Black Seed Oil Benefits: Health, Skin, and Side Effects
Black Seed Oil (BSO) has a long-standing reputation for its wide array of health and skin benefits. It’s extracted from a native plant, Nigella Sativa, found in Western Asia and Eastern Europe.
BSO is popular for its potent medicinal properties. It is also believed to be a natural remedy for the following conditions:
- Inflammation
- Headaches/migraine
- Skin issues
- Infections
- Allergies
- High blood pressure
BSO offers plenty of health and beauty benefits too, all thanks to its primary component, thymoquinone, alongside its active antioxidants and bioactive compounds.
As you read further, you’ll know more about black seed oil, the health and skin benefits it provides, and the BSO supplement that you should try.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil is from Nigella Sativa, a small plant that grows in Western Asia, Eastern Europe, and even the Middle East. The flowers of the N. Sativa plant are pale purple in color, and can sometimes be blue or white.
For thousands of years, people traditionally use the small black seeds of the Nigella Sativa fruits as a natural treatment for common cough, colds, and certain ailments. The seeds are also used as a flavoring ingredient in soups, curries, or pickles, similar to how oregano and cumin seeds are used.
The thymoquinone compound of the black seed oil makes a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It’s also believed that this oil has tumor-reducing effects.
BSO can either be applied topically tobenefit the skin or ingested in capsule forms for further health benefits. Some products like shampoo, skincare items, massage oil, and fragrances also contain BSO.
A high-quality extracted black seed oil can be incorporated in beverages, or as a cooking and baking ingredient.
Skin & Beauty Benefits of Black Seed Oil
MAY REDUCE ACNE
BSO may help reduce acne (or cystic acne) because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
COULD HELP TREAT PSORIASIS
Certain studies have shown that black seed oil can be an effective treatment for psoriasis (a chronic skin disease associated with itchy, scaly patches, and rash on the skin).
Using BSO orally or topically can help reduce the symptoms and inflammation of psoriasis.
REDUCES ECZEMA SYMPTOMS
Aside from psoriasis, black seed oil could help ease the symptoms of eczema (another chronic condition that makes the skin red and itchy).
The thymoquinone compound significantly decreases the inflammation and symptoms caused by eczema. Furthermore, it serves as a protection against harmful bacteria and promotes wound healing. Thus, preventing skin infections that are related to eczema.
PROMOTES WOUND HEALING
As previously mentioned (but to better elaborate), the thymoquinone has the potential to stimulate the growth of tissues and cells to promote wound-healing.
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects of thymoquinone can help treat excisions and burns, as well as diabetic wounds.
COULD AID IN THE TREATMENT OF VITILIGO
Vitiligo is a long-term skin-condition that causes pale, white patches on the skin, due to lack of melanin (a natural pigment found in eyes, skin, and hair).
Black seed oil has the potentiality to spread melanin within the skin, therefore aiding in the treatment of vitiligo.
SUPPORTS HAIR HEALTH
Since black seed oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, it is added to hair care products too such as shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask.
Moreover, BSO promotes hair growth by nourishing hair follicles. Adding it to your daily routine can keep your hair soft, hydrated, and moisturized.
Overall Benefits of Black Seed Oil
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Another powerful benefit of black seed oil is its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely used for thousands of years to target and tamp down the inflammation. Similarly to why people reach for ibuprofen or aspirin nowadays.
Consuming BSO regularly may prevent the risk of inflammation, while increasing antioxidant levels and protecting cells from damage.
CONTROLS ALLERGIES & ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
Some people use black seed oil as drops for their noses to manage or reduce the symptoms of mild-to-moderate allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis.
Asthma is a serious health condition, in which a person’s airways swell up, making them hard to breathe. BSO can help control asthma symptoms much better than those ‘dummy treatments’.
HELPS COMBAT CANCER CELLS
Black seed oil’s thymoquinone compound came from the cold-pressed flowering shrubs of Nigella Sativa. It has cancer-fighting powers, which can shrink tumors and slow down their growth.
Thymoquinone can also protect the tissue from radiation damage.
SUPPORTS WEIGHT LOSS
Black seed oil is a great addition to your weight loss journey. It helps decrease body fat and promotes weight loss, while providing added health benefits.
If you consume three grams of black seed oil every day, followed by a healthy, low-calorie diet, you can experience a decrease in your belly fat and weight, compared to just having a low-calorie diet alone.
BSO supplements are one of the natural and most convenient ways to help reduce your BMI (body mass index) body weight.
IMPROVES BLOOD SUGAR
Black seed oil is said to be very beneficial in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Besides, it can improve multiple markers in terms of blood sugar control, such as insulin levels.
LESSENS OR PREVENTS JOINT ACHES AND STIFFNESS
An autoimmune disorder can cause your bones to wear down and your joints to swell. Consuming black seed oil on a daily basis may prevent or alleviate joint aches, swelling, and stiffness.
It may also be a helpful, additional treatment for people who are having rheumatoid arthritis.
CAN HELP PREVENT METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can raise your risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and other critical health problems. It is also referred to as ‘insulin resistance syndrome.’
Black seed oil might lessen the factors that can trigger metabolic syndrome, such as helping to lower your blood sugar and belly fat. This, alongside improving your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
HELPS BOOST MALE FERTILITY
BSO can also help boost male sperm count and make the sperm swim faster. This is due to the antioxidants present in black seed oil that help protect the sperm from damage.
Side Effects
People who have underlying serious health conditions, or for those who are taking medication, should talk to their doctor first before taking black seed oil supplements. There can be possible side effects when supplements and medication are taken together.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek advise from their doctor first to know if they are safe to consume BSO. Some pregnancy are high risks, and some BSO supplements may contain ingredients that can affect milk supply.
Although serious side effects from taking black seed oil and supplements are very rare, some people have experienced the following symptoms:
- Bloating
- Burning sensation
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Low blood sugar
- Nausea
When used topically, black seed oil can cause allergic rash to some people. Thus, it’s best to apply a small patch on your skin first to know if it will trigger an allergic reaction.
Seed the difference with our Purely Optimal’s Black Seed Oil!
What our Black Seed Oil capsules contain:
- 1000 MG of black cumin seed oil (100% pure cold-pressed)
-
Thymoquinone
More benefits from our Black Seed Oil:
Aside from the aforementioned skin and health advantages that BSO can bring, here are more of the benefits you can receive from our supplement:
- Helps improve your memory and brain function
- Strengthens your immune system
- Eases cough and colds
- Contains powerful gastroprotective effects to support your digestive health
- Fights the ugly effects of free radicals on your skin and hair
- Keeps your skin and hair hydrated, soft, and moisturized
- Relieves joint pains so you can move with comfort and ease
Here are 5-star reviews from our customers who have purchased our Black Seed Oil
From Valerie J. Baker
“so far I am able to to just eat my 3 meals a day and not to snack at work or at home I am glad my cousin turned me on to this and i really like it”
From Delsie
“When even the pulmonologist couldn't ell me why I coughed for about ten months, I researched and found this product was recommended more than anything. It does work.”
From sandy pantoja
“It’s easy to swallow. It has helped me with my gut system”
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