Herbal remedies and oils are on the rise in current times. People are becoming increasingly more aware of what products they purchase. Be it beauty, health or even just culinary. Consumers tend to prefer products that have less risk of causing them harm. And rightfully so. Artificial ingredients are shunned for organic ingredients and products. Black seed oil is one of the healthiest organic products of today. It is an oldie but a Goldie, and has started to make its way to the mainstream.
Black Seed Oil’s origins
Before we can get underway explaining the significance of the oil, we need to know some background. Nigella Sativa is a plant that grows commonly in Asian territories. The shrub produces fruit that contains the black seed, or ‘black cumin’. These seeds are the source of the oil. Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. The methods for extraction can be varying, the most effective one being cold pressing.
Black seed oil has been consistently used throughout history. Its applications in ancient medicine were far and wide. It holds a great significance in many cultures, notably Egyptian. The plant grows best in Egypt due to the environment there. Rumors even have it that the Queen Cleopatra heavily used black seed oil in her beauty regiments.
Traditional medicine saw the implementation of black seed oil to a great degree. The herbal oil was used to treat a variety of illnesses. Amongst these are fevers, headaches, joint pains and coughs. Digestive issues such as acidity, indigestion, diarrhea and even dysentery benefitted from its treatment. Moreover, breathing conditions such as lung congestion and asthma were also alleviated with it.
Previously, the use of Nigella Sativa had been limited to Eastern parts of the world. An ancient text even referred to it as the ‘cure for everything but death’. Modern times are seeing a resurgence of the magical elixir that is black seed oil. Notably, in the mainstream industry of health and fitness, as well as beauty.
Medicinal Properties and Composition
Black seed oil holds many medicinal properties that make it useful for medical treatment. The essential oil consists of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids of many varieties. Moreover, it contains high levels of nutrients that treat illnesses. However, regularly using the oil prevents any future complications for healthy users as well. This is most likely the reason that many people have begun to add it to their routines and regiments.
What many people don’t know, is that the oil contains something special. The composition of Nigella Sativa oil holds a bioactive agent that brings these properties that we hold so dear. TQ, short for Thymoquinone, is a compound that is present naturally in the oil. TQ is abundant in black seed oil and the compound boasts numerous pharmacological properties. The presence of TQ is of great significance in the oil. This is because the compound can combine with any and all nutrients and proteins present. And it does this without any complications!
Thymoquinone exhibits immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective properties for the users. Moreover, the compound is rich in antioxidants. It is wholly responsible for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities, to name a few. TQ has been researched extensively by scientists. The results prove that TQ is completely innocuous, making black seed oil safe for use. The applications can range from topical to oral. This has led to the introduction of black seed oil capsules as a supplementary product. Other forms see the oil being used as a beauty oil for skincare purposes.
Proven Skincare Benefits
Black seed oil is responsible for skin enhancement and rejuvenation. The oil acts as a moisturizer for the skin and softens it giving a smoother look. Moreover, topically applying the oil reduces signs of aging on the skin. Wrinkles and age lines appear much more reduced because of this. The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are greatly responsible for many skincare uses. Acne on the skin, caused by inflammation, is reduced by using the oil. Studies show that people with acne notice a huge drop in their condition after consistently using black seed oil. Research shows it to reduce acne by almost 80% amongst regular consumers. Acne lesions on the skin are also decreased when the oil is applied or consumed.
Furthermore, serious skin conditions benefit from the use of Nigella Sativa oil as well. Persons suffering from Vitiligo face a loss of pigmentation in their skin. This is characterized by a lack of Melanin in the skin. The usage of the herbal oil helps disperse Melanin within the user’s skin. This brings back pigmentation in the skin and gets rid of discoloration. Secondly, Psoriasis is a condition that is characterized by red and scaly patches on the skin. Research and studies show that users of the oil see a reduction in the severity of Psoriasis and general redness.
The antibacterial properties of the oil acts as a cleanser. Applying it on your wounds helps with healing them. Those with eczema symptoms see a drop in severity after usage as well. This is due to the fact that the oil hydrates the skin. Moreover, the risk of skin infections associated with these conditions is also greatly alleviated.
Health Rejuvenation
Inflammation in the body leads to a variety of issues that may develop instantly or overtime. You run the risk of contracting arthritic diseases, diabetes or even brain disorders. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil can help to counteract this. It generally keeps you safe from metabolic syndrome. High blood pressure and issues that come with it are also prevented.
The oil regulates blood sugar levels by positively reducing insulin levels. Studies have shown that regular usage combined with a low calorie diet helps with weight loss. In comparison to those who only lean towards a low calorie diet, the results are drastically different. Moreover, cholesterol in the body is also mediated by the oil. This reduces your risks for heart disease.
Digestive and gastrointestinal problems benefit from using the oil. Stomach ulcers and digestive tract inflammation can be treated with it as well. Anti-inflammatory properties of the oil contribute to relaxing the airways of the body. This is significant for treating coughs and congestion. On an important note, this can treat asthma symptoms as well. Research has shown improvement in asthma patients after consumption of black seed oil.
Such is the power of Nigella Sativa oil that it prevents neurodegenerative diseases as well. Future conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have a lesser chance of occurrence. The combination of all these properties is making this plant-based remedy a powerhouse in the industry. Knowledge of Nigella Sativa oil has been spreading rapidly and soon many more will start to use it. Implementation in routines and regiments is undoubtedly on the horizon.