What is black seed? This ancient herb has a rich history throughout the centuries and was referenced in biblical texts by Hippocrates and even found in King Tut’s tomb. Derived from the Nigella sativa plant, this miracle herb has been used throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa for its many healing properties and has now found its place in modern herbal medicine.

Learn about this miracle herb and discover the many amazing health benefits of black seed from our very own Black Seed Experts™ at Amazing Herbs!

What is Black Seed?

Black seeds come from the N. sativa plant, a medicinal plant native to Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia. It is also known by the name black cumin or the blessed seed, and while it can be used for cooking, it’s perhaps better known for its many medicinal properties, which range from immune system support to aiding with respiratory problems like asthma. 

Many of its purported benefits are suspected to be a result of thymoquinone, a powerful antioxidant that has shown promising anti-inflammatory and even anticancer effects. It also exhibits neuroprotective qualities and has no side effects when taken at the recommended dosage. Emerging research is still underway for scientists to get a better understanding of this mighty compound’s true power.

What are the Health Benefits of Black Seed?

Now that you know what black seed is, you may be wondering what the health benefits of black seed are. Research suggests that the regular consumption of black seed, whether it be in capsule, oil, or premium whole form, is key in reducing inflammation, strengthening immunity, and even improving brain function. It can also be used topically for hair or skin.

Fights Inflammation

Scientific studies show that black seeds may reduce markers of inflammation in the human body. At its simplest, inflammation is a completely natural response to infection or injury in the human body. In one sample, subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, took 1 gram of black seed oil per day. After the two-month testing period, researchers found that they had lower inflammation and also reported that the subjects felt less joint pain after the course of the study.

This health benefit is particularly useful if you’re someone who leads a fast-paced lifestyle that involves a ton of traveling outdoors. In fact, inflammation can cause a lot of damage to the human body even if you’re not suffering from a long-term condition like arthritis. Heavily polluted metropolitan environments can wreak havoc on internal organs, causing problems that can potentially be hard to detect. If you know what black seed is and what it does, you can fit it into your lifestyle with quick detox capsules and stay on the move.

Boosts Immune Response

Strengthening your body’s immune response is one of the biggest health benefits of consuming black seed. This is largely attributed to the plant’s high concentration of thymoquinone, which has been shown to stimulate white blood cells, a type of cell that works to fight infections and disease. In the study we mentioned above, those that took black seed oil had significantly higher levels of white blood cells after the course of the study than those that were not administered the miracle seed.

What is black seed’s advantage here over other immune-boosting compounds? In a word, convenience. Black seed offers an all-in-one defense against an impressive number of pathogens and other health risks. Usually, each herbal compound excels in one area, whether that’s as a shield against bacteria or a tool to strengthen cardiovascular functioning. For example, by consuming simple plain spectrum black seed, you can enjoy protection against fungi, bacteria, and viruses without going through the hassle of sticking to a multi-herb regimen.

One benefit that doesn’t get talked about as much when it comes to the immune system is black seed’s ability to regulate cytokines. Cytokines are proteins produced by your immune system to defend you against infections. However, they can sometimes be produced in excess if your immune system is imbalanced. Also known as a cytokine storm, this event can eventually lead to infections and further long-term complications if left untreated. 

An interesting health benefit of black seed here is its power to slow down and manage cytokine production with ease, partly due to its anti-oxidative properties.

Better Brain Function

Improving brain function is what sets black seed apart from generic herbs available on the market. Again, scientists attribute this to the black seed’s high concentration of antioxidants, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties. By taking this supplement regularly, you may find yourself with better memory and even protect yourself against the development of diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s later on in life.

To better understand the role that black seed plays in our brain health, it’s worth mentioning that the benefits of black seed go far beyond simply protecting you from diseases. Due to its ability to quickly surpass the blood-brain barrier, black seed also positively impacts cognitive function and memory.

In part, this is because of black seed’s ability to slow down the production of the AChE enzyme, a compound responsible for breaking down the Acetylcholine in your body. Acetylcholine is a crucial neurotransmitter that handles everything from muscle function to REM sleep and memory retention in your body. By slowing down AChE, black seed gives you the health benefit of long-term cognitive functioning.

If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy the brain-boosting effects of black seed, we’d recommend soothing straws for a nutritiously chewy experience.

Elevates Your Skin and Hair

The rich cocktail of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is what makes black seed great for your skin and hair. By fighting off damaging free radicals, black seed allows your skin to breathe and shields it from acne, pimples, and other blemishes. Black seed can work wonders for your skin by reversing the damage done to the skin by unhealthy fats and cholesterol.

Antioxidants aside, black seed works to improve your skin and hair through secondary mechanisms as well. For example, the impressive concentration of vitamin A and multiple amino acids are incredibly beneficial for skin clarity and can quickly reduce the scarring caused by past acne. It’s also worth mentioning that the plant and fatty acids present in black seed play a big role in ensuring that your skin stays hydrated and protected against dryness, even after a long day out.

What is the best way to use black seed for hair and skin? While you can take a capsule and enjoy all the usual benefits listed above, you also have the choice to apply the herb topically through black seed oil. Doing so can potentially be more convenient if you’re looking to try the effects of the herb out in a specific area.

May Help with Weight Loss

The health benefits of black seed also extend to weight loss. Recent reports have shown that two similar groups of participants looking to lose weight on similar diets responded positively to black seed, with one being given a placebo. The group consuming black seed reported a faster rate of weight loss and even waist circumference over the span of 4 weeks.

There are multiple possible reasons for this. For one, the phytosterols and oleic acids present in black seed are known to accelerate the body’s fat-burning process. Additionally, certain studies also point to black seed as a tool for controlling appetite due to its active components, namely thymoquinone.

If you’re looking to take black seed for weight loss, you should keep in mind that its appetite-controlling properties are not a substitute for a calorie-conscious diet and lifestyle. Black seed is at its most effective when used primarily as a weight loss supplement to a healthy lifestyle, including ample daily exercise and a balanced diet.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health

Respiratory and cardiovascular benefits are what black seed is mostly known for, and for good reason. This herb works fast to provide quick boosts to your heart and lungs due to its impressive Omega 3 and 9 compounds. These compounds are directly responsible for managing both good and bad cholesterol levels in your body. By increasing your intake of Omega 3 and 9, you’re automatically raising the body’s ability to filter toxins and even regulate blood pressure.

On the respiratory side, black seed is effective at opening up the many airways and relaxing crucial bronchial muscles that might otherwise be under pressure due to a polluted environment. People suffering from asthma can also benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties as they can make it easier to breathe by reducing internal swelling.

A Versatile Herb

There are tons of ways to enjoy the many health benefits of black seed. In fact, its versatility is also one of its greatest strengths. Black seed can adapt to meet your dietary requirements and restrictions, all you have to do is source it from a trusted supplier in a form that suits your needs.

Black Seed Capsules

Black seed capsules are a simple, effective, and trusted source of thymoquinone. They can be taken with breakfast, lunch, or on their own with a glass of water, and they act fast after ingestion. If you’re looking for a fast way to get started with black seed, capsules are the way to go.

Whole Black Seeds

This is what black seedreally is, in all its glory. Whole black seeds give you complete flexibility and open up new possibilities in terms of consumption. You can eat them whole and mix them into oats, or grind them up as an addition to coffee. Our favorite? Tossing them into some fresh frozen yogurt for a deliciously healthy midnight snack.

Black Seed Oil

Looking to skip the hassle of grinding down seeds and making an extract for your smoothies? Black seed oil contains all the power of concentrated thymoquinone in a convenient form ideal for cooking and consumption. Just ½ to 1 teaspoon a day is enough for your body to gain the immense health benefits of black seed.

Is Black Seed Safe to Use?

Most experts consider black seed to be safe for general consumption due to its natural origins and historically-documented use. However, you should always be careful to take it in moderation, in amounts suggested by your physician. Additionally, people with allergies to nuts and seeds should double-check with an expert before adding this herb to their diet.

Try Out This Amazing Seed

After learning what black seed is and what the health benefits of black seed are, you may be wondering where to get some of this miracle herb for yourself. At Amazing Herbs, we offer 100% organic, GMP-certified, and third-party lab-tested black seed products to support your wellness. Discover why we’ve been the industry leaders for 25+ years and discover the power of black seed oil today with our best-selling supplements.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.