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Something new is always stirring up the world of fitness and health. There is an increasing use of various medicinal products for different reasons with new fascinations always on the horizon. Lately the conversation has arrived on black seed oil which is being used much more frequently. So what actually is this oil that has been on people’s mind lately? Why is the oil comparatively more significant than other products of its kind? This article aims to answer those questions and expand on the details of this resurging herbal oil.
Back to the Roots
Before we get to describing black seed oil’s effects, some background is due regarding the oil’s origins. The black seed is found in the fruit of the plant known as Nigella Sativa, which grows in many parts of the world. Some of these places are in the Middle East and others are in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe. The seeds are also called ‘black cumin’ in English but simply known as the black seed.
The black seed oil has been around for a while, notably in the Middle East and throughout Asia. However, recently the oil is being revived. More people are learning about it and it has found its way into the commercial health and beauty industry. Though, if we go back to the roots, Nigella Sativa has been in use since olden times. The highest quality of seeds are known to come from Egypt as the country has the best environment for it. King Tutankhamun was even found buried with the seeds in his tomb!
It has been utilised throughout history due to the plethora of medicinal benefits it brings. Black seed oil is abundant in a variety of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that make it greatly nourishing. Ancient medicine used the herb to treat a number of illnesses and conditions. These include, among others, stomach issues, headaches, joint pain, and coughs. Of course, in those times scientific research was not being done on the substance and there was a lack of understanding. In modern times the seed and its oil have been researched extensively, helping us dive deeper into it.
What Makes Black Seed Oil Tick?
Research into Nigella Sativa oil reveals that it holds many pharmacological attributes. It is very rich in antioxidants and performs anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial and anticancer actions. The presence of these properties makes the oil yield huge medicinal benefits. Alongside the presence of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B and C, black seed oil also contains a miracle compound. The abundance of this compound is what brings black seed oil its medicinal properties. Thymoquinone, or TQ, is a bioactive compound that occurs naturally in Nigella Sativa. When the oil from the black seeds is extracted, there is a healthy volume of TQ present in it.
Now we wonder, what makes TQ so important? The answer to this is that TQ in black seed oil is completely nontoxic and is not added artificially. It bonds with other nutrients in the oil and lends its properties to them, making the oil very healthy. The gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of the oil come from the presence of TQ! Herbal remedies always contain plant-based bioactive compounds which makes TQ a perfect substance.
Since Thymoquinone is nontoxic, It can be applied topically as well as orally. It expands usability through products such as beauty oils or supplements like black seed oil capsules. Ingestion of the oil and TQ is also scientifically proven to be harmless to people. You most likely consume TQ without even realizing it since black seeds are used for culinary means too! The seeds are used as seasoning or toppings for food both directly and as oil.
Advantages
Finally, we come to the effects of black seed oil on the human body and its benefits. Nigella Sativa oil is completely natural and plant-based. The nutrients in it help to treat numerous illnesses and ailments. Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea and acidity can be treated by consuming the oil. The essential oil helps reduce inflammation in the body which is the cause for many issues. Respiratory problems such as congestion in the lungs and coughs are treated because the oil relaxes muscles in the airways. Studies also show that symptoms of asthma face drastic improvement after black seed oil is consumed. Consuming the oil can also help you with regulating your blood sugar levels and moderating high blood pressure. Research shows insulin levels reducing as well as cholesterol levels experiencing a drop. Black seed oil also supports weight loss as inflammation in the body causes obesity.
