Black Seed Oil – Benefits for Skin & Hair  

Introduction 

At some point in our lives, we would have tried home remedies, be it a tablespoon of honey for cough or a cup of chamomile tea to induce sleep. 

Black seed (Nigella sativa) oil is a significant component of home remedies since it is a powerful therapeutic agent with medical benefits. According to studies, humans may have used natural treatments made from seeds, bark, fruits, and other plant parts as early as 60,000 years ago.

What is black seed oil? 

Black seed oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, kalonji oil or nigella sativa oil, is an amber-coloured oil made from the tiny black seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Southwest Asia and is used in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Since ancient times, people have used black cumin oil and seeds to treat various diseases.

One of the primary components of black seed oil, thymoquinone, helps treat several diseases, including cancer, Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The most popular application for black seed oil is in food, usually as a spice or preservative. It may also be used topically as a lotion or gel, or it may be taken orally in the form of an oil or powder.

Benefits of black seed oil 

Digestion 

Tinctures of the black cumin seeds are commonly used for indigestion and bloating, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. One of the first traditional uses of black cumin seeds was to maintain digestive health.

Studies show that black cumin seed solution helps reduce the occurrence of stomach ulcers in rats. Thymoquinone, which has been demonstrated to reduce acid secretion and support the maintenance of the mucus layer that lines and protects the gut, is thought to have gastroprotective properties that are responsible for this.

Fights seasonal allergies 

Seasonal allergy problems might be better controlled with black seed oil. One randomised, controlled study found that giving black sesame oil daily to individuals with allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) reduced bouts of runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion within the first two weeks of treatment. 

Role in the endocannabinoid system 

Black cumin seed oil’s phytocannabinoid content is advantageous to the endocannabinoid system, the body’s “master regulatory mechanism.” Phytocannabinoids are beneficial to plant substances that can be found in black cumin seed oil, hemp, hops, rosemary and other plants.

Beta-caryophyllene is a vital phytocannabinoid found in black cumin seed oil. BCP only interacts with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Supporting this process is crucial to keeping these systems healthy because it predominates in the peripheral nervous system, immune system, gut, liver, skin, and bones.

Weight maintenance

Black seed oil has appetite-reducing effects, which help with weight loss.

The incorporation of black seed oil improved body composition, such as body mass index (BMI), and decreased appetites, according to a randomised, double-blind trial of obese women who adhered to a low-calorie diet, although more research is required.

According to a study, black seed oil may lower risk factors in obese women.

For the trial, eight weeks of a low-calorie diet were followed by the participants’ consumption of Nigella sativa oil or a placebo. After the trial, the levels of the following had reduced more in the Nigella sativa oil group:

Weight

Waist circumference

Triglyceride.

Relieves joint pain

Black cumin seed oil provides relief to joint pain. According to a study, a 500-mg dose of black seed oil capsules taken twice daily by 40 women with painful joints had a good effect on swollen joints and morning stiffness. 

Infertility 

Black seed oil may help cure male infertility. A study suggests that taking 2.5 millilitres of black seed oil twice a day for two months led to significantly higher sperm counts, motility (the capacity to move), morphology (shape), and semen volume in infertile men.

Asthma 

Due to its relaxing effects on smooth muscle, black seed oil may assist asthma patients in minimising airway inflammation. According to a study, asthma patients who took capsules twice daily for four weeks containing 500 mg of black seed oil had better lung function and asthma control.

Gastrointestinal disorder

Black seed oil naturally relieves indigestion, bloating, and other physical symptoms of gas. Black seed oil can help fight the H. pylori bacteria, which, if left untreated, can cause stomach ulcers, digestive system inflammation, and occasionally stomach cancer.

Benefits for skin 

Treats acne

Thymohydroquinone, a substance found in black seed oil, has effects against gram-positive microorganisms, particularly the acne-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

It also effectively lowers pustular skin infections caused by the staphylococcus bacterium when combined with well-known antibiotics like doxycycline, erythromycin, ampicillin, and tobramycin.

Reducing ageing signs

Using black cumin seed oil topically reduces skin irritation while enhancing skin hydration and barrier function. The abundant antioxidants found in black cumin seed oil reduce oxidative stress.

All these results can prevent premature ageing symptoms like fine lines and wrinkles and maintain the skin supple and healthy. Its antioxidant properties might also aid in fading discolouration and black spots.

Eczema 

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes scaly patches, dry, itchy skin and blisters. It can also render the skin more susceptible to infections in extreme cases. 

According to a study comparing the use of black seed oil, topical steroid medicine, and over the counter (OTC) cream on hand eczema, black seed oil was as beneficial as steroid cream in treating and reducing the severity of eczema.

Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a disorder that results in the development of red, itchy or painful patches of skin covered in silvery scales. 

Researchers were able to treat patients with moderate to severe psoriasis using a plant-based topical combination containing black cumin as a key ingredient and showed promising results. However, more research is required.

Wound healing

Thymoquinone’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties can help in wound healing. Black seed oil can promote collagen formation, hastening the skin’s healing process. Additional studies are required to prove the stance.

Benefits for hair 

Black seed oil for dandruff

Black seed oil is a super remedy for dandruff, especially when applied daily directly to the scalp. This stops the itching and reduces flakiness, strengthens the roots and improves the appearance and feel of the scalp and hair.

Black seed oil for hair growth 

The black seed oil promotes hair growth. Individuals who struggle with different hair issues turn to black seed oil as a hair loss cure. Black seed oil can help in the quest for hair growth for people with alopecia or mild hair loss.

Using black seed oil twice daily and massaging it deeply into the scalp will yield the best effects since it will boost blood flow to the hair follicles, which can promote growth.

For hair hydration

Most individuals with curly hair experience dry scalps or dehydrated hair, which feels not only dry but also appears lifeless. Black seed oil will hold in any moisture, making the hair more luscious and healthy-looking. Thus, using it regularly will make a significant difference, especially to the scalp.

Dosage of black seed oil 

Checking with a healthcare professional is advisable before taking supplements or to ensure the ideal dosage for an individual.

Black seed oil is most frequently taken orally by adults for four to twelve weeks at doses of one to two grammes per day. 

Black seed powder has often been taken orally in amounts of 1 to 2 grammes per day for 8 to 12 weeks. 

How to take black seed oil? 

The convenient form of consuming black seed oil is in capsule form or a teaspoon.

While cooking, consider it a finishing or flavouring oil rather than a cooking oil. It can be included in anything that would typically be topped with aromatic oil, including salads, smoothies and grain dishes. 

Just be careful not to add more than the suggested daily serving, and avoid adding it to anything too hot, as this will destroy the delicate nutrients.

The black seed oil has a strong bitter, peppery, and pungent flavour. Individuals who don’t like its natural flavour can use it as a supplement.

Side effects of black seed oil 

Black seed oil generally has few adverse effects, but there are certain effects, including skin inflammation. Black seed oil may also reduce blood coagulation, which could make one more prone to bleeding. Due to this, anyone who has bleeding issues or uses drugs that impact blood clotting (such as heparin or warfarin) must steer clear of black seed oil. 

The National Library of Medicine states that some individuals may show allergic reactions to black seed oil. Some may also experience stomach distress, vomiting or constipation.

Before consuming black seed oil, pregnant and lactating women should consult their doctor. Consult a healthcare professional before giving black seed oil to a child or including it in the wellness regimen. 

Conclusion 

Preliminary studies show black seed oil to be safe for most people, both topically and orally. It is an easy method to assist in boosting general health when taken in moderation. Before using black seed oil to treat any medical issue, consult a doctor.

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