Black cumin seed, also known as nigella sativa, is well known in many cultures and religions as a versatile herbal medicine.
The plant itself is indigenous to North Africa, Southern Europe, and Southwest Asia.
Countries like India, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia proactively grow this plant and consider it a miraculous cure-all medicine. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and in many other ways.
Due to the claims of its ability in treating various diseases, it has become one of the top-ranked herbal medicines in the world. It remains as one of the most prominent herbal medicines due to scientific evidence proving its effectiveness.
What is black cumin seed oil?
Black cumin seed oil is sold as a soft gel that can be found at many chain stores in the vitamin & dietary supplements section.
It claims to be a universal medicine that can cure disease, prevent infection, and reduce the chance of getting sick.
However, many of these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the question remains whether or not this supplement is legitimate.
In order to verify whether or not black cumin seed oil does what it claims, many studies have been conducted to prove whether it lives up to its reputation.
How is it obtained?
Black cumin seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant nigella sativa.
The plant itself is harvested in various regions in the world.
Many ancient civilizations incorporated this plant in their tinctures to primarily treat diarrhea and indigestion.
However, they also used the seeds themselves to treat various diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and many inflammatory diseases.
It was also used in the treatment of skin eruptions and worms. Black cumin seed oil was also used topically as a local anesthetic and antiseptic.
What key nutrients it has?
Black cumin seeds oil contains multiple trace nutrients that are very beneficial for your health.(1)
It’s vitamins and minerals components consist of phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, calcium, thiamine, vitamin A, potassium, and manganese etc.
Black seeds also contain a pigment called carotene. It is converted to vitamin A by your liver which in turn helps vision and eye health. Surprisingly, it is not the nutrients that cause people to flock to this product.
Many consumers base their decision on the fact that this product has a particular biologically active compound named thymoquinone. This product receives the attention it does because of this natural chemical component.
Studies have proven that thymoquinone is able to protect the liver as well as reduces inflammation. Other studies also conclude that this product has antioxidant and anti-cancer capabilities.(2)(3)
The fact that black cumin seed oil has numerous medical applications pushes its marketability over the edge.
What are the benefits of using black cumin seed oil?
One study conducted by Dr. Salim Elsayed was able to provide evidence that after thirty days of using black seed oil he was able to see a dramatic reduction of malignant as well as benign tumors in his test subjects.(4)
It helped reduce these tumors in size, number, and frequency.
Black seed oil has also been found to have antimicrobial effects against different pathogens such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Overall its ability to solve a multitude of ailments is one of its major benefits.
What are the potential side effects of black cumin seed oil?
There have been many toxicological studies on N. Sativa seeds.
Even though there is a low toxicity so far there has been no adverse side effects reported. Black cumin seed oil is seen as a natural and safe product that can be taken as a dietary supplement.
However, as mentioned above the FDA has not approved black cumin seed oil to be a perfect solution to all medical problems.
Side effects vs. benefits:
Various studies have shown black seed oil has a multitude of benefits that virtually have no side effects.
It plays a role in lowering the risk of disease, especially cancer, and black seed oil is filled with vitamins and minerals that help regulate many bodily functions.
As you can see this product is an all around good supplement to incorporate into your daily routine. Taking it daily will help boost your immune system and reduce the possibility of getting sick.
Conclusion:
Black cumin seed oil is natural oil that has been used in a variety of cultures for thousands of years.
It has been used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments and historically it has had a positive effect on its users.
There is a very low level of toxicity but not enough to be harmful to the average user. Despite the fact that black seed oil is virtually harmless it is important to talk to your doctor before taking new supplements.
