12 Benefits of Nigella Sativa or Black Seeds

Nigella Sativa or black seed is termed a medicine for all diseases. In 1960, Egypt’s researchers confirmed that asthma was relieved due to the presence of black nitrogen. German researchers said Nigella seeds have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial effects. It stimulates bone marrow and defense cells and increases interferon production.

Studies suggest that this oil may offer many health and cosmetic benefits, such as helping to lose weight, improving skin conditions, and even treating cancer and diabetes.

In this article, take a look at the science behind the benefits of Nigella Sativa/black seed oil and explore the possible side effects and risks.

What is black seed / Nigella Sativa?

Black seeds are also known as black caraway, black cumin, kalonji seeds, and black onions.

They belong to Nigella Sativa, a small plant with pale, blue, or white purple flowers growing in Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East.

People have used small black seeds of N. Sativa fruits as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Seeds can also flavor curries, pickles, and bread in a similar way to cumin or thyme.

The black seed oil contains thymoquinone, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound that may also have tumor-reducing properties as a reliable source.

People can absorb black seed oil in the form of capsules or apply it topically in favor of the skin. It is also possible to add oil to massage oils, shampoos, homemade skincare products, and perfumes.

Black seed/Nigella Sativa oil is also suitable for use in cooking, baking, and beverages

Nigella-sativa

American researchers first gave an opinion on the effect of anti-tumor effect on Nigella Sativa.

It can remove cancer free-radicals in the body.

In general, black seed or Nigella Sativa is compared against all kinds of diseases.

Let us know some of Nigella Sativa’s uses.

12 Nigella sativa/black seed’s benefits

1. Nigella Sativa For Allergies, Osteoporosis, And Flatulence:

Nigella sativa and its active ingredients have proven to have antioxidant, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-reducing properties, as well as a cough treatment, slowing the growth of certain cancers and stimulating cancer cells. It can destroy the cervical, liver, colon, lung, and certain types of breast cancers(1)

The 2012 review, published in the evidence-based Alternative and Complementary Medicine Journal, explains how Nigella sativa is considered to prevent osteoporosis.

The article shares that inflammation is mediated by the enzymes, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase, which generate prostaglandins and leukotrienes from arachidonic acid [2].

Thymoquinone, the active ingredient of Nigella sativa, prevents both in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that Nigella Sativa or Thymoquinone works to prevent osteoporosis in two ways:

  • 1. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase
  • 2. By neutralizing free radicals

Thus preventing infections from contributing to increased bone absorption and loss.

In 2014, a study in complementary and alternative medicine BMC indicates that estrogen deficiency is associated with osteoporosis and that Nigella Sativa in their animal study reflected the low estrogen-induced changes in bone density.

2. Increase memory

Black seeds help in improving memory by increasing blood circulation. Regularly consume half a teaspoon of raw kalijira/black seeds or Nigella seeds or 1 teaspoon of its oil.

3. Prevent hair fall

It prevents hair fall by reaching the nourishment of the hair and helps in hair growth. Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon black seed oil together and heat lightly. Apply the oil to the scalp and massage for 10-15 minutes for the hair to properly. After 1 hour washes the hair with shampoo.

4. Destroy liver cancer

Nigella Sativa destroys the apalotoxin poison which is responsible for liver cancer. So those who are suffering from liver cancer, start eating today.

5. Nigella Sativa benefits to losing weight

Research has proven that black seed supplements can help lower body mass index (BMI). Study participants reported no severe side effects from taking this supplement.

A scientific review published in The Journal Of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders in 2013 found that black seed oil can be effective in treating obesity. (4)

6. Nigella Sativa Benefits for the skin

Black seed oil may be useful for people with the following skin conditions:

Eczema: According to a small-scale study in 2013. “Reliable source” compares the therapeutic benefits of N. Sativa with the benefits of prescribed drugs, black seed oil can reduce the severity of manual eczema.

Acne: Research suggests that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil/ Nigella Sativa can improve the condition of acne. In one study, 58 percent of respondents rated their response to this treatment as good, while 35 percent felt their results were moderate.

Psoriasis: A 2012 study of a reliable source in mice suggests that oil may also have anti-disease benefits.

Black seed oil may also moisturize hair, soften the skin and act as a moisturizer, although there is no scientific evidence to confirm these benefits.

7. Treat hypothyroidism

A study published in the supplementary and alternative BMC magazine reported that eating a few grams of Nigella Sativa (NS) pond powder, more commonly known as black cumin seed, may improve the autoimmune thyroid condition which is known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis commonly. (3)

The researchers examined 40 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis aged 22 to 50 years and applied them in two groups. One group received two grams of black powder-coated seeds, while the second group ate two grams of starch placebo daily for eight weeks.

The data showed that patients who received black seed powder exhibited significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) compared with those who took placebo pills.

The study also revealed that patients who took a black seed supplement showed marked decreases in serum concentrations of the stimulating thyroid hormone and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies at eight weeks of intervention.

In addition, patients in the intervention group showed a marked decrease in blood vascular endothelial growth factor levels. The researchers also highlighted a significant increase in the concentration of triiodothyronine in patients who received black powdered seeds. However, experts did not notice a similar effect in patients who took placebo pills.

 

Other benefits of Nigella Sativa:

8. To reduce fat:

Drinking tea with black seeds helps to dry out excess fat. Take a bowl of water and put it in the oven. When the water boils, add some tea leaves to the water. When tea comes in color, drink it like normal tea.

9. In dental pain:

If there is pain in the tooth or when blood is released nigella seeds can cure. Enrich the water with the seeds. When the temperature of this water is warmer, gurgle with the water. This will reduce the pain of a toothache, and bleeding gums or bleeding will stop. Besides, the tongue, palate, and mouth germs will be destroyed.

10. Cold headache:

Black cumin helps to remove a cold headache. Make a bundle of cotton cloth with some seeds. Keep breathing near the nostrils. It will relieve you of the pain all of a sudden.

11. Prevent insects:

There is an element in kalijira/Nigella seeds, which insects cannot tolerate. Black seed is particularly amazing to chase the ants. Put some seeds in a small, thin cotton cloth and keep them in different places in the house. The insect damage will be less. Especially in the cupboards or wardrobes, if you leave the bottle/ bag in the garment, then the clothes will be protected from insects and fungus.

12. The pain of the body:

Nigella seed oil is very good with pain. Heat the oil lightly. Put gently in the place of pain. Do not massage. If the pain is more, use this oil at least twice a day.

You should read

11 Surprising Health Benefits of Black Garlic for Health, Hair, and Skin

References

  1. https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/elsevier/anticancer-activity-of-an-ultrasonic-nanoemulsion-formulation-of-pCoFspBS02?impressionId=56fadafd71eff&i_medium=docview&i_campaign=recommendations&i_source=recommendations
  2. https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/hindawi-publishing-corporation/nigella-sativa-a-potential-antiosteoporotic-agent-GA6ePmvTUj?
  3. https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1432-2
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3691594/

 

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