
10 Black Seed Oil Benefits That Prove It is The “Seed of Blessing”
From dietary uses to inhibiting the process of oxidation and making you look young, the black seed oil benefits are abundant. (1)
Black seed oil is also called Black cumin seed oil. Though the exact time of its existence is unknown, a few archaeologists reported the traces of nigella seeds in Egyptian kings’ tombs and other archaeological locations at Turkey, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE.
Black seeds and their oil are extensively used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and Islamic medicine to treat various ailments. These seeds can stimulate lactation, eliminate intestinal worms, and treat menstrual problems.
Let’s understand black seed essential oil in detail.
What is Black Seed oil?
Scientific name of Black Seed oil
History of Black Seed oil
Color, Consistency, and Smell of Black Seed oil
Properties of Black Seed essential oil
Chemical compounds in Black Seed oil
Benefits of Black Seed oil
What blends with Black Seed oil?
How to use Black Seed oil?
Side effects of Black Seed oil
What is Black Seed Oil?

The plant belongs to the Ranunculaceae or the Buttercup family, which comprise about 2000 species of flowering plants. The plant of black seed oil grows to 20 – 30 cm tall, with well-divided leaves, delicate blue to white coloured flowers, large fruits with multiple seeds in them. (2, 3).
The plant is native to South and South-eastern Asia. India, Israel, and Turkey are the major producers of black seed oil. The black seed oil is also known as Kalonji oil, Kalajira oil, and Black oil to name a few. The botanical name of black seed is Nigella sativa.
Health Harmony’s Black seed softgel capsules comes in a pack of 500g. It is manufactured in the U.S.
The name “Nigella” comes from the Latin language, which means “Black.” The name “Sativa” is a Latin objective, which denotes domestic plants grown from seeds. Black cumin has been cultivated as early as 3000 years. People have been using it for cosmetic, medical, and culinary purposes. The black cumin seeds have a huge history in Indian and Arabian civilizations. It has been used as a remedy for insect bites, inflammation, allergies, cramps and pain. It is believed that people in ancient Egyptian civilization used black cumin seed and its oil, especially for skincare routines and beautifying baths. In India, the black cumin seeds were widely known for its stimulating, warming and regenerative properties. The seeds were mentioned in the medicinal books of various civilisations. The therapeutic properties of Black Seed essential oil include: The chemical composition of oil extracted from Black seed oil include: Thymoquinone (26.8–54.8%), p-Cymene (14.7–38.0%), Longifolene (1.2–10.2%), a-Thujene (1.3–10.1%), Carvacrol (0.5–4.2%), a-Cubebene (0.4–3.0%), a-Pinene (0.2–2.4%), (þ)-Limonene (0.7–2.3%), b-Pinene (0.4–3.0%), and Sabinene 0.2–1.6%. Black seed oil is also rich in fatty acids like Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, and Linoleic Acid. The chemical composition of black seed oil varies according to the place of cultivation, harvesting method, and the process of oil extraction. (6, 7, 8). Black cumin seed has been used for centuries for its analgesic properties. Thanks to its compounds Thymoquinone, p-Cymene, Thujene, and Carvacrol. Studies have shown that black seed oil significantly inhibited the biological pathway responsible for pain. (11) Be it abdominal pain, muscle cramps, joint pain, backache or stiffness, you can definitely rely on black cumin seed oil. To relieve pain, mix 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil, 5 drops of Lavender oil, and 5 drops of black cumin oil. Take 2 – 3 drops from the blend and dilute it using a suitable carrier oil. Apply the oil on the painful region and massage gently. High blood pressure or hypertension goes unnoticed for many years. It is a serious issue that needs to be taken care of. People who suffer from hypertension should make sure that they exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. Research has shown that black cumin seed extract lowers blood pressure lowering effect on people with mild hypertension. Thymoquinone is the major compound attributed to this therapeutic property of black seed oil. (12, 13). But if you are someone who is under medication for a long time, we do not recommend taking the oil without a doctor’s advice or prescription of a professional aromatherapist. Thirumoolar, the man who wrote Thirumanthiram, and a great Indian mystic, claims that a man could lead a healthy life for extended years if his breathing is deep and slow. With the busy life we lead, we do not have time to look how we breathe. That being said, we subconsciously know we are doing something fundamentally wrong. Every human being has phlegm-filled in his or her lungs and air track, which makes breathing deeply difficult. The aromatic compounds of black cumin seed oil makes breathing clear by decongesting the mucus formed in the respiratory tract. Thymoquinone, p-Cymene, Thujene are the compounds responsible for this benefit of the oil. Thanks to its anti-infectious, decongesting, mucolytic properties. It can also help conditions like cold, cough, and bronchitis. (14) Allergy can happen to anyone through any substance. It is completely a unique phenomenon. The cause and symptoms vary from person to person. While you may be allergic to a particular substance, your sibling might be not. Contact dermatitis is a type of allergy, which is accompanied by red, itchy rashes when you are exposed to some allergen. It is studied that Thymoquinone, the major compound in black seed oil inhibits immune modulators during the allergic process. In addition, the topical application of the oil helps to stop irritation and itching. (15, 16) Regular application of black seed oil (but diluted with carrier oil) speeds the healing process, decrease rashes, and prevents itching. Did you know that Cleopatra used black seed oil to maintain her beauty? Yes, that’s true! The incredible healing powers of black cumin or black seeds have been well-admired for centuries in Africa & Middle East. There is no doubt that the black seed oil is great for the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and Omega fatty acids.
Prime Natural’s Black Seed Oil (4 oz.) is non-GMO vegan, and free from preservatives. It is pure and cold-pressed.
All you have to do is just apply the diluted oil once or twice a day on your skin. Massage gently. If you are looking for something natural for your skin care routine, then black cumin is one of the ideal choices. It literally does everything to make your skin glow. From acne to dark spots, you can cure anything using black cumin oil. Application of oil cleans your skin, exfoliates it, smoothens it, and treats discoloration. Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, and Linoleic Acid are responsible for this benefit. The oil is an excellent antioxidant and helps to reduce wrinkle formation. (17) The cumin extracts help in balancing all the “doshas” in the human body when taken appropriately. Scientific studies claim that black cumin seeds and the oil extracted from it protect the liver from damage or any injury. In addition, black cumin seed helps to eliminate toxins from your body. Research claims that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of black seed oil plays a major role in preventing and protecting the liver from injury. This is mainly due to Thymoquinone and Omega fatty acids present in it. (18, 19). One of the best black seed oil benefits is that it can prevent hair loss and treat major issues associated with your hair. This is mainly due to the presence of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. All you have to do is to add 2 – 3 drops of black seed oil in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Heat the oil lightly and massage your scalp with it. It is an excellent hair growth promoter. The oil also cleans the excess sebum from hair and softens them. (20, 21). Black cumin seeds have been used for centuries to balance cholesterol levels in the body. Scientific studies also claim that both black cumin seeds and its oil have anti-obesity effects. According to Ayurveda, black cumin seed balances all the three doshas in the body. However, the weight loss journey needs hard work. We do not recommend oral intake of oil unless prescribed by a doctor. (22, 23) Sweat out, follow a healthy diet, and massage your body. That’s the perfect way to maintain an ideal body weight. Dilute 2 – 3 drops of black seed oil in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Massage your body using lukewarm oil. This increases circulation, detoxifies the body, balances cholesterol levels, and aids in healthy weight loss. Scientific studies claim that Black cumin seeds and its extracts exhibit a preventive effect on the gastrointestinal system. Thymoquinone, the major constituent in it, is responsible for this protective nature. Thymoquinone protects your skin from food allergens, injuries, microbes and toxins. In addition, the oil exhibits antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (24). You can massage your abdomen using diluted black cumin seed oil. It is warm and thermogenic in nature. It stimulates heat and speeds up digestion. You can use the oil to cure constipation, indigestion, flatulence and bloating. The oil also helps to strengthen your muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which usually affects the joints. The inflammation causes swelling joints and it is painful. This happens when your immune system goes awry. This condition gets worse when you even rest. Studies have found that application of diluted black cumin seed oil on the painful joints significantly reduces inflammation. The compound Thymoquinone inhibits the inflammatory response made by Cytokines. Black seed oil is an excellent antioxidant and it helps to reduce oxidative stress. Another study shows that oil can even modulate the immune system. Topical application of black seed oil helps you to soothe pain, reduces inflammation, and treats oxidative stress. (20, 21) Black Seed oil blends the best with: It is crucial to purchase therapeutic grade oil to reap its benefits fully.
Kiva’s Black Seed Oil (8 oz.) is cold-pressed & Non-GMO. It is cold-pressed, raw, and contains 1.60% Thymoquinone.
Scientific Name of Black Seed oil
History of Black Seed Oil
Color, Consistency, and Smell of Black Seed Oil
Properties of Black Seed Essential Oil
Chemical Components in Black Seed Oil
Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
1. Effective & natural pain killer
2. Lowers blood pressure
3. Supports deep breathing
4. Treats dermatitis
5. Maintains a healthy skin
6. Good for the liver
7. Prevents hair loss
8. Aids in weight loss
9. Protects your stomach
10. Treats rheumatoid arthritis
What blends with Black Seed oil?
How To Use Black Seed Oil?
Side Effects of Black Seed Oil