Everything You Need to Know About Black Seed Oil

Nigella Sativa or Black Seed, is a flowering plant in the buttercup family. In Ayurveda and Unani traditional medicines, black seeds fill an integral role in their holistic practices. In the middle east, it is most commonly used as a digestive remedy - like pepto bismol, but natural. Black seed oil provides quick relief for digestive disturbance and benefits all the symptoms in the pepto bismol song, from nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach… You know the rest.

The benefits of black seed oil don’t stop at digestive relief. This functional and therapeutic oil contains over 100 valuable components, including the research-supported phytonutrient, thymoquinone. Black seed oil is a remedy for hundreds of ailments, packed with antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory support, and immune-modulating properties… Let’s dive into everything you need to know about black seed oil.

Black seed contains natural phytosterols, plus omega-3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids. This is why black seed oil effectively supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. But black seed oil isn’t just a fatty acid supplement like flax oil or evening primrose. In addition to phytosterols and omegas, black seed oil contains active compounds which are highly effective in fighting inflammation.

Anything with a long weird name like that is sure to be some sort of powerful phytonutrient. Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are active ingredients; Anthocyanin is a phytonutrient and an active ingredient in blueberries; Curcumin is a phytonutrient, and an active ingredient in turmeric; In black seed oil, the most prevalent and researched active ingredient is thymoquinone (TQ), which provides many of the therapeutic benefits associated with black seeds. This exceptionally potent component has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-modulating abilities. Its benefits are really quite impressive, notable ones include.

Thymoquinone has gastroprotective effects, working almost instantly for digestive relief. Whether you’re looking to remedy nausea, bloating, stomach pain, cramping, gas or indigestion, black seed oil works quickly, and when taken daily can support better digestion long-term. (1)

The anti-inflammatory and phytonutrient components in black seed oil are responsible for the potential decrease of both asthmatic and allergy symptoms. Black seed oil has immune-modulating effects which inhibit inflammation from affecting the airway in both conditions. (2)

Studies show that black seed oil produces anti-anxiety effects, while also improving cognitive function and memory. This may be related to increased levels of serotonin and tryptophan, which have been shown to naturally increase after just one-month of supplementation. (3)

The endocannabinoid system is one of the body’s largest neurotransmitter networks. Your endocannabinoid system has the motive of creating balance. This network sends messages and communications to all of your bodily parts to ensure everything is running smoothly, and it confirms if anything needs to be re-balanced. When your ECS finds a problem, it regulates by sending further instructions to receptors, which adjust how you feel and think. While the brain naturally produces endocannabinoids, the first cannabinoid to be discovered was in plant-based THC back in the 1960s. However, black seed oil also contains a key phytocannabinoid called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), and BCP binds exclusively to the CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Supporting this system is essential if you’re looking to improve or maintain health for the nervous system, immunity, digestion, joints, liver, skin and bones. (4, 5)

Black seed oil has a vasorelaxant effect, meaning it has the ability to reduce tension in the blood vessel walls. This respectfully lowers blood pressure and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It may take 2-months of supplementation to achieve this, but since there are no known contraindications or adverse side effects, incorporating even small amounts into your routine may benefit heart health in the long-term. (6)

Research suggests that since black seed oil reduces inflammation, including it would also benefit our weight. Since extra-pounds and inflammation are related. Black seed oil also works to balance blood sugar levels, and has been shown effective in treating type 2 diabetes, due to its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. (7)

Black seed oil provides significant benefits for both eczema and psoriasis when used internally and topically. Since thymoquinone pertains to immunomodulating abilities, this oil works to significantly reduce inflammation, which relates to both conditions. For cases of psoriasis the results of BSO may actually be more effective than tazarotene, the standard drug for “eruptions of the skin” (8, 9). Black seed oil also helps to stop psoriasis and eczema from spreading.