Black cumin seed oil is one of the uncommon oils that’s supposed to be a cure-all for a wide variety of internal and external issues.
I started researching black cumin seed oil a few months ago while looking up one of the oils I’m testing for my custom oil blend and the profile offers incredible benefits for the human body!
Let’s look at a bit of black cumin seed oil history. Black cumin is a plant native to Asia and can be traced as far back as the times of King Tutankhamen.
Black cumin has a strong smell and is used as a spice in Indian, European, and Middle Eastern cooking.
Traditionally, black cumin seed was used for the treatment of pain from headaches, toothache, respiratory infections, and arthritis.
What is Black Cumin Seed Oil?
Black cumin seed oil is extracted from the tiny black seeds of the Nigella sativa seeds. Black cumin is aka:-
- Nigella sativa
- Fennel seeds
- Black caraway
- Roman coriander
- Black onion seed
- Kalonji
The extraction method used is usually cold-pressing. Black cumin seed oil has a dark amber color with a mildly nutty smell.
Is Black Cumin Seed Oil Good for You?
Black cumin seed oil has some seriously powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidant properties can help control inflammation in the body and on the skin.
Anti-inflammatory properties also help with scalp issues. Black cumin seed oil is a common ingredient in the beauty industry for skin and hair care products.
Black cumin seed oil has a low comedogenic rating making it ideal for oily skin care as well.
A Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery concluded applying a lotion with 10% black seed oil significantly reduced the incidence of acne after two months.
What Are the Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil?
1. Black Seed Oil Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Black cumin contains thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone, two powerful phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and anti-allergy properties.
They are both free radical scavengers and act as natural inhibitors against cell damage.
2. Black Seed Oil Contains Anth-fungal Agents
Black cumin oil contains thymol, an anti-fungal agent. Another natural oil that contains thymol is arnica oil.
Read Relieve Pain, Bruises, and Inflammation with Arnica Oil for more on arnica oil.
3. Speeds Up Healing
Black cumin seed oil speeds the healing process of the body and can have a positive effect when it comes to improved liver function
4. Controls Appetite
Black cumin seed oil can help control the appetite leading to more effective weight loss, better cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
How exactly would an oil aid in weight loss? I have made some suggestions at the end of this article.
In the meantime, this study found combining black cumin seed oil with a low-calorie diet reduced overall weight and waist circumference.
5. Slows Down Methicilin-Resistant Bugs
There are many superbugs out there and some of them are increasingly showing resistance to traditional antibiotics.
This research shows that black seed oil can significantly slow down Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).
6. Black Cumin Seed Oil Eliminates Scalp Issues
Black cumin seed oil used as a scalp massage oil helps to eliminate common scalp issues like dandruff, itchiness, flakiness, eczema, and psoriasis.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of black cumin seed oil are what make it ideal for treating scalp issues.
Additional properties in black cumin seed oil include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin).
As you can see, there is a significant amount of benefit to including black cumin seeds and black cumin seed oil in your diet.
For more on herbs in your hair care regimen, have a look at Healthy Hair Care Series 6 – Feed Your Hair with Herbs & Spices.
How to Include Black Cumin Seed Oil in Your Diet?
You can include black cumin seeds or seed oil in your diet or you can include both but in moderate amounts.
Honey and Black Seeds Recipe
Toast 1 cup of black seeds in a skillet for a few minutes until the taste becomes neutral, stirring frequently.
Wait until cool, then grind the seeds and mix with 1 cup of raw honey in a jar. Use as a sweetener in teas, cereals, and smoothie bowls.
Smoothie Enhancement
Add 1 – 2 teaspoons of black cumin seed oil to your smoothie mix.
Try it with the recommendations in this article – Switch Your Smoothies Up with These Premium Natural Oils.
Black Seeds as a Baking Enhancer
Add black seeds to bakery items such as bread, muffins, cookies, and biscuits. You can also use it as bakery toppings.
Garnish With Black Seeds
Drizzle a tablespoon of toasted black seeds over soups, beans, hummus, and salads.
Always roast black seeds before use as the raw taste aren’t very palatable. You can use the same method I use for toasting pine nuts.
Since this is an oil meant to be ingested, make sure you purchase 100% cold-pressed organic black seed oil with no additives.
A personal favorite is Amazing Herbs Pure Black Cumin Seed Oil but I have made more recommendations below.
Black Cumin Seed Oil Side Effects
Black cumin seed oil is tolerated well when consumed in minor amounts.
Do not consume black cumin seed oil excessively as it can lead to stomach irritation. More doesn’t make it any more effective.
Additionally, if you have any major health issues or are pregnant, you should consult your primary care physician before you include black cumin seed oil in your diet.
Where to Buy Black Cumin Seed Oil?
You can find black cumin seed oil online HERE. Below are my top black cumin seed oil recommendations:-
Black cumin seed oil is also available in soft gel capsules but you should consult your doctor before you start taking any supplements.
Black Cumin Seed Oil FAQs
Does Black Cumin Seed Oil Expire?
Black cumin seed oil has a relatively long shelf life and can last as long as 24 months.
For more on the shelf life of ntural oils, have a look at Do You Know The Shelf Life of Your Natural Oil Stash?
Does Black Cumin Seed Oil Clog Pores?
Black cumin seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 which is a safe range for most skin types.
For more on oils that don’t clog pores, read 30 Top Non-comedogenic Oils for Oily Skin.
Is Black Cumin Seed Oil the Same As Black Seed Oil?
Black cumin seed oil and black seed oil are slightly different.
Black seed oil comes from the seeds of Nigella sativa while black cumin seed oil comes from the seeds of either Nigella sativa or Bunium bulbocastanum.
Nevertheless, the names are commonly used interchangeably and both are appropriate for use on hair and for consumption.
In an upcoming article, I will share a great black cumin seed oil recipe for scalp issues like dandruff, dryness, itchiness, and inflammation.
References
- Review on Clinical Trials of Black Seed (Nigella sativa ) and Its Active Constituent, Thymoquinone
- Nigella Sativa
- A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb
- Dermatological effects of Nigella sativa
- Anti bacterial activity of Nigella sativa against clinical isolates of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
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