Table of contents:
- Get to know black cumin oil
- Benefits of black cumin oil
- 1. Benefits of black cumin oil for weight loss
- 2. Benefits of black cumin oil for skin
- 3. Benefits of black cumin oil as herbal medicine
- Cancer
- Liver and kidney function
- Diabetes
- Healthy sperm
- Rheumatism
- Allergic rhinitis
Black cumin oil (black seed oil) or black seed oil is known for its potent properties. Research suggests that this essential oil may offer many health and cosmetic benefits. For example, it helps in improving skin conditions and treating certain diseases. For more details, see this article which will discuss the benefits of black cumin oil.
Get to know black cumin oil
Black seeds (black seed) also known as black cumin,black caraway, kalonji, and black onion seeds. This black cumin has a plant flavorNigella sativa. It is a small plant with pale purple, blue, or white flowers that grows in Eastern Europe, West Asia, and the Middle East.
Many people have used this black cumin as a natural remedy for thousands of years. The seeds can also flavor curries, pickles, and breads in a similar way to cumin or oregano.
Black seed oil contains thymoquinone, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that may also have tumor growth inhibiting properties.
People can take black seed oil in capsule form or apply it directly to provide benefits to the skin. You can also add black seed oil as massage oil, shampoo, homemade skin care products, and fragrances.
The high-quality black seed oil is also suitable for cooking, baking, and brewing.
Benefits of black cumin oil
Researchers from various specialties have examined the possible benefits of black cumin. However, it is important to note that much of the research conducted to date has used cells or animals as experiments. Indeed available research on the effects of black seed oil on humans is still limited.
1. Benefits of black cumin oil for weight loss
Research shows that black cumin seed supplements can help lower body mass index (body mass index or BMI). The study participants did not report any severe side effects from taking this supplement.
A systematic review published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders found that black seed oil was quite effective in treating obesity.
2. Benefits of black cumin oil for skin
Black cumin oil may be beneficial for people with the following skin conditions.
- Eczema: According to small-scale research comparing benefitsN. sativa With prescription medications, black seed oil can reduce the severity of eczema on the hands.
- Acne: Research shows that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil can improve acne breakouts. In one study, 58 percent of participants rated caraway oil as moderately potent, while 35 percent felt the results were mediocre.
- Psoriasis: A 2012 study conducted on mice showed that this oil has antipsoriatic benefits.
Black cumin oil can also smooth hair, soften skin, and act as a moisturizer. Unfortunately, solid scientific evidence to confirm this benefit is lacking.
3. Benefits of black cumin oil as herbal medicine
Black seed oil may also be beneficial for several health conditions, including:
Cancer
Recent research has shown that the thymoquinone in black seed oil can affect programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in some types of cancer cells. These include brain cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer cells.
However, many studies on the effects of black seed oil on cancer have used cells extracted from humans (not directly into the human body), so researchers do not yet know how effectively the oil can treat cancer patients.
Liver and kidney function
According to a study conducted on mice, black seed oil can reduce complications of liver disease and improve the structure of the kidney organs. Researchers do not know whether this effect will also occur in humans.
Diabetes
Black seed oil may benefit diabetes patients, according to a study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2015.
The researchers analyzed previously published research on use N. sativa for diabetes and concluded that this herb regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, clinical trials are still needed to clarify the effect.
Healthy sperm
Placebo-controlled clinical trials in men with abnormal sperm and fertility problems have found that black seed oil can increase sperm movement and increase sperm count and semen volume.
Rheumatism
According to research published in Immunological Investigations, black seed oil can help in treating rheumatism. This study was conducted on 43 women with mild to moderate rheumatism who took black cumin oil capsules or a placebo every day for one month.
The results showed that treatment with black seed oil led to a reduction in arthritis symptoms (as rated by the DAS-28 rating scale), levels of blood inflammation markers, and the number of joint swelling.
Allergic rhinitis
A study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, shows that black seed oil can reduce nasal congestion, itching, runny nose and sneezing after two weeks.
