It’s an AMAZING HEALING plant.
Recorded in history as a “cure all” and said to be found in the tomb of King Tut.
So what’s this mysterious plant going viral and getting banned from social media?
The powerful plant that has everyone whispering about?
What were talking about is the black seed. Or nagilla sativa.
Black seed is native to Southeast Asia and used as a flavoring spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
They have a slightly bitter taste.
Oil is extracted from the seed and its used for cooking an in it’s consumption is believed to offer tons of healing benefits.
There is some scientific evidence to support these claims made but no extensive scientific testing has officially been recorded.
Names For Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is known by MANY different names in many languages. Here are a few:
- Nigella sativa oil
- Black cumin seed oil
- Kalonji oil
Health Benefits
Although research on the health effects of black seed oil is fairly limited, there’s some evidence that it may offer certain benefits.
Here’s a look at some important findings from available studies:
Obesity
According to a study black seed oil may reduce risk factors in women who are obese.
For the study, while following a low-calorie diet for eight weeks, women ingested Nigella sativa oil or a placebo.
Weight, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels had decreased by more in the group that took the black seed oil oil.
Another eight-week study combined aerobic exercise with black seed oil in a trial with overweight sedentary women.
Researchers found that the exercise protocol paired with supplementation provided benefits including lower cholesterol levels
Nasal Inflammation
Black seed oil has been used in the treatment of allergies.
The American Journal of Otolaryngology published a study in 2011.
Black seed oil was found to reduce the presence of nasal congestion and itching, runny nose, and sneezing after two weeks.
Another reportpublished in 2018 analyzed data to determine if black seed oil could help in the treatment of sinusitis .
Study authors concluded that due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, immune-modulator, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects the oil has potential in the treatment of nasal congestion.
Diabetes
Black seed oil may be of some benefit to people with diabetes, according to a review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2015.
Researchers analyzed previously published studies on the use of Nigella sativa for diabetes and concluded that it could improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetes models but noted that clinical trials are necessary to clarify the effects.
Another research review published in 2017 confirmed these findings.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Black seed oil has shown promise in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis , according to a small study published in Immunological Investigations in 2016.
For the study, 43 women with mild-to-moderate rheumatoid arthritis took black seed oil capsules or a placebo every day for one month.
The study results showed that treatment with black seed oil led to a reduction in arthritis symptoms (as assessed by the DAS-28 rating scale), blood levels of inflammatory markers, and the number of swollen joints.
Asthma
Preliminary research suggests that black seed oil may offer benefits to people with asthma.
For example, a study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2017 found that people with asthma who took black seed oil capsules had a significant improvement in asthma control compared with those who took a placebo.
Other Uses
Black seed oil is also used as a remedy for conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, headaches, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders.
In addition, black seed oil is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight infections. The oil is used topically for skin and hair concerns, such as acne, dry hair, psoriasis, hair growth, and dry skin.6
Possible Side Effects
Very little is known about the safety of long-term use of black seed oil or when used in amounts higher than what’s normally found in food.
However, there’s some evidence that applying black seed oil directly to the skin may cause an allergic skin rash (known as allergic contact dermatitis ) in some individuals.
According to a report, a component of black seed oil known as melanthin may be toxic in larger amounts.
In a case report, a woman developed fluid-filled skin blisters after applying Nigella sativa oil to the skin.
She also ingested the oil and the report’s authors state it is possible that the blisters were part of a systemic reaction (such as toxic epidermal necrolysis ).
Black seed oil may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that affects blood clotting, you shouldn’t take black seed oil.
There’s some concern that taking too much black seed oil may harm your liver and kidneys. It’s possible that black seed oil may interact with many common medications, such as beta-blockers and (Coumadin) warfarin.
Stop taking black seed oil at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Women trying to become pregnant, pregnant women and breastfeeding women shouldn’t ingest black seed oil.
Be sure to talk with your doctor if you’re considering taking black seed oil.
You shouldn’t replace your current medication with black seed oil without speaking with your doctor.
Dosage and Preparation
There is not enough scientific evidence to establish a recommended dose of black seed oil.
The right dose depends on your weight, age, health, and other factors including previous allergies.
Various doses of black seed oil have been studied in research.
For example, in studies investigating the effects of black seed oil on patients with breast pain, a gel containing 30% black seed oil was applied to the breasts every day for two menstrual cycles.
In studies investigating whether or not black seed oil can improve sperm function, a dose of 2.5 mL of black seed oil was used twice daily for two months.
To get advice regarding the best dose for you, speak to your healthcare provider if you plan to use black seed oil.
What to Look For
Black seed oil is easily available online and sold in many stores specializing in dietary supplements.
The important thing to know about dietary supplements is that they’re largely unregulated by the FDA.
It is not legal to market a dietary supplement product as a treatment or cure for a specific disease or to alleviate the symptoms of a disease. But the FDA does not test products for safety or effectiveness.
When choosing an oil, many consumers prefer to buy a product that is cold-pressed and organic to make sure that the oil is in its most natural state.
Read labels carefully to make sure that other ingredients haven’t been added to the product you choose.
You may choose to look for familiar brands or products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International.
These organizations don’t guarantee that a product is safe or effective, but they do provide a certain level of testing for quality.