Black seed oil is an extract from the seeds of Nigella sativa and is often also known as kalonji oil or black cumin oil. It can be of multiple types depending on the extraction process. There’s cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, refined, and unrefined black seed oil. Since their composition slightly varies with variety, it also governs which one to use for skin, cooking, manufacturing, etc. Black seed oil contains linoleic acid, Thymoquinone, and other fatty acids that make it great for skin and health.
Health Benefits Of Black Seed Oil
While black seed oil has been a staple in many cultures, cosmetic and wellness companies have started using it diligently for its benefits like:
Black Seed Oil Benefits For Skin
Black seed oil is a type of carrier oil that can be used in combination with a variety of other base oils and essential oils for skin care and cosmetic formulations. Just like many other carrier oils, black seed oil’s fatty acid profile helps moisturize the skin. But that’s not it!
Black seed oil also has strong anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which serve a dual action in skin care. It helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and boosts collagen production. At the same time, its anti-bacterial properties help fight acne and germ buildup. This means you can use black seed oil with other essential oils for soap making in your handmade soap recipes.
Reduces Phlegm Build Up
Black seed oil has natural heating properties that interact with the body’s tendency to produce phlegm. Use it in winters with any essential oil for massage and rub on the chest and back in gentle motions. Regularly massaging with black seed can provide relief from constant congestion and phlegm.
Black Seed Oil For Blood Sugar
The active compounds in black seed oil, like thymoquinone, help reduce the body’s response to oxidative stress and balance out insulin secretion in blood. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before using black seed oil. It can be very heating in nature and can cause gut issues if not monitored properly. Black seed oil has a natural tendency to lower insulin levels and combining it with diabetes medicines needs medical supervision.
Black Cumin Seed Oil For Pain
Black seed oil is also known as black cumin oil, and it can be an effective tool in pain management. Massaging legs or knees with black cumin oil mixed with sesame oil can help reduce inflammation. It also improves blood circulation, which reduces stiffness induced pain.
Improves Premature Greying Of Hair
Lifestyle stress, irregular eating patterns, chemicals and genes are some of the contributing factors to premature greying of hair. Black seed oil is an excellent natural extract that fights at multiple levels to prevent this discoloration. Some studies have observed that black seed oil might increase melanin production and ensure the hair’s natural color is maintained for long.
Black Seed Oil For Heart Health
It is not just active TQ that contributes to black seed oil’s health benefits. It also has a unique fatty acid profile that improves heart health. Additionally, black seed oil might increase metabolism rate in the body. This helps burn extra fat and reduces pressure on the heart.
Might Help Protect The Neurons
Thymoquinone in black seed oil is a superior active compound. Along with skin and heart health, it has been observed to impact our nervous system too. Black seed oil protects the breakdown of neurons due to age and lifestyle. This could result in a sharper brain and an overall healthier life.
Protects Against Environmental Pollutants
Modern lifestyle has made us susceptible to air, water and other pollutants. These pollutants enter our body and start causing damage to skin, hair and other organs. Black seed oil has prominent antioxidant properties that balance out the impact of such pollutants. It also promotes the body’s ability to regenerate cells. This makes it easier for body to grow healthier and stronger.
Potent Ingredient In Natural Soap Making
Using black seed oil in soap making can improve the germ fighting abilities of your soap bars. It’s natural dark color adds an interesting creative flair to the overall appearance of the soaps. Integrating black seed oil with other essential oils for soap making can help improve lather, skincare benefits and antioxidant profile of soaps. Pair black seed oil with herbal essential oils like ginger essential oil or tea tree essential oil for making soaps.
Is Black Seed Oil Healthy?
Yes, black seed oil is a potent carrier oil excellent for heart, skin, hair and respiratory health. It provides moisturizing and antibacterial benefits to skin and hair. This results in clearer and softer skin texture. There are numerous ongoing studies that are looking into deeper health benefits of black seed oil. This includes the impact on immune health, respiratory system and digestive system. Black seed oil has been reverred in many traditional narratives like Ayurveda for its kapha reducing and pitta increasing properties. It has a bitter taste which makes it a good detoxifying agent too.
You can easily use black seed oil for massage and pain management. However, always check with a medical expert before taking it orally. Some people could be sensitive to its natural compounds and experience side effects.
Concluding Thoughts
Black seed oil is truly a nature’s gift to our health. It works at a cellular level to repair our body from within. While black seed oil goes by numerous names across cultures, its image as a health superhero remains consistent. From protecting the skin to reducing hair discoloration, black seed oil finds its way in numerous beauty and cosmetic products. Recently, there has also been a surge in awareness of black seed oil health benefits for sugar, blood pressure, metabolism and heart health. While more researchers are looking for proof to establish these grounds, traditional health practitioners never stopped believing in black seed oil’s health benefits.
Like all natural ingredients, it is important to approach black seed oil with caution and follow usage guidelines. Overusing black seed oil can also cause potential side effects. Ensure you use a high quality black seed oil that fits your needs. Consider sourcing black seed oil in bulk if you plan to use it for skin care products, hair care products, massage oils or soap making. Aromachology oils is a reputed wholesale essential oil supplier online that offers premium quality cold pressed black seed oil for skin and hair. Looking to integrate black seed oil in your next product line? Share your thoughts in the comments below!