Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is the oil obtained from black seeds. These are tiny, incredibly black colored seeds which are commonly called “black cumin”. That is why, black seed oil is also called black cumin seed oil. Black seed oil has been used in Ancient Egyptian and Middle East civilizations for its amazing medicinal qualities. This oil was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun , the famous boy Pharaoh. The inclusion of black seed oil to be kept in his grave in that massive pyramid just goes to show how important, or maybe even sacred was black seed oil to the Ancient Egyptians.
In terms of nutrition, black seed oil is different from other common oils, like coconut oil, olive oil and even from essential oils. That may be the reason behind its astounding versatility as a medicinal oil.
Source
Black seed oil comes from the black seeds. The biological name of these seeds is “Nigella sativa”. This oil is therefore also called nigella sativa oil. There are many other names for the black seed, namely black cumin, Roman coriander, fennel flower. Less common names are nutmeg flower or black caraway. Another common name for this seed is kalonji which comes from India.So, it is regionally referred to as kalonji oil.
Nigella sativa is actually a flowering plant. These seeds grow on large follicles over the fruits. Each flower contains many seeds. Nigella sativa is incredibly nutritious.
The famous prophecy
Black seed is associated with a famous prophecy by Prophet Mohammad. A later references tells us that he once said ” There is healing in black seed for all diseases except death .” Modern research is beginning to open the avenues to understanding more about this seed and its medicinal qualities. And whatever we have found until now is quite amazing.
Just like the seed, black seed oil can be used to cure many health conditions and provide excellent health benefits.
Properties
The list of pharmacological and therapeutic properties of black seed oil is enormous.
Anti-rheumatic – it provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory – black seed oil is strongly anti-inflammatory.
Anti-allergic – it has been found that black seed oil can suppress food allergies.
Anti-diabetes – it has blood glucose lowering effect.
Anti-cancer – the chief anti-cancer compound is thymoquinone.
Hypotensive – its volatile oils aid in managing blood pressure.
Anti-tumor or antineoplastic
Radioprotective – safeguards our cells from harmful effects of damaging radiation.
Hepatoprotective – within safe limits, it protects the liver.
Renoprotective – black seed oil also exerts a protective effect on the kidneys.
Apoptosis Induction – programs potentially harmful cells to die automatically.
Immunomodularity – keeps the immune system at a balance.
Analgesic – pain reliever.
Antipyretic – alleviates fever.
Antibacterial – kills many bacteria strains, even the most antibiotic resistant ones like MRSA.
Antiviral – kills virus
Antifungal – easily kills many fungi
Galactagogue – promotes lactation.
Adjuvant – modifies the effect of other therapeutic agents.
Bronchodilator – aids dilation of air passages.
Laxative – promotes timely bowel movement.
Antioxidant – protects from free radicals.
Lipid lowering – makes the lipid profile healthier.
Insuling – sensitizer – it affects the secretion of insulin. Very few things can impact the pancreas.
Interferon booster – it can stimulate the production of interferon which boosts immunity against pathogens.
Antispasmodic – it relieves involuntary spasms of the respiratory tract, thus providing relief in asthma and other kinds of cough.
Anti-convulsive – calms seizures
Uses and Health Benefits
Above mentioned properties are a testimonial to the fact that black seed oil can possibly be helpful in every health issue. Despite the low awareness about this oil, the scientific community is actively searching and indexing its health benefits, properties and medicinal uses. It can be used for simple conditions and personal issues, like a fungal infection, or bloating to more serious infections and conditions, like cancers and tumor.
1. Black seed oil for acne
Although one can apply black seed oil directly on skin, but this may lead to irritation and even muscle spasms in some cases. Therefore, be on the safe side and use this remedy for acne.
Ingredients
Black seed oil
Pan
Water
Directions / How to use
Add 10 drops of black seed oil to 2 quarts of boiling water. The vapor from this water contains volatile components of black seed oil that are beneficial to acne damaged skin. Take vapor from this mixture and keep a towel over the face. Keep your eyes closed. After about 5 minutes, take away the pan and wipe the face with a clean towel. It is essential that towel be absolutely clean.
Why it works ?
Black seed oil has potent antibacterial properties. It kills the P. acnes bacteria that causes acne. Secondly, steam opens up the pores.
2. Hair Loss
Black seed oil may help in regrowing hair on bald