What are the effects of black cumin oil?
The seeds of black cumin (Nigella sativa) and the fatty oil extracted from them have long been used as a natural remedy in various countries such as India and China.
The most important active ingredients in black cumin include thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Scientifically confirmed is, for example, the antibacterial and germicidal effect of thymoquinone.
Positive effects were also shown on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Black cumin oil may also be beneficial for gastrointestinal complaints such as gastritis.
Overall, studies provided evidence for the following effects of Nigella sativa:
- anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic (antifungal, antibacterial)
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant (ability to render harmless aggressive oxygen compounds that damage cells)
- effective against cancer cells (anticarcinogenic)
- blood sugar lowering (antidiabetic)
- modulates the immune system
- stomach-, kidney- and liver-protective
- nerve-protective
- antispasmodic
- blood pressure lowering
- analgesic
- effective against allergies (antiallergic)
What is black cumin oil used for?
What is black cumin oil good for? The researched effects are possible explanations for the traditional use of black cumin oil for the treatment and prevention of for example
- Asthma
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Bronchitis
- Infections
- Headache
- Hay fever
- Back pain
- Skin diseases like neurodermatitis or psoriasis
- Rheumatism
Black cumin oil against cancer?
Black cumin oil and hair
Because it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, manufacturers often add black seed oil to hair products. Some small studies show that it can actually increase hair growth and reduce hair loss when combined with other ingredients. However, more research is needed here to make reliable claims.
Does black seed oil help with weight loss?
Black cumin oil and ticks
There is debate as to whether black seed oil helps against ticks. In dogs, there is evidence that it is effective. To do this, apply 10 to 15 drops on the fur of your dog.
Oil pulling with black cumin oil
Black cumin oil is suitable for oil pulling due to its antibacterial effect. The Ayurvedic healing method promises to kill bacteria and toxins in the mouth through vegetable oil .
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limitations. If your complaints persist for a long time, do not get better or even worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Currently, there are no known black seed oil side effects after internal use. Signs of black seed allergy may occur with external use.
How is black cumin oil used?
Black cumin lacks medicinal approval, which means that there are no medicinal products based on this medicinal plant. The seeds and the black cumin oil are therefore only commercially available as food supplements or for traditional use.
What you should consider when using black cumin oil
- Stick to the recommended dosage when taking black seed oil.
- When buying black cumin and black cumin oil, look for good quality and an assured origin. In the trade you can also find adulterated products – for example with the similar looking onion seeds.
How to get black cumin oil products
The seeds of the plant, the black cumin oil as well as black cumin capsules are available in your pharmacy and well-stocked drugstores. For the proper use of black cumin seeds and black cumin oil as a dietary supplement or for traditional treatment, please read the respective package insert or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is black seed oil?
Nigella sativa is an annual, herbaceous, erect, 30 to 50 centimeters high and slightly hairy plant. The simple or branched stems have five to seven centimeter large, pinnate leaves. Individually at the ends of the stems sit pale blue-white to white flowers with five to twelve fused carpels and numerous stamens.