Cultivated from the Nigella sativa plant, black seed (also known as the blessed seed) is a traditional herb that promotes health and general wellbeing. While the West may be new to its numerous health benefits, the blessed seed has been used for supporting respiratory health, gastrointestinal wellness, and immune system support for centuries. You may recognize it by other names–black cumin, black caraway, or Roman coriander.

At Amazing Herbs, we distill this wonderful herb into a 100% pure cold-pressed oil derived from the blessed seed. Black seed oil has amazing health applications and a rich history. — We will review the oil’s history and benefits below.

History of Black Seed Oil

The ancient Latin term for black seeds was “panacea”, which translates to “all healing” thanks to its high concentration of Omega fatty acids. Research suggests that it was used as early as the 5th century B.C. by Hippocrates, the father of early medicine. In many of his recipes, there are mentions of “melanthion,” which literally means “little black seed.”

The blessed seed was also highly revered by the ancient Egyptians. In their culture, they buried necessities with their dead that were meant to be brought with them to the afterlife. King Tut, who ruled ancient Egypt from 1336-1327 B.C., was buried alongside black seeds (presumably to support his wellness in his next life). This proved how much he valued the seed, as he chose to bring precious stones, riches, and black cumin with him to the afterlife. Other ancient Egyptians also used it in their daily lives. Cleopatra used beauty treatments derived from the blessed seed. Black seed oil, on the other hand, was an important part of Nefertiti’s hair care.

The black seed also has a special place in Islamic and Hebrew culture and was widely used across the Middle East in ancient times. Prophet Muhhamed said that “There is healing in Black Seed for all diseases except death.” As part of his treatment, he would place some honey in the palm of his hand and grind in the blessed seed—black seed oil in an earlier incarnation). Hadith literature compiled in the 8th and 9th centuries mentions the blessed seed as well, describing its therapeutic benefits and uses. Christian literature mentions the black seed in the Book of Isaiah, where it refers to it as “curative black cumin.”

The blessed seed was also referenced in ancient ayurvedic medicinal texts, referred to as “Kalonji” in many parts of South Asia. The blessed seed (black seed oil) was often used to treat skin problems and was applied topically to provide relief for burns, boils, and rashes. It was also believed to build “agnior” (metabolic balance) in those that used it. 

Black Seed Oil Benefits

Traditional medicine has also found uses for the blessed seed. Black seed oil was highly revered as a treatment for a variety of health conditions. While modern-day research shows that not all of these historical uses are proven to be effective, the unique chemical composition of the black seed has been linked to several health benefits.

Black seed oil is effective in both modern and traditional medicine due to its high amount of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as powerful healing antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for supporting wellness, as they help protect cells against damage from unstable free radicals. The blessed black seed (black seed oil, specifically) is rich in thymoquinone, a compound that research suggests supports brain health and may aid in treating many types of cancer.

The blessed seed also has shown promise in treating asthma and other upper respiratory conditions. Studies have shown its efficiency in reducing inflammation and relaxing muscles in the airway, allowing those suffering from the condition to breathe easier and manage their asthma more effectively with a treatment derived from the blessed seed. 

Black seed oil, in addition to its many medical uses, is also used topically to help hydrate skin and hair. Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, it is suggested that the oil may be useful in treating mild skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, dryness, and even psoriasis.

Where Can I Find The Blessed Seed, Black Seed Oil, and More? 

You may be wondering where you can get some of this ancient herbal remedy to experience some of the health benefits for yourself. At Amazing Herbs, we offer cold-pressed black seed oil that’s manufactured by a qualified team of experts in alignment with GMP guidelines. Our products then undergo third-party lab testing to ensure that you are getting a product with the highest safety, purity, and efficacy. Explore our range of black seed oil products and support your wellness today.