic black seed oil that is cold pressed and add it to foods, drinks or smoothies.
For skin complaints and hair loss, you can apply black seed oil topically to reduce inflammation and improve the condition of your skin or scalp.
How to use black seed oil on your skin
To help treat skin abrasions, acne pimples, or wounds with black seed oil, you can use black seed oil alone or mix it with other oils like sweet almond oil, coconut oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Use a cotton ball to apply black seed oil to your irritated skin to soothe pain and inflammation.
You can also use black seed oil and grapeseed oil as a natural moisturizer to help smooth away fine lines.
How to use black seed oil to boost your scalp health
To get rid of dandruff or help boost hair growth, you can mix coconut oil with cold-pressed black cumin seed oil.
Mix equal quantities of coconut oil and black seed oil and add a few drops of rosemary essential oil. Massage the black seed oil hair remedy to your scalp and make sure that all strands are covered. Leave for 30 minutes and then wash your hair as normal. Repeat 2-3 times a week to help improve your scalp health.
How to use black seed oil for other benefits
The strong pungent taste of black seed oil may put some people off consuming it.
To boost your health by taking black seed oil every day, you could mix a teaspoon of oil with a teaspoon of raw honey. You then get all the amazing health benefits of both black seed oil and the medicinal properties of honey. Or simply add it to dishes or smoothies.
You can also take black seed oil every day if you buy good quality organic black seed oil supplements.
Black Seed Oil: Dosage, Side Effects, & Common-Sense Warnings
There is no standardized dose for taking black seed (black cumin) oil for health.
Most black cumin seed capsules sold online contain 500mg of cold-pressed Nigella sativa oil.
Some studies have shown that taking 100-200 mg black seed oil twice a day can help lower blood pressure. Or, taking 500 mg black seed oil two times a day can be good if you have asthma.
Doctors from WebMD report that black seed oil is safe for most people when taken on a short-term basis for medical purposes. There are no studies showing the long-term effects of black seed oil supplementation. (29)
Some people have experienced nausea, vomiting, or constipation when taking black seed oil orally.
Black seed oil can lower blood pressure and also blood glucose levels. If you take medication for these conditions, you should monitor your symptoms closely.
Where to Find Quality Black Seed Oil
You can buy black seed oil in many health stores and online. When looking for black seed oil supplements, the highest quality black seed oil should be cold-pressed oil and organic (like this one). Also, make sure that you buy pure black seed oil that has no unnecessary added ingredients in it.
It is also worthwhile checking online reviews to find the best brands of black cumin seed oil.
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