Despite the advances of modern medicine, plants and herbs have been the basis for sophisticated medical research, which is why herbal medical practice is still in use today.
For thousands of years, people used Black Seed Oil to treat traditional health issues and referred to it as "panacea" or universal healer. Black seed has been used for cooking and in traditional medicine in India, Arabia, and Europe. Laboratory studies have shown that components have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Derived from a flowering shrub, Nigella Sativa, which is grown in Southwest Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The shrub produces a fruit, which contains tiny black seeds that are rich in thymoquinone. Thymoquinone (TQ) is often referred to as the "miracle molecule" because of the wide range of health benefits it exhibits on the body. TQ is what gives black seed oil its vast array of healing power and supports a wide range of health benefits across your entire body. Black seed oil and Thymoquinone are shown to support brain health, liver function, joint functions, cardiovascular health, hair and skin health, digestion, and much more. In this article, we will discuss some amazing benefits of this oil.
High in Antioxidants
Black seed oil is high in antioxidants, which helps to protect cell health. It is rich in Thymoquinone, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This miracle molecule has been known to help with brain health, inflammation and aid in several cancer types.
May Aid in Weight Loss
In an eight-week study, they gave 90 obese women a low-calorie diet and a placebo or 1 gram of black seed oil per meal. At the end of the study, those given the black seed oil lost a significant amount of weight and waist circumference- as well as improvements in triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Black seed oil is still being on how it helps with weight loss, but it has been shown to improve body mass index (BMI) significantly.
Helps Fight Cancer
Small studies have shown that black seeds can stop tumor cells' growth and reduce the incidence of tumor cells. It has also been proven to decrease the severity of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients when applied topically.
Promotes Liver Health
Many pharmacological properties of black seed oil are attributed to the presence of thymoquinone and its antioxidant effects. The Thymoquinone in Black Seed Oil protects the liver from injury via different mechanisms, including inhibition of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.
Helps Treat Asthma
Since asthma is a condition that causes your airways to swell and constrict, and the thymoquinone in black seed oil fights inflammation, studies have found that it reduces inflammation and relaxes the airways.
One specific study had 80 adults with asthma take 500 mg of black seed oil twice a day and found that within 4 weeks, it improved asthma control.
Protect Brain Health
Neuroinflammation is inflammation of brain tissue. It's thought to play an essential role in the development of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Research is finding that thymoquinone may reduce this inflammation.
In one study, 40 healthy older adults found significant improvements in memory, attention, and cognition measures after taking 500 mg of N. Sativa capsules twice a day for nine weeks.
Regulate Digestive Health
Taking black seed oil is associated with relieving stomach pain and cramps. The oil can help to reduce gas, stomach bloating, and the incidence of ulcers as well.
Help With Insomnia
Black seed oil increases the tryptophan levels in the brain. This is required for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin – the hormones that regulate sleep.
Male Infertility
Studies with both infertile men and rats have found that black seed oil can boost sperm count and help sperm swim faster. Antioxidants in the oil likely help protect sperm from damage.
Reduce Anxiety
Black seed oil has been recently studied to reduce anxiety and depression. In one study, Black seed oil decreased anxiety and improved mood and cognition in a study of 48 adolescent male volunteers after four weeks. The treated group took 1 g of black seed daily. Some scientists think black seed might reduce anxiety thanks to its active ingredient, thymoquinone, which increased serotonin and GABA, the mind's natural calming signal.