Black Seed Oil: The Ancient Elixir with Modern Healing Power

Have You Heard of Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil seems to be an underrated botanical hero in modern times. Historically it was revered as a cure-all by cultures across the globe. Hailed as a ‘miracle herb’- this certainly is no small feat! [1] Black Seed Oil has managed to earn the impressive title with a robust resume. This jack-of-all-trades oil is derived from the Nigella sativa plant, and is also known as black cumin seed oil. Its use dates back as far as 2500 years, and it was even discovered in Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb! Truly an herb fit for a King. Even Prophet Muhammad praised its healing properties in Arabic medicine. Saying, “The black seed can heal every disease, except death.”[2]

The Building Blocks of a Super Seed

Much of Black Seed Oils multi-faceted healing is attributed to it’s main bioactive constituent: Thymoquinone. Thymoquinone is a phytochemical- a natural compound with widespread protective effects, including: 

• Anti-oxidative

• Anti-inflammatory

• Immunomodulatory

• Anti-cancer

• Anti-microbial [3] ​​
  

In all, it helps protect against free radicals, fight inflammation, regulate the immune system, protect against cancer and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. That is some extraordinary capability!
Black seed oil is rich in omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids as well. These in combination, give additional benefits of reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. [4]

It’s hard to narrow down the multitude of ways in which one can harness the healing powers of Black Seed Oil. (there are so many!) But I’ve narrowed it down to the ten most studied benefits. 

10 Amazing Ways to Utilize the Healing Benefit of Black Seed Oil

Disclaimer* Before using Black Seed Oil, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. If applying topically, do an allergy patch test first.

1. Black Seed Oil and Rheumatoid Arthritis/Joint Pain

Black Seed Oil has shown therapeutic benefits in alleviating pain from Rhematoid Arthritis. This is due to it’s anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Applied topically or ingested- the oil has shown promise as an alternative or complementary approach to managing this autoimmune condition. [5] In addition, Black Seed Oil has also shown to reduce oxidative stress in RA patients [6] This shows clinically, that the oil can be used for everyday joint pain relief as well.

2. Black Seed Oil and Brain Health 

Black Seed Oil has shown a neuroprotective effect on many aspects of brain health. This includes the prevention and slowing the progress of neurodegenerative conditions  like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.[6.5][6.7] As well as showing improvement on depression, anxiety, memory and mood.[7] It’s nootropic effects may be due to it acting like an antidepressant by affecting neurotransmitter elimination such as serotonin. This relatively mimics SSRI’s, or Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors, which work in part, by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Black Seed Oil has also shown an anxiolytic benefit; or anxiety-reducing effects. [8][9][10]

3. Black Seed Oil as Antihistamine

Black Seed Oil has shown marked antihistaminic action and action as a bronchodilator. This makes it a natural treatment for Hay Fever, Asthma, and even COPD![11] It also has shown to relieve allergic rhinitis and sinusitis in the nose.[12][13]

• Internally: Take 1-2 Teaspoons a day. *Start with ½ tsp to assess tolerance.

• Steam Inhalation: Adding a few drops of black seed oil to hot water and inhaling the steam can help alleviate respiratory issues such as congestion and cough.

• Nasal Spray: Recipe here.

4. Black Seed Oil and Oral Health

Black Seed Oil has also shown strong effects of improving oral health. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, it helps to reduce biofilm formation in the mouth, disrupting the formation of pathogenic bacteria, which can prevent the progression of periodontal disease.[14] BSO should be considered an alternative to modern day mouthwash, full of harsh chemicals. As well as an effective oil-pulling option.

• Mouth Wash: Dilute oil from ratio of 1:1 with water, or for less intense try 1-2 teaspoons in ½ cup of warm water.

5. Black Seed Oil and Sleep Quality

There have been some studies showing that BSO can aid in improving sleep quality. Part of this may be due to it’s anxiety-reducing effects. One study found  significant improvement in primary outcomes such as total sleep time, sleep latency and sleep efficiency.[15] Another study found that a patented composition of Black Seed Oil was found to help improve nonrestorative sleep (REM, and Light Sleep phases) at a dose of 200 mg/day.[16]

• Internally: One teaspoon of BSO and one teaspoon of warm honey in milk of choice, one hour before bed.

6. Black Seed Oil and Skin Health

It is said that historic beauties Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra used Black Seed Oil in their beauty routines to help maintain their beautiful complexions. The properties of the oil is nourishing and calming to the skin. Studies have shown BSO effective in treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and helpful in healing scars, stretch marks and accelerating wound healing.[17][18][19][20] The varied feats of this miracle oil!

Topical:Try as a facial oil cleanser- you can mix with coconut oil to balance the properties. :*always allergy test first on a small patch of skin.

7. Black Seed Oil and Hair Health

Treating the scalp with black seed oil can help sooth and itchy scalp and reduce dandruff. (due to it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties). It’s antioxidant properties can help protect against free radicals and strengthen damaged hair. A small study has shown potential to aid in hair growth, but more studies are needed in that area. [21]

8. Black Seed Oil and Healthy Weight/BMI Blood Sugar/ Diabetes

Black seed oil has shown promise in assisting with maintaining healthy blood sugar and insulin levels, showing antidiabetic properties.[22] Additionally, supplementation with BSO has shown to reduce body weight and help maintain a healthy BMI in individuals struggling with weight management or obesity. [23]

9. Black Seed Oil and Anti-Cancer Properties

Amazingly, Black Seed Oil has shown as an effective adjunct treatment in various cancers. The active bioactive Thymoquinone, has shown promise in vivo, vitro, and early clinical trials. Certainly more studies are needed. But exciting indications show anti-proliferation, reduction in tumor size, and anti-apoptotic effects. Apoptosis is defined as cell death, and in this case, cell death of cancer cells. BSO certainly needs further exploration as a synergistic option to cancer treatment. [24][25][26][27][28]

10. Black Seed Oil and Cardiovascular Disease:

Black Seed Oil has shown preliminary results on improving lipid profiles, particularly total cholesterol and LDL.[29] BSO has also clinically shown to lower blood pressure. Initial findings show positive results in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. This indicates BSO as strong candidate for alternative or adjunct treatment option.[30] It has shown to improve vascular function and nitric oxide levels. Nitric Oxide plays an important role in regulating blood flow, inhibiting inflammation and maintaining homeostasis.[31]

Putting It All Together

In summary, the extensive body of research and diverse applications of Nigella sativa highlight its remarkable therapeutic potential. I was blown away by the number of studies and variety of uses. I hope to see a continued study of its potential in human applications and as a powerful alternative and preventative medicine to some of the common disease states. It’s a full circle moment, when we resuscitate natural ancient remedies into accessible modern medicine.

We sell Black Seed Oil at Haskill Creek! We chose to carry Freshfield, in both liquid and capsule form. Freshfield is high-quality and cold-pressed for product purity. Talk to our sales team to see which form could be best for you!