Scientific name for Black seed or Black cumin is Nigella sativa, it is a plant that belongs to the botanical family Ranunculaceae.

Black cumin, Nigella sativa, is a plant native to ancient Egypt with numerous historical references and applications in traditional medicine. Black cumin is known as the oil of the Pharaohs as black cumin seeds were supposedly found in the tomb of Tutankhamen to accompany him into the afterlife. Likewise, it seems that Cleopatra and Nefertiti used black cumin oil for their beauty care.

Physicians in the time of the Pharaohs also used black seed as a remedy for colds, headaches, digestive disorders, toothaches, infections, inflammatory disorders and allergies.

The earliest written reference to black seed is in the Bible, in the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

The prophet Muhammad is recorded as saying, “Hold on to the use of the black seed for indeed it has a remedy for every disease except death.”

Hippocrates himself, the first true doctor, is said to have used it extensively in his medical clinic in Greece (400 BC), regarding nigella sativa as a valuable remedy in hepatic (liver) and digestive disorders.

Active constituents:

Nigella sativa is rich of volatile oils such as Thymoquinone, p-Cymene, Carvacol, α-Pinene, β-Pinene, Longifolene, t-Anethole Thymol, Thymohydroquinone and  Dithymoquinone (nigellone).

 Nigella sativa contains appreciable quantities of unsaturated fatty acids {linoleic(Omega-6), oleic(omega-9), linolenic(Omega-3), Palmitoleic(Omega-7), Dihomo-γ-linolenic, Myristoleic, Eicosadienoic } as well as saturated fatty acids in minor amounts (Myristic, Stearic, Behanic, arachidonic and eicosenoic acids).

Nigella sativa contains considerable quantities of vitamin E (tocopherol α, β, and γ), vitamin A (retinol), Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, Niacin, Folacin, Vitamin C.

Also contains Sterols(β-sitosterol, avenasterol, stigmasterol, campesterol and lanosterol), Carotenoids (β-carotene)

Nigella sativa contains minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron in a great quantities, as well as zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium and copper in few amounts.

It also contains alkaloids such as (nigellimine, nigellidine and nigellicine), Carbohydrates such as (Glucose, Rhamnose, Xylose, Arabinose), Saponins such as {α-Hederin (melanthin), Hederagenin (melanthigenin)}, Proteins such as (Glutamic acid, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Leucine, Glycine, Valine, Lysine, Threonine, Phenylalanine Iso-leucine, Histidine, Methionine).

  Thymoquinone has been demonstrated to be the principal active ingredient in Nigella sativa oil that has anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and anti-cancer properties.

Uses:

1-Help in treating asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lining of your airways swell and the muscles around them constrict, making it difficult for you to breathe.

Research has shown that black seed oil, and specifically thymoquinone in the oil, may help in treating asthma by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the airway.

2-For immune system

The immune system boosting properties of Black Seed was noted in (Ibn Sina) Avicenna’s 1025 A.D. Canon of Medicine, who used the seed for stimulating the body’s energy and speed recovery from fatigue. 

Black Seed contains over 100 valuable components and is a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates and other vitamins and minerals. Today it is used as a good source of energy, to detoxify and rejuvenate the body, aid in digestion, and a powerful immune modulator, keeping the immune system in balance so it doesn’t overreact or underreact. Black seed oil also quenches dangerous inflammation and boosts appropriate immune function, resulting in enhanced protection against infections, while it also eases coughs, bronchitis symptoms, and colds.

3-High in antioxidants

Black seed oil is high in antioxidants plant compounds that help protect cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Antioxidants are important for health, as research has shown that they can reduce inflammation and protect against conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

In particular, black seed oil is rich in thymoquinone, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, studies suggest this compound may protect brain health and aid in treating several types of cancer.

4- Supports weight loss

Black seed oil will help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. The B vitamins in this oil kick start the body’s energy metabolism, helping to increase passive fat-burning. This can help you to burn more calories than you consume, thus creating a calorie deficit, leading to gradual reduce body weight, body mass index, and belly fat.

Furthermore, the black seed oil can act as a natural appetite suppressant. If you are trying to cut down on your total calorie intake, using this oil can be a great way to stay on track and not overindulge.

The most popular ways of consuming black seed oil for weight loss include:

• Mixing a teaspoon of the oil into yogurt or mixing it into a homemade salad dressing.
• Adding this oil to milk/orange juice in the morning is also a way to get your daily dose.

Recommended Dose: The recommended dose is between 1 and 3 tablespoons per day, but it’s better to start with a smaller amount and monitor your body’s reaction to the oil.

5- Reduces inflammation

Studies have shown that black seed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

This could be beneficial for multiple aspects of health, as some research suggests that inflammation could contribute to the development of many chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

According to a review of 10 studies, consuming black seed oil may reduce multiple markers of inflammation while also increasing blood levels of antioxidants.

6- Improves blood sugar control

A lot of studies showed that black seed could help improve multiple markers of blood sugar control, including insulin levels and blood sugar levels during fasting and after a meal.

Black Seed oil enhances insulin production and glucose tolerance. It also concluded that it can play a significant role in the treatment of diabetes complications. These can include neuropathy, or numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, and narrowing of the arteries.

Over time black seed oil reduced HbA1c — the average blood glucose level. It found that Black Seed oil and its compound thymoquinone increased insulin levels, decreased insulin resistance and decreased glucose absorption in the intestines.

The hypoglycemic effects of black seed oil can benefit both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics, especially when pure black seed oil is used. Since black seed oil reduces damage to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, it may help with Type 1 diabetes management. Black seed oil may also be advantageous to Type 2 diabetics because it enhances the sensitivity of insulin receptors.

Studies indicate that black seed oil may help prevent the onset of diabetes and reduce severity of the condition by improving the level of glucose in the bloodstream.

7-Black Seed Oil Maintains Blood Pressure

 Potassium, an essential mineral, is required by the body because it plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure. Potassium levels in diabetic individuals tend to plummet and cause deflections in blood pressure. Black cumin seeds are a rich source of potassium so they can help combat potassium deficiency in diabetic patients and maintain blood pressure.

8-For decreasing cholesterol  and triglyceride

Black seed oil is high in the antioxidant, thymoquinone, as well as polyunsaturated fats, fiber, and phytosterols all of which are thought to contribute to the lipid-lowering effect.

There are a few thoughts on how black seed affects your cholesterol and triglyceride levels :

• Black seed has the ability to decrease the amount of cholesterol that is made in the body.
• Black seed may be able to prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine.
• Black seed has also been noted to increase the number of LDL receptors in the liver — which can help remove LDL from the blood.
• Poly unsaturated fats increase HDL (good cholesterol)

Because of its high antioxidant content, black seed can also help prevent LDL from being oxidized.

9-For skin

A) beauty

As people are increasingly becoming aware of the negative effects of chemically-laden skin and haircare products, they are looking for natural alternatives that are effective, and safe for topical application. Black seed oil have been popularly used for centuries in Asia, Africa, and Middle East due to its magical benefits for enhancing the natural beauty. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and thymoquinone that help to deliver antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits to skin and hair. 

Applying black seed oil can boost your moisturizer’s hydrating efforts and leave your skin looking soft and smooth for long hours. Packed with essential fatty acids, the beauty staple nourishes the skin to improve moisture-retention, alleviate skin dryness, increase hydration, and provide a radiant glow. You can use the face oil before applying foundation to create a flawless base and avoid caking.

B) For Acne

black seed oil helps your skin fight acne. It is one of the best natural remedies for acne scars. When your skin produces too much oil, it breaks out more easily; Black cumin seed oil contains fatty acids that flush out the excess oil and dissolves the fat deposits in your pores that cause acne

Black seed oil also rich with ingredients that help in acne like Calcium that  protects the skin and helps it retain moisture, while niacin stimulates collagen production to reduce irritation and redness. Folic acid includes antioxidants for hydration, and vitamin A helps to prevent breakouts and speeds up the healing process of acne scars, making it one of the best acne scar treatments. Finally, vitamins D and B3 are important for repairing skin cell growth and improving the overall condition of aging, dry skin, respectively.

C)    Could help treat psoriasis

Black seed oil could aid in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaly red patches on the skin because it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also has a great moisturizing effect that improves dryness of the skin and reduces symptoms of psoriasis and  speeding up the skin’s healing process.

D)    Could reduce symptoms of eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes extreme itchy skin rashes. 

Symptoms include red rashes, itchiness, skin swelling and blistering. Often treated with steroids and antihistamines these are not long term solutions as they can cause notable side effects (e.g. thinning of the skin).

Black Seed Oil is an alternative treatment that provides relief and healing and can be used long term. Black seed oil contains anti-inflammatory properties; thymoquinone, that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties which contribute to wound healing process. It also works by supporting collagen production that helps in skin regeneration and act as a great moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Nigella sativa contains lauric acid, which helps prevent bacterial skin infections. as Eczema causes the skin to crack and open  increasing the chance of skin infections this makes it a very beneficial ingredient.

E)     Promotes wound healing

Black seed oil contains a compound called thymoquinone, which has been studied for its ability to stimulate tissue growth and promote wound healing. It also helps treat burns, excisions, and diabetic wounds due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.

F)      Could aid in the treatment of vitiligo

Some research suggests that black seed oil could be beneficial for the treatment of vitiligo, a disorder that causes loss of pigmentation in the skin.

 Studies found that applying Black seed oil or a cream made with black seed oil to the skin twice daily improved pigmentation in the hands, face, neck, and genital region after 6 months.

Researchers have suggested that the benefits of thymoquinone the main active constituent of black seed oil may be due to its ability to spread melanin within the skin. Melanin is a type of natural pigment found in your hair, skin, and eyes.

1. Fades Pigmentation

Rich in Vitamin B3, also known as Niancin, the black seed oil actually improves the skin tone and texture by replenishing the skin biome and bolstering skin barrier function. Consistent application of face oil can reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by aging, hormonal imbalance, or sun damage.

1. Prevents premature aging

Free-radicals present in the environment can leave your skin dull, dehydrated, and accelerate the aging process. The black seed oil has a high concentration of anti-oxidants that maintain the skin health by reducing levels of oxidative stress and neutralizing free-radicals. Regular application of oil can stimulate collagen and elastin production that would eventually help to reduce sagginess, fill fine lines and wrinkles to make skin look youthful and plump.

10- for Hair

Black seed oil contains high concentration of Thymoquinone that is powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-histaminic, so it retains a great soothing effect for scalp. Also it contains over 100 different nutrients which are rich sources of nourishment for your hair and follicles that help nurse your follicles back to health, thus curbing hair loss. Due to the rich fatty amino acids in black seed oil, the properties help moisturize hair shaft and moisturize your scalp and balance oil production.

Plus it contains Omega 3 and 6 biomolecules that encourage blood circulation especially in the head which promote rapid hair growth. Also proteins, alkaloids and saponins which help boost hair growth and slow down the ageing process in the cell.

Black seed oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are great for hair and scalp.

So black seed oil is used for

 prevent and restore hair shedding and balding

Stimulates Hair Re-growth

Soothe, conditioning Scalp and Promotes Blood Circulation

Condition And Soften Hair

It Prevents Graying

Special Precautions & Warnings

You must consult your doctor in the following cases:

Pregnancy, breast-feeding, children, bleeding disorders, diabetes, low blood pressure and surgery.