What is Black Seed Oil?

What is Black Seed Oil?


Is Black Seed a miracle cure? This is a question that comes up a lot especially in the past year with the surge of coronavirus into a pandemic. There are many questions surrounding the efficacy of black seed oil and what it can actually do for your body. In this article, I want to give a you a breakdown of what black seed oil is, including its history, uses, nutritional value, and of course its health benefits overall. 

History
Black seed oil and black seeds more specifically has a rich history in most cultures across the mediterannean as well as in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. In Egypt and other Arab-speaking countries, it is called Habbat Al-Barakah (حبة البركة), meaning the 'blessed seed'. It has been used in these societies for hundreds and even thousands of years. It is commonly know that one of the earliest findings of black seed oil was in the tomb of King Tut. It is also said that Queen Cleopatra used black seed oil for hair and skin treatment. 

Both Islam and Christianity also highlight the benefits of black seed oil in Hadith and in the Old Testament. There is a famous Hadith by the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) saying "There is healing in black cumin for all diseases except death."

Species

Nigella Sativa plant
Black seed oil comes from the Nigella Sativa species. It is not related to the cuminum cyminum species, also known simply as cumin. It is also not related to cumin's close relative, black cumin.

How to Use
Unlike coconut or olive oil, black seed oil should not be used liberally. Instead, black seed oil should be taken in small doses, usually 1-2 teaspoons per day. If you're taking the softgel capsules, the equivalent would be taking 2-4 capsules per day. If you're a first time user, I highly recommend starting off with a smaller dose first, just to see how you're body reacts to it. Of course, you should always consult your doctor or physician associate/assitant as well before taking it. 


Honey on spoon
When taking orally, one recommendation is to take a spoon of honey first, followed by a teaspoon of black seed oil. Black seed oil is very strong and pungent, and overusing is can cause esophageal burning. Taking honey before hand lines your esophagus with a protective coat so as to prevent that burning feeling when taking the black seed oil on a daily basis. 

Given that black seed oil is a dietary supplement it should be used in small amounts and cannot be used for cooking in most cases. Some people may mix a few drops of it in their food such as adding a tiny bit of it to a salad dressing. 

Another common way to use black seed oil is to apply it topically. Usually used for joint pain, black seed oil can also be applied to the areas of pain to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. This includes rubbing it on your elbows or knees for example if you're experiencing joint pain in those areas. 

Lastly, as mentioned earlier with Queen Cleopatra, it is not uncommon for many people, especially women, to apply black seed oil in their hair so make their hair stronger and healthier. 

Health Benefits
Over time there have been countless official and unofficial studies conducted on black seed oil showing its many benefits. There is a long list of benefits that have resulted in these studies over time, but I will focus on the top benefits most studies have agreed upon across the international community. 

For starters, black seed oil contains thymol, a known disinfectant used in mouthwashes and contains antiseptic properties. This helps clear sinuses and imrprove respiratory issues.

Black seed oil is great supplment to take before a workout, or more specifically before going out for a jog. This will help open up the lungs for a good workout session. It also helps ease your breathing in areas that might have poor air quality, whether its from high pollution or from areas like California where wildfires can adversely affect the air quality. 

In addition to its respiratory benefits, black seed oil is also know to have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps boost your immune system. Although it cannot be touted as a cure or treatment for coronavirus, taking black seed oil can help enhance your immunity making your body healthier and stronger against viruses in general. 

A 2018 article by Integrative Medicine Research found that black seed oil is good for managing sinusitis, and alleviating nasal congestion. It states the following: "The results of investigations on N. sativa seed fixed oil showed its therapeutic potential in treatment of sinusitis by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, immune-modulator, antimicrobial and analgesic effects. The use of N. sativa seed fixed oil can inhibit the inflammation of sinuses and respiratory airways, microbial infections and finally help the patients suffering from clinical symptoms of sinusitis such as coryza, nasal congestion, headache, neck pain, earache and toothache."

Nutrition
The best black seed oil to purchase is cold pressed and unrefined. Black seed oil that is not diluted and contains no additives will provide a better quality product. It's also important that black seed oil be stored in dark glass bottles in order to help preserve the oil and protect EFAs from potential rancidity. Feel free to visit our store to get your cold-pressed, unrefined and all-natural bottle of black seed oil today!

Black seed oil has numerous benefits, so much so that there is something in it for everyone. Whether you have weak immunity, exercise daily, have seasonal allergies or congestion, or just simply want to feel healthier, black seed oil can be right for you! We know that black seed oil can have a strong and lasting taste which is why we also provide the black seed capsules. But we also have some of the best honey you will ever try, and with that, you can take it along with the oil for easy and comfrotable consumption. Start your healthy routine today!

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