N. sativa or Nigella sativa is a tiny flowering plant found in Northern Africa, Middle East, Southern Europe, and Southwest Asia. The shrub produces fruits featuring small black seeds. These seeds are believed to have significant properties and are commonly called black seed or nigella seed.  The most commonly used form of the seeds is oil extracted from them, which is referred to as black seed oil. It is additionally known as black cumin seed oil, black onion seed oil and black caraway. 

The oil extracted from black seeds finds use in traditional herbalism for a series of purposes. The section below will help you to comprehend the reasons behind the huge popularity of black seed oil. 

Black Seed Oil Is a Rich Source of Antioxidants 

Experts believe that black seed oil contains high levels of antioxidants. These plant compounds protect our cells against free radical-induced damage. Cold-pressed blackseed oil is particularly filled with a powerful antioxidant called thymoquinone. Thymoquinone is known to reduce inflammation and offer protection against health issues.

Black Seed Oil Might Offer Relief from Asthma Symptoms 

Individuals suffering from asthma get the problem when the lining of their airways swells, and the surrounding muscles constrict. These changes make breathing difficulty the most common sign of asthma. 

According to some recent studies, thymoquinone found in black seed oil might be useful in managing asthma thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.  Thymoquinone also helps asthma patients by working as a muscle relaxant. 

The Oil May Be Useful for Overweight Individuals 

Certain chemicals present in blackseed oil have been found to help reduce the BMI (body mass index) of people with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and/or obesity. 

During an eight-week study, a group of women received 3 grams (1 gram with each meal) of blackseed oil or a placebo along with a low-calorie diet. All participants were between the age of 25 and 50 years. When the study ended, researchers found that women receiving doses of black seed oil lost more weight than those in the placebo group. 

What’s more, the women who consumed the herbal oil also saw a significant reduction in their waist circumference. The black seed oil group even experienced notable improvements in their bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels. 

Black Seed Oil May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels 

Diabetics remain at high risk of suffering from eye disorders, stroke, kidney diseases, etc. if their blood sugar levels consistently remain high. According to a recent study, consuming 2 grams of black seed oil every day might help in reducing blood sugar. Additionally, the oil has also been found to help in normalizing the levels of HbA1c or hemoglobin A1c. 

The Oil Might Be Beneficial for Patients with High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure 

You may also consider using black seed oil to manage your blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels. 

A study was conducted with 72 adults as participants, each of whom had type 2 diabetes. During the study, all participants receive 2 to 3 grams of black seed oil every day for eight to 12 weeks. When the study ended, the participants were found to experience a major drop in the levels of bad cholesterol or LDL. 

Another study involving 70 adults with hypertension revealed that taking 2.5 ml of the oil twice every day for eight weeks can reduce blood pressure more effectively than a placebo. 

The Oil Might Improve Your Brain Health 

Elderly people often become victims of a condition called neuroinflammation i.e., which is characterized by swelling of brain tissue. According to experts, neuroinflammation is the primary cause of conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thymoquinone and some other antioxidants present in black seed oil are believed to help reduce neuroinflammation effectively. This makes the ingredient an amazing gift for people at risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Black seed Oil Can Make Your Skin and Hair Healthier 

Topical application of the oil has been found to hydrate our hair and reduce the intensity of different kinds of skin disorders. Some skin conditions that you can manage using black seed oil are:

• Excessive dryness of skin’
• Acne
• Psoriasis 
• Eczema 

You can also find the oil beneficial when trying to get rid of dandruff. 

Final Words 

Black seed oil might be useful in managing a series of ailments. However, you must use products offered by reliable companies to experience the actual benefits of the oil.