Black seed oil contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Black seed oil is good for our skin and hair health. It helps to reduce inflammation, and support weight loss.
However, it is important to note that there are few large, high-quality studies on black seed oil in humans. As a result, drawing definitive conclusions is challenging.
People use black seed oil as a natural medicine to cure a variety of ailments.Reliable Source, comprising:
- Back pain
- Infections
- High Blood Pressure
- Inflammation
- Headaches
In this article, we look at the science behind black seed oil’s benefits and explore the possible side effects and risks.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Nigella sativa is a small plant found in Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East that produces black seeds. Its flowers are pale purple, blue, or white.
For thousands of years, people have utilised the tiny black seeds of N. sativa fruits as a natural medicine. Bread, pickles, and curries can all be flavoured with the seeds. They go by the names black onion seeds, black cumin, black caraway, and kalonji.
Thymoquinone (Trusted Source), an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, is present in black seed oil. For skin benefits, black seed oil can be applied topically or taken internally as capsules. The oil can also be added to homemade skincare items, shampoos, and massage oils.
Benefits of Black Oil Seeds
Weight Management
Supplementing with black seeds may help reduce a person’s waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), according to an analysis of 11 studies. There were no serious side effects that the study participants reported from using this supplement.
A 2021 investigation A reliable source on rats given a high-fat diet also discovered that black seed oil could be a powerful tool in reducing insulin resistance and body weight.
Unfortunately, there weren’t many high-quality studies to look at in the review, and the 2021 study used animals instead of people. Further studies are required to validate these effects in humans.
Skin health
Black seed oil may be helpful for managing a range of skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These included:
- eczema
- psoriasis
- acne
- warts
Improve Hair Health
Because of its antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities Black seed oil, a reliable source, is frequently added to shampoos and other hair care products.
Though many of these products claim to improve the shine, strength, volume, and texture of hair, there is very little research on the benefits of black seed oil for hair health.
Reduces Inflammation
Many Studies have shown that black seed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
This could have a positive impact on several facets of health since, according to some research (Trusted Source), inflammation may play a role in the emergence of numerous chronic illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Improves Blood Sugar Control
Black seed oil may help to stabilize blood sugar levels, according to some research.
As per a review published on Trusted Source, black seed has the potential to enhance various indicators of blood sugar regulation, such as insulin levels and blood sugar levels during fasting and post-meal.
Promotes Wound Healing
Thymoquinone, a substance found in black seed oil, has the potential to accelerate tissue growth and aid in wound healing.
Thymoquinone’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties have been demonstrated in animal studies to be beneficial in the treatment of burns, excisions, and diabetic wounds.
However, more research is required to determine whether thymoquinone and black seed oil can also speed up human wound healing.
Kidney health
Many studies have shown that black seed oil can have a protective effect on the kidneys.
There are numerous ways in which this could function. Thymoquinone appears to lower the level of oxidative stress, or an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body, in one of the major processes. Moreover, it reduces inflammation.
Black Seed oil Could reduce symptoms of eczema
Black seed oil may help reduce eczema symptoms, which include dry, itchy skin, according to several studies.
One brief study from 2012 Applying black seed oil topically twice daily for four weeks reduced the severity of hand eczema just as well as betamethasone cream, a type of corticosteroid, according to a Trusted Source study.
An investigation using animals Additionally, Trusted Source demonstrated that giving mice oral and topical thymoquinone—a substance present in black seed oil—reduced inflammation and ameliorated eczema symptoms.
More recent, superior human research is still required, though.
Black Seed oil can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome
Black seed oil may help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of illnesses that raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, according to research.
One study involving fifty-five participants. Participants in the high blood pressure study were given 2.5 milliliters of black seed oil twice a day for eight weeks. Those who got this treatment at the end of the trial experienced a number of benefits.
All of the markers of metabolic syndrome—diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar—were lower in them.
But keep in mind that the best defense against metabolic syndrome is an active lifestyle combined with a well-rounded, whole-food diet. Black seed oil supplements are most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
Summary
For thousands of years, people have utilized black seed oil for its medicinal properties.
Certain medical and skin conditions may benefit from it cosmetically and health-wise, according to certain studies; however, these studies frequently use animal or cell models instead of human participants. To verify the advantages of N. sativa, more studies on the plant’s effects in people are required.
Prior to using black seed oil, one should always consult a physician and select 100% pure, therapeutic grade, USDA-certified organic black seed oil.
It is crucial to exercise caution when buying herbs and supplements because the FDA does not keep an eye on their quality or purity.
