A popular ingredient that has been around for thousands of years, black seed oil is often used in beauty treatments, to spice and flavor food, and offers a wide range of health benefits. This fantastic and versatile oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, a medicinal plant that is widely used throughout the world. Grown in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western Asia, the black seeds from the N. sativa plant are also known as black cumin, black onion, kalonji, and black caraway seeds. In fact, because there are so many benefits of black seed oil, this oil has been described in the ancient text as a “cure for every disease, except death.”
The benefits of black seed oil are vast so mix it up this holiday season and incorporate black seed oil into your salad dressings, curry, bread, smoothies, and stir-fries for some added zest. This versatile oil has many uses and comes with a myriad of health benefits, so let’s take a look at a few.
Relieves Stomach Pain and Cramps
Ingesting black seeds or black seed oil is associated with the reduction of stomach pain. When ingested, black seed oil can help reduce the pain and incidences of ulcers, stomach bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Helps with Weight Loss
A study published in 2013, in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, discovered that black seed oil could be useful in fighting obesity and that regular supplementation can help lower a person’s body mass index (BMI).
Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
A study published in 2016, in Immunological Investigations, showed that regular consumption of black seed oil reduced swollen joints, inflammatory markers, as well as reduced the severity of arthritis symptoms.
Helps with Acne
According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, black seed oil can significantly reduce the incidence of acne. In the study, those who participated applied a lotion that was prepared with 10% black seed oil for two months.
Helps Fight Off Bacterial Infections
The antibacterial properties contained in N. sativa seeds may help fight against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as fungal infections.
Relieves Allergies
A 2011 study that was published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology revealed that black seed oil has the potentiality to reduce allergies since after two weeks of use the presence of allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itching, and nasal congestion) were reduced.
