Top 10 Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil - Slideshow

Black Seed Oil - Traditional medicine since 2000 years

Black seed or Nigella sativa is variously referred to as black caraway, black cumin, black onion seed or kalonji. It is native to the Middle East and has been used for over 2000 years as a traditional remedy. Archaeologists also found it in the tomb of King Tut in Egypt (who lived about 3,300 years ago).

Both the raw seed or its oil extract have been found to be effective in treating several ailments either alone or in combination with other ingredients. The healing properties of black seed are due to the active ingredient thymoquinone which makes up between 30-48 percent of the black seed oil. In addition to having several health benefits when used alone, it can also be used in combination with garlic extract for added synergistic effect. The oil has to be processed and stored properly, otherwise it may become stale and smelly. It has to be stored only in dark colored glass bottles.

Black Seed Oil to Fight Superbug Infections

Black seed oil has been found to be effective in persons with H.pylori infection as well as methicillin resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) infection, a potentially lethal superbug infection which is difficult to treat and associated with significant mortality rates. It also has potent antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity meaning, it can fight against virus, fungal and bacterial infections. Black seed oil has been used in alternative treatment options of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

It boosts the body's immune system and improves resistance to illness. Its unique action is such that the immune system becomes balanced and effective against external harmful agents but does not damage the healthy tissue of the body like other herbs such as echinacea and elderberry.

Black Seed Oil as Potent Anti-inflammatory and for Pain Relief

Black seed oil has been found to have pain relieving properties. Thymoquinone found in black seed oil can also help in reducing pain, swelling and other changes that occur as part of inflammation in several conditions and infections. It balances the body's inflammatory responses both at a superficial level (when applied to the skin) and also when eaten as a food.

Aches and pains that occur due to inflammation such as joint problems can be effectively controlled though it is also important to identify the cause and treat it. Black seed oil is also beneficial in treating the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases when the immune cells inappropriately attack the body's own tissues causing inflammation and damage.

Skin and Hair Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has several skin benefits including reducing acne, treatment of chronic skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Black seed oil can be applied on skin and hair to hydrate and moisturize dry skin and hair and give a smooth, shiny appearance.

It can be applied on wounds to improve wound healing by reducing inflammation and by having an antibacterial effect. It has also been shown to reduce scar formation of skin wounds. It has also been found to be useful against fungal infections of the skin.

Digestive System Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Roasted black seed has been used to prevent vomiting. The seeds improve digestion, reduce bloating and gas-induced abdominal pain. Black seed oil is used as part of a remedy for intestinal parasites.

Black seed oil protects the lining of the stomach and intestine from the harmful effects of alcohol and infections. Black seed has been used traditionally as a weight loss agent. It has also been found to reduce appetite.

Black Seed Oil for a Healthy Heart

Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure (hypertension) and elevated blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia). Black seed reduces heart disease risk by reducing both these measurements.

Black cumin seed extract taken regularly for two months has been found to decrease elevated blood pressure in persons with mild hypertension. Black seed oil is rich in good fatty acids such as linoleic acids and oleic acid. Consuming black seed oil regularly has been shown to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. It also reduces hardening of arteries due to build-up of unhealthy fats. Black seed may also have antidiabetic effect by improving insulin secretion.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil in Asthma and Allergies

Black seed oil has several benefits in respiratory conditions. It is useful in reducing the symptoms of asthma and bronchitis by reducing the inflammation in the airways and dilating the airways. It also helps in reducing allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy sensation and red eyes. Black seed oil improves respiratory function in patients with reduced lung function.

Anticancer Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is believed to have anticancer effects. The thymoquinone present in black seed oil has been shown to reduce the growth of many tumors including bone, breast, stomach and cervix in mice studies. The oil can also be beneficial in reducing the damaging effects of radiotherapy treatment used to kill cancer cells. However, these results have not been confirmed in humans. Application of black seed oil on skin may help fight against skin cancers.

Black seed oil should not be employed as a substitute for standard cancer treatments.

Mental Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has several benefits on the brain and mental health. It has an antianxiety and calming effect and may also bring down depressive symptoms. It improves mood, increases memory and also improves brain function, understanding and thinking capacity in elderly patients. It decreases the electrical activity of the brain by increasing the levels of a chemical called GABA and therefore may have some benefit in seizure disorders.

Liver and Kidney Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed extract has been found to reduce the formation of kidney stones and has been used as a traditional remedy for prevention of kidney stones.

Another amazing benefit of black seed oil is that it improves the health and function of the liver. The liver has several important functions and one of the major functions is to process harmful chemicals formed within the body due to unhealthy food, alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs into less harmful substances which are then eliminated from the body. Thus, taking black seed oil might be a good way to improve liver health and function considering the bad diet and lifestyle choices we make daily.

Black Seed Oil Benefits in Reproductive Health

Black seed oil can improve fertility in men by improving the quality of semen. It is not clear if it increases the testosterone levels.

Black seed oil has been used as traditional medicine in nursing mothers to produce more breast milk.

Amazing Black Seed Oil - A Valuable Addition to Any Home Remedy List

Prophet Mohammed has rightly said, "Use Black seed regularly, since it is a cure for every disease except death." Its remarkable powers of healing have earned it the nickname - "Blessed seed" in Arabic.

It adds value to any home remedy list because of its use as a traditional remedy in treating several health conditions , including eczema , cough , headache , hypertension , diabetes , asthma , infection , and inflammations. It boosts the body's immune system and helps to build resistance against illness. It also increases energy levels and is beneficial for relief from tiredness and lethargy. It has the added benefit of serving as a flavoring agent for curries and pickles and has a bitter flavor. It can be toasted and sprinkled on flatbreads and baked products. Before starting on black seed oil, discuss with your doctor regarding other medications that you are taking regularly and strictly follow the recommended dose.