An Ancient Herb - What Does Black Seed Oil Do For You?
Published on
May 17, 2024 at 8:33:27 PM PDT May 17, 2024 at 8:33:27 PM PDTth, May 17, 2024 at 8:33:27 PM PDT
Black cumin seed is an ancient herb that’s recently seen a resurgence in popularity due to new research. Wondering what black seed oil does for you? Amazing Herbs is here with a comprehensive answer! Check out our breakdown to see how black seed affects nearly every part of your body.
What Exactly Is Black Cumin Seed
To understand what black seed oil does for the body, you need to know where it comes from and why it’s so powerful. This herbal ingredient comes from the Nigella sativa plant, a botanical native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It’s full of antioxidants and bioactive compounds, like thymoquinone, that have potent effects on the body.
Ready to learn what black seed oil does for you? Dive into each of the categories below to learn more!
1. Inflammation & Immune Support
Studies show that the active compound in black seed, thymoquinone, can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Today, we know that inflammation is a contributing factor to several diseases, including respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular, and even skin disorders. With thymoquinone preventing inflammation throughout your body, what black seed oil does for you is promote immunity and cell survival, which can increase protection against some of the most common diseases.
Often, black seed oil and soft gels for immune support are combined with other botanicals, like garlic, pumpkin seed, and flaxseed to enhance its effects.
2. Allergy Prevention & Respiration
What else does black seed oil do for the body? It combats allergies and other respiratory concerns. Many clinical studies focused specifically on the immunomodulatory, antihistaminic, and antiallergic properties of Nigella sativa to see how different formulations could affect a variety of allergic conditions. These studies found that the plant has preventative properties that improved symptoms in asthmatic patients and had a preventative effect on different types of lung disorders. Some of the conditions that responded best to black cumin seed include bronchial asthma, hay fever, and sinusitis.
3. Cardiovascular Function
There are many diseases and concerns that can affect your cardiovascular function, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. Luckily, what black seed oil does for you is control many of these issues to help prevent cardiovascular disease later on down the line. Studies show that an increased intake of thymoquinone has a significant effect on lowering cholesterol, managing blood sugar, and reducing hypertension.
But black seed does more than just work behind the scenes to prevent cardiovascular diseases in the future. It can also improve general cardiovascular function right now by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscle. In addition to thymoquinone, black seed also contains a unique blend of omega-6 and -9 fatty acids that affect lipoproteins to enhance pulmonary functions.
4. Digestive Support
If your main concern is a healthy digestive system, then black seed is also the solution for you! What black seed oil does for your digestive system revolves around gastric acid output and pepsin activity. By reducing the acid secretion in the stomach and increasing antioxidants and glutathione, thymoquinone can prevent gastric lesions, gastric mucosal injury, ulcers, pancreatitis, and ischemia.
5. Liver Function & Detoxification
While black seed can do wonders for your digestive system, you can take your health a step further when you shop for products that combine black seed with oat bran, psyllium husk, and flaxseed. All of these ingredients encourage detoxification by supporting healthy liver function. Black seed alone already has a potent chelating capacity that eliminates a variety of toxins, but with the added support of other detoxifying ingredients, you maximize the benefits of Nigella sativa.
6. Blood Sugar Management & Weight Loss
Today, diabetes is a leading cause of obesity that can make managing your weight very difficult. However, many herbal remedies can support your weight loss journey through better blood sugar and insulin management. What black seed oil does for you is boost insulin production while decreasing blood glucose levels. Studies also show that it can reduce cravings and boost your energy levels.
With a little support from black seed, you’ll be able to stick to a healthier diet, find the energy to work out, and digest your food more efficiently!
7. Joint Support & Pain Management
What does black seed oil do for the body in terms of pain management and joint support? Whether you take it internally to combat neuropathic pain or apply it topically for osteoarthritic pain, thymoquinone continues to prove that it can enhance your overall health with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies that tested the sensitivity threshold of neuropathic pain showed that patients receiving nearly any dose of thymoquinone withdrew from heat, cold, and pressure when it reached higher levels than those without any thymoquinone. These studies also explored the biochemical effects of pain reduction and showed that patients using thymoquinone had higher levels of antioxidants in their system and less cell damage after the conclusion of the study.
8. Hair, Skin, & Nails
We’ve already mentioned topically applied black seed products for pain relief, but you can also use them to enhance your hair, skin, and nails What black seed oil does for your exterior is just as powerful as what it does for your interior. Using black seed soaps and creams can reduce inflammation and increase hydration to minimize irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and decrease signs of aging.
Explore Your Options
Now that you know what black seed oil does for you, it’s time to explore the best ways to consume it! Browse Amazing Herbs to find capsules and soft gels, vegetarian capsules, gummies, whole seed, and herbal honey that help you more easily integrate this essential botanical into your daily regimen.
Have questions about the best ways to use black seed products? Check out this blog for answers!