Black seed oil, like other essential oils, is beneficial to health - so the general opinion. However, most of the time we are unsure about using essential oils for a problem that is plaguing us. Black cumin oil is said to have many health-promoting effects, which can help with a variety of diseases and complaints.
This article deals with the most important questions and answers on the subject of black cumin oil effects. We will give you a brief overview of the most important facts about the effect and then come to what is good to know about the effect of black cumin oil.
the essentials in brief
- Whether for allergies, asthma, arthritis or many other ailments, black cumin oil works against a wide variety of problems and diseases. It can also help with liver and kidney problems (3,4,8,9,10).
- The effect of black cumin oil depends on various factors, such as the intended use, the user and the composition of the black cumin oil. With the latter, it is particularly important to pay attention to the quality.
- Black cumin oil is suitable for both external and internal use. The right amount should be taken into account.
Black cumin oil effect: What you should know
Black cumin oil is extracted from black cumin seeds. It is the object of many medical studies, especially since it can be used to cure various health ailments. Black cumin oil is suitable for both internal and external use. Overall, it offers many benefits when it comes to supporting the body and organs.
Among them, it can strengthen our immune system, protect our skin and help us with asthmatic complaints as well as joint pain or diabetes. It can not only be used for this, but also for allergies, liver and kidney problems and even as an additional drug in chemotherapy. (3,4,6,8,9,10,11).
As you can see, black cumin oil can be used in many ways. In the following article we will go into some important aspects of the effects of black cumin oil for you. We rely on studies that have conducted impact research.
How does black cumin oil work?
Black cumin oil has the greatest variety of effects due to its many components. The most researched component thymoquinone is said to have particularly good health effects. Most of the effects of black cumin oil go back to this. Among other things, the oil acts as:
- anti-inflammatory
- pain relieving
- antibacterial
- liver protecting
- antioxidant
In addition, the oil can support asthmatics and allergy sufferers in everyday life if taken regularly. Some studies have found that black seed oil can have a prophylactic effect in people with asthma. Another study found an improvement in allergy symptoms in the study group after six weeks of treatment(1,2,3,4).
Applied externally, black cumin oil can have a supportive effect on skin diseases such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis or acne. The oil also has a positive effect on split ends and brittle hair. Used internally, it even helps for better hair growth, if it is not hereditary hair loss.
What other effects does black cumin oil have?
Black seed oil has been shown to help improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetics by influencing the release of insulin and the way glucose is processed (5,6). According to a study, the oil can also help with weight loss. Speaking of digestion, studies have found that the oil can also help with liver damage and kidney problems (8,9).
Following on from this, black cumin oil relieves joint pain and slows down cartilage wear. In the context of rheumatoid arthritis, one study found that taking black seed oil capsules daily caused a reduction in arthritis symptoms (10).
So far it can be said overall that black cumin oil seems to be a real all-rounder among healing oils. Another interesting thing to know about the effects of black seed oil is that a study found that the oil can also be used as an adjunct to chemotherapy (11).
Does the type of black seed oil affect its effectiveness?
Black cumin oil is extracted from the plant called black cumin. Although it also grows in Southern Europe, India and North Africa, the countries that are most famous for growing it are in Western Asia. Egypt and Syria in particular are known for their black cumin oil. The oil that comes from there is said to have a particularly good effect.
Cold-pressed oil from Syria or Egypt has the best quality.
However, when purchasing black cumin oil, you should also make sure that it is unfiltered and cold-pressed oil. The oil works best when it is mostly natural - i.e. without residues or admixtures of other oils. Due to the low temperatures of cold pressing, the black cumin oil does not lose any of its important ingredients, which strengthens its effectiveness.
The form in which the black cumin oil occurs also has an influence on the end result. Whether as an oil, tablet, capsule or cream - depending on the form and the way in which the black cumin oil was processed, ultimately influences the desired result. For a good result, you should check that the black cumin oil you have purchased is as free of additives as possible.
What are the ingredients in black seed oil and what are they good for?
Black cumin oil is particularly characterized by its many ingredients. In addition to the above-mentioned thymoquinone, which provides the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect, black cumin oil also consists of these other ingredients:
- Fatty acids (especially unsaturated ones): Unsaturated fatty acids keep our body's metabolism going and support our immune system.
- Calcium: Calcium strengthens our bones and teeth.
- Iron : Iron ensures that the oxygen is successfully transported in the blood.
- Zinc : Zinc supports the immune system in its defense function.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus helps the body deal with proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
- Potassium: Potassium ensures the successful signal transmission of electrical impulses to muscle and nerve cells.
- Folic Acid : Folic acid maintains normal bodily function and prevents strokes.
- Carotene : Carotene protects against UV rays and cell damage.
- Vitamin B6 : Vitamin B6 is responsible for good amino acid and fat metabolism and nerve functions. It also influences our hormonal activities and affects our immune system.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E protects against oxidative stress.
In addition to thymoquinone and these versatile vitamins and trace elements, the black cumin plant also contains the substance alpha-hederin. This ingredient is said to have anti-cancer properties. Black seed oil also has gamma linolenic acid. This helps to relieve inflammation immediately and sustainably.
With a view to the many health-promoting ingredients, it is not surprising that black seed oil is referred to by many scientists and borrowers as a panacea. Especially since it contains a variety of important and beneficial ingredients that can help reduce health problems.
How long does it take for black seed oil to work?
Depending on how and for what purpose you want to use the black cumin oil, it may take longer or faster for the black cumin oil to take effect. The oil can produce results more quickly for some people than for others. In order to achieve the desired effect, you have to be patient in some cases.
Before using black seed oil topically, it is better to control how your body reacts to it.
If you want to use black cumin oil for external ailments, you should first work carefully with the oil. It is best to start by picking out a small spot on your skin or head and applying a thin layer of oil to the affected area. It is best to wait about ten minutes. As soon as you feel skin irritation or severe itching, you should wash off the oil immediately.
If you want to use the oil for internal use, a cautious approach is advisable here as well. It is best to start with a small amount and then gradually increase it. This allows your body to get used to the black cumin oil better. Although three teaspoons a day is often recommended to achieve the desired effect, it's usually better to start with half a teaspoon a day and then adjust the frequency and amount to suit your personal needs.
It is recommended to take black cumin oil in small amounts at the beginning. In order for your stomach to get used to it better, it is advisable to consume the oil after small meals. (Image source: nir_design /Pixabay)
Inhaling black seed oil vapor is also recommended for respiratory problems caused by asthma or allergies. You can put two teaspoons in a bowl with a liter of hot water. Placing a towel over your head creates a barrier that will help keep the hot steam near the bowl. He can't escape you like that. Then hold your face a suitable distance above the bowl and slowly inhale the steam through your nose and out through your mouth.
When using black cumin oil both internally and externally, it is important not to overdo the amount at the beginning, but to be careful with it. Good results differ per individual physical intake and processing of the oil. But the purpose and type of application also have an influence on how quickly black cumin oil helps with the respective health problem. After regular intake, the effect can sometimes only be seen after several weeks or months. Usually three months is estimated.
Areas of action of black cumin oil: possibilities and examples
As mentioned above, black cumin oil can be used on a wide variety of ailments. In this part of the article we will go into more detail about the possible uses and areas of action of black cumin oil. We will first give you a brief overview and then go into factors such as children, animals and side effects.
What are the areas of action of black cumin oil?
In order to give you an understanding of the areas of action of black cumin oil, we have created the following table for you:
| use case | Effect |
|---|---|
| diabetes | regulates blood and cholesterol levels |
| asthma | has a prophylactic effect when inhaled as a vapor |
| Cancer | can be used in chemotherapy |
| liver damage | reduces damage and has a detoxifying effect |
| kidney problem | has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect |
| allergy | reduces the symptoms |
(3,4,6,8,9,11).
Black cumin oil can also be used to lose weight or reduce high blood pressure. However, before taking it for a specific health condition, it is advisable to see your doctor and talk to him about it.
What is the effect of black seed oil on animals?
External use of black cumin oil is suitable for dogs and horses to prevent or combat ticks or parasites. However, here too, a small area should first be checked to see how the animal reacts to the oil. In this way, possible allergic reactions can be recognized immediately.
If a horse or dog has asthma or other respiratory problems, it can help to put a little oil on the feed at first and gradually get the animal used to it. However, it is also important to listen to the signals of your four-legged friends.
In dogs, black cumin oil works well as an external treatment against ticks and parasites. It can also help dogs with internal complaints. However, cats should not be given black seed oil as it is harmful to them. (Image source: Free-Photos / Pixabay)
However, black seed oil should definitely not be used on cats, as they lack a specific enzyme to digest black seed oil. This also applies to other essential oils.
All in all, the intake of black cumin oil should best be discussed with the veterinarian so that the health of the animals benefits from it.
How does black seed oil work in children?
The answer to this question is very controversial. It depends on how old the child is and in what form the black cumin oil is used. So far, there are studies that black seed oil has been used successfully in the treatment of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or in the treatment of childhood epilepsy.(12).
What side effects can black seed oil have?
If you have low blood pressure, you should be careful because black seed oil can lower blood pressure. Depending on how much you eat, you may experience diarrhea or vomiting. A study shows that too much black seed oil can be harmful to the liver (7).
When using it externally on skin or hair, just to be on the safe side, you should only try it on a small area so that you know how your body reacts to it.
Other side effects depend on the individual tolerability of the respective user - be it human or animal.
Conclusion
For the most part, the use of black cumin oil has a positive effect on a variety of health complaints. It has various uses, which makes it an all-round talent among essential oils.
When using black cumin oil, it is better to first seek the advice of a doctor in the case of specific diseases. When trying it out on yourself, it is important to know the right amount and, for internal use, it is best to start with a lower dose and pay attention to the body's signals.
References
-
Ismaeil, Abdulilah. (2011). Effect of Black Seed Alkaloids Against Some Pathogenic Bacteria. Source
Houghton, PJ, Zarka, R, de las Heras, B, & Hoult, JR (1995). Fixed oil of Nigella sativa and derived thymoquinone inhibit eicosanoid generation in leukocytes and membrane lipid peroxidation. Planta medica, 61(1), 33-36. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957994 Source
Samarai, Abdul & Satar, Mohamed & Alobaidi, Amina. (2012). Evaluation of Therapeutic Efficacy of Nigella sativa (Black Seed) for Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis". 10.5772/26946. Source
Boskabady MH, Javan H, Sajady M, & Rakhshandeh H (2007). The possible prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in asthmatic patients. Fundamental & clinical pharmacology, 21(5), 559-566. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-8206.2007.00509.x Source
Dehkordi, FR, & Kamkhah, AF (2008). Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension. Fundamental & clinical pharmacology, 22(4), 447-452. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-8206.2008.00607.x Source
Bamosa AO, Kaatabi H, Lebdaa FM, Elq AM, & Al-Sultanb A (2010). Effect of Nigella sativa seeds on the glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 54(4), 344-354. Source
Vahdati-Mashhadian, N., Rakhshandeh, H., & Omidi, A. (2005). An investigation on LD50 and subacute hepatic toxicity of Nigella sativa seed extracts in mice. Pharmacy, 60(7), 544-547. Source
Jaswal, A., & Shukla, S. (2015). Therapeutic efficacy of Nigella sativa Linn. seed extract against CCl4 induced hepatic injury in Wistar rats. Indian journal of experimental biology, 53(1), 44-50. Source
Canayakin D, Bayir Y, Kilic Baygutalp N, Sezen Karaoglan E, Atmaca HT, Kocak Ozgeris FB, Keles MS, & Halici Z (2016). Paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats: the protective role of Nigella sativa. Pharmaceutical biology, 54(10), 2082-2091. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2016.1145701 Source
Gheita, TA, & Kenawy, SA (2012). Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo controlled study. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 26(8), 1246-1248. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3679 Source
Effenberger-Neidnicht, K., & Schobert, R. (2011). Combinatorial effects of thymoquinone on the anti-cancer activity of doxorubicin. Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology, 67(4), 867-874. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-010-1386-x Source
Akhondian J, Kianifar H, Raoofziaee M, Moayedpour A, Toosi MB, & Khajedaluee M (2011). The effect of thymoquinone on intractable pediatric seizures (pilot study). Epilepsy research, 93(1), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.10.010 Source
