Some jokingly say that black seed oil could cure anything but death. While that’s most certainly an overstatement, there must be some truth behind it because it’s been the subject of much buzz in health circles recently. Black seed oil, derived from the seeds of Nigella Sativa, also known as black cumin, has been praised for its benefits for centuries. The stories even tell us that it was the secret behind Cleopatra’s beauty!
Black cumin has even been dubbed the “Seed of Blessing” for its potential benefits. The secret might lie in the cocktail of compounds it packs, including thymoquinone, an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It’s been credited with astounding benefits from weight loss to potentially preventing cancer.
Is it really as magical as its proponents make it out to be? In this article, we’ll lay out the science to find out!
Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil has been celebrated as a jack of all trades when it comes to health. It might support weight loss, give a silky sheen to your hair, and even slow cancer spread. On paper, the supplement’s versatility is quite surprising. So whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, below is a list of its potential effects to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your routine.
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that black seed oil may improve body mass index (BMI) and waist size. The study participants did not report any severe side effects from taking this supplement.
In a 2021 study, rats that were fed a high-fat diet were given black seed oil. It was determined that black seed oil may help decrease insulin resistance and manage weight.
However, more research is needed to confirm this effect before we recommend black seed oil for weight loss.
Kidney Protection
Black seed oil might help to protect your kidneys. In one of the key processes, thymoquinone in black seed oil appears to reduce the level of oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants. Black seed oil may also help reduce the size of kidney stones and even eliminate them entirely.
Effects on Cancer Cells
A 2022 study showed that thymoquinone can stop cancerous cells from spreading, and might even eliminate them.
So is it a miracle that can even cure cancer? Seems unlikely.
Much of the research on the effects of black seed oil on cancer uses cells rather than patients. This application needs more research to be considered reliable and is certainly no substitute for medical treatment.
Hypertension
A 2016 study showed that black seed oil can help reduce high blood pressure.
However, it should be noted that some of those who were studied experienced low blood pressure as a result of the supplement. Consult with a doctor before using it to control your blood pressure.
Diabetes
Black seed oil may help reduce a person’s glucose, hemoglobin, and insulin resistance.
It might have the potential to be used to treat type 2 diabetes when used along with conventional medicine.
Infertility
A study of males with infertility found that black seed oil may increase sperm count, sperm volume, and improve sperm mobility.
However, more research in humans is necessary to confirm these results. Consult a fertility doctor if you are trying to conceive. Supplements can be a powerful way to boost your health, but not a replacement for doctor-prescribed treatments.
Skin Health
A 2022 study found that black seed’s anti-inflammatory properties could help alleviate symptoms of:
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Warts
On paper, this tiny seed has a resume that would raise the eyebrows of the choosiest health enthusiasts. Its host of stated beneficial properties makes black seed oil sound like a miracle cure. While scientists of various disciplines have studied the many benefits of the derivative, it’s important to remember that most research has been undertaken on animals and cells. There is not much conclusive research to conclusively say it has transformative effects on human health.
How to Use It
Availing of all these benefits of black seed oil is relatively simple. Whether you’re looking to add more nutritional value to your meals, supplement weight loss, or even nourish hair, it might be a solid choice. There are simple ways to include this into your routine a few drops at a time.
If you decide to use black seed oil for any of its potential benefits, here’s how you can incorporate it into your routine:
Drink It Straight
This might require some tolerance of black seed oil’s strong flavor. Take a teaspoon at a time and chase it with water, juice, or your smoothie.
With Food
You can drizzle it onto your salad or even yogurt.
Apply to Skin
It can be applied as a topical treatment to combat any skin ailments.
For Haircare
A few drops may be rubbed into your scalp and left in for 30 minutes for a nourishing treatment.
Side Effects
We’ve already been over the benefits, but you might be wondering if the supplement has any known downsides. Before you incorporate black seed oil into your healthcare routine, you should know:
- It can lead to an upset stomach.
- It’s been found to induce low blood pressure in some users.
- Consult a doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any other medication.
Use black seed oil responsibly. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Proceed with Cautious Optimism
Black seed oil has been celebrated for its curative properties for many centuries and continues to be celebrated even today. Its anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory benefits make it a promising supplement to consider adding to your daily health routine.
However, while traditional medicine has documented the benefits black seed oil offers, it's important to keep in mind that most of the concrete research that exists comes from experimentation on animals and cells in laboratory settings. Studies on humans to conclusively prove its results have been limited.
If you think it can transform your health, proceed with caution. Remember, as with any other supplement, moderation and mindful consumption are key!
