Black Seed Oil
Exactly what are the benefits of black seed oil? It has been used for thousands of years for medicine, food and cosmetics. Many people today use it for the same reason as you’d take an aspirin or ibuprofen. They hope it will target inflammation and tamp it down. There are also substances in it that can help to protect cells from damage. However, with any herbs, seeds, or oils, be very careful and contact your alternative physician. He/she can help you with the correct dosage, the best product, and the safest with no unnecessary other ingredients.
There was a small study of people putting black seed oil drops in their noses to treat mild, moderate or severe cases of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. More than 9 of 10 people said their sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose and other symptoms got better or went away after only 6 weeks. More research is need to confirm this.
The black seed oil is pressed from seeds of a flowering shrub called Nigella Sativa. This plant contains thymoquinone, a compound that may have cancer-fighting powers. It shrank tumors and slowed their growth in rats, as well as protected tissue from radiation damage. More proof is needed to know if it might help humans.
In the kitchen the seeds go by the names black seeds, black cumin, black caraway and kalonji. The seeds or oil can be used like cumin or oregano to spice curry dishes, pickles and bread.
The condition of Asthma is when your airways swell up and make it hard to breathe. A small study found that black seed oil controls asthma symptoms better than dummy treatments. They believe that someday the oil could be added to regular asthma therapy.
Nigella Sativa seeds are used as traditional medicine for obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure in many parts of the world. Other small studies show supplements made with it have shown to lower levels of cholesterol and blood fats called triglycerides. The powdered (not oil) supplement may even boost your good cholesterol when used with aerobic exercise.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can swell your joints and wear down the bones. A study suggests that taking black seed oil every day might lessen the joint swelling and stiffness and could be a helpful add-on therapy for RA with a little more evidence.
Through studies both infertile men and rats have found that black seed oil can boost their sperm count and help the sperm swim faster. They believe the antioxidants in the oil helps to protect sperm from damage, but more trials are needed to determine if the oil can be a good treatment for male infertility.
Black seed oil is normally mixed with sugar or honey as people think it has a very strong and bitter taste. It can be bought in health food stores and online in liquid and capsule form. It is also used in lotions, makeup and other beauty products. It is unknown how much of the oil is safe to take, but the usual doses that people try are between 200 milligrams and 2,000 milligrams per day.
Dr Fredda Branyon
