Contents :
- Black cumin
- What is black cumin oil and what does it contain?
- Black cumin oil – medicinal properties
- Black cumin oil – cosmetic use
- Black cumin oil – uses in the kitchen
- How to use black cumin oil?
- Black cumin oil – contraindications
- What is black cumin oil good for?
Black cumin
Black cumin is a plant known since ancient times in the Middle East and Asia. Black cumin is sometimes called pharaoh's gold or Egyptian black cumin because it was favored by the rulers of ancient Egypt.
It has been used as a spice (pepper substitute), a food additive, and a medicinal agent. Many beneficial medicinal properties have been attributed to black cumin seeds. To this day, it successfully supports the body on various levels and enhances the flavor of baked goods and other dishes.
Black seed oil is a veritable treasure trove of health-promoting substances. It's a concentrated form, easy to consume and assimilate by the body. Numerous scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of black seed oil supplementation.
Read the article and find out how black cumin oil can help you, what it contains, how and when to use it.
Black cumin flowers
What is black cumin oil and what does it contain?
Black cumin ( Nigella sativa ) is a wild plant with characteristic blue and white flowers. However, it wasn't the plant's aesthetic appeal that made it popular, but its seeds. Black cumin seeds are harvested when they turn brown. It is within them that the most valuable health benefits are found.
Black cumin seeds, from which the oil is pressed, contain a wealth of nutrients, the most important of which are:
- carbohydrates 28-33%;
- protein 15-20%;
- fiber 25-35%;
- fatty acids 30-50%, including:
- essential unsaturated fatty acids (EFAs) 70-85%, mainly linoleic acid 50-60% (omega-6), oleic acid 20% (omega-9) and alpha-linoleic acid 0.5-1% (omega-3);
- saturated fatty acids (SFA) 15-30%, mainly palmitic acid 11-13%;
- essential oils, including thymoquinone, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties;
- phytosterols, i.e. strong antioxidants;
- vitamin E;
- beta-carotene;
- minerals – including calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium.
The exact values of individual components vary depending on the origin and variety of black cumin.
Black cumin seeds
Black cumin oil – medicinal properties
In ancient times, black cumin oil was credited with so many healing properties that it was considered a cure for every ailment except death. Considering its many uses, there's some truth to this claim.
Black cumin oil strengthens immunity
Regular use of black seed oil has a positive effect on the immune system. It's a natural way to increase the number of immune cells, especially during times of increased risk of infection.
Black cumin oil relieves allergy symptoms
Black seed oil is recommended for seasonal allergies. Regular use alleviates allergy symptoms such as hay fever and rhinitis. It may also improve the health of asthmatics and those with upper respiratory tract conditions. It reduces inflammation and improves lung health. This is due to the antihistamine properties of black seed oil and thymoquinone.
Black cumin oil relieves joint pain
The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil can be used to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduces oxidative stress—an excess of free radicals contributes to the development of many ailments, including those related to joints.
Black cumin oil lowers blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels
Black seed oil reduces blood pressure. It effectively regulates blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. In this way, black seed prevents circulatory system problems such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and coronary artery disease. Reducing glucose and bad cholesterol levels prevents the development of type 2 diabetes and improves the health of people with insulin resistance. Black seed oil can support people suffering from these conditions.
Black cumin oil for digestive system ailments
For digestive issues, consuming black cumin can also be beneficial. Regular use protects the gastric mucosa and reduces stomach ulcers, reflux, and indigestion. It also beneficially reduces liver enzyme levels and the degree of fatty liver disease.
Black cumin oil – cosmetic use
Black cumin oil can also be used externally for skin and hair care. Its anti-inflammatory properties are useful for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It cleanses the skin, regulates sebum production, and soothes inflammation. It also helps heal wounds and sunburns faster.
Black seed oil is used to treat atopic dermatitis. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, reducing inflammation caused by the disease. It can also help with allergy symptoms such as itching and burning.
Externally applied black seed oil also benefits the scalp and hair itself. Regularly rubbing in the oil moisturizes the skin, strengthens hair follicles, and helps eliminate dandruff. As a result, hair becomes stronger, better moisturized, and less prone to hair loss.
Black cumin oil – uses in the kitchen
The distinctive spicy flavor of black seed oil isn't to everyone's taste. However, those wishing to consume it as a food additive should remember that black seed oil should always be used cold. Heating it to high temperatures destroys its valuable nutrients. The oil can be added to salads, sauces, cereals, and pasta, for example.
How to use black cumin oil?
Black cumin oil can be consumed as an addition to salads or sauces, but the optimal form seems to be taking it directly, in capsules or by measuring a portion with a spoon.
The recommended daily dose of black cumin oil is 1 teaspoon twice a day for adults and ½ teaspoon twice a day for children.
When choosing black cumin oil in capsules, the recommended daily dose is 500-1000 mg 2-3 times a day, and in the form of ground seeds, 2-5 g 2 times a day. It's a good idea to follow the recommendations on the product label.
When applying the oil directly to the skin, simply massage a few/several drops into the desired area.
To truly notice the effects of supplementation, you need to be patient and consistent. Regular use of black seed oil should begin to produce results within a few weeks.
Black cumin oil – contraindications
There are no major contraindications to using black cumin oil. It's worth remembering that it lowers blood pressure, so people with low blood pressure should avoid using it. It also has antispasmodic properties, so it's not recommended for pregnant women.
What is black cumin oil good for?
To summarize the knowledge gathered, we present a list of the properties and benefits of consuming black cumin oil:
- strengthens immunity,
- relieves allergy symptoms,
- lowers blood pressure,
- lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels,
- has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and liver,
- relieves joint pain,
- prevents the development of cancer and type 2 diabetes,
- supports the treatment of atopic dermatitis and mild forms of acne vulgaris,
- accelerates wound healing and soothes sunburn,
- strengthens hair, moisturizes the scalp and helps get rid of dandruff.
