Black cumin oil is packed with over 100 substances such as important trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, fatty acids and much more. Black cumin seeds and their oil have been used for centuries by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and the benefits are many.
Benefits of using black cumin oil
Nigellone and thymoquinone are the compounds in black cumin seeds that are the most studied. They are particularly interesting because they have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-histamine effects both internally and externally. Both the seeds and the oil have been used throughout the ages for:
Allergies
Skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis
Hair loss, scalp problems
Inflammation
Upset stomach
Omega 3, 6 and 9
Black cumin oil is naturally rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and 6. It has therefore been popular to take internally for:
High blood pressure
Dry skin and skin problems
High cholesterol
How to use black cumin oil?
Internally
The recommended amount is 1-3 teaspoons of black cumin oil per day. The oil has a peppery and somewhat bitter aroma.
Note! Black cumin oil should not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers, those who are going to have surgery, are under medication, have anemia, diabetes or epilepsy.
Eating black cumin oil
The simplest way is to take one teaspoon of oil with each meal. The oil can be taken as it is or together with lemon juice or honey to mask the taste.Drizzle on food
Black cumin oil is good to drizzle on yogurt or over salad.Add to food
Boost your smoothie or whip up a creamy sauce or dressing with black cumin oil. It can also be mixed into stews and similar dishes. Keep in mind that the oil is destroyed when heated up and should therefore be added when serving after the food is cooked.Drop in warm drinks
Add a few drops or 1 teaspoon of black cumin oil to a cup of warm tea.
Inhaling the aroma
Massage
Massage pure black cumin oil directly on the chest or blend it with another carrier oil and massage in. Place your hands over your nose and inhale the aroma. The scent of the oil is said to be muscle-relaxing and can be soothing for troublesome coughs and labored breathing.
External use
Apply to skin
Black cumin oil can be applied directly to the skin as it is or dabbed on acne, skin problems, skin irritations, insect bites, red and swollen skin. It can be diluted with other oils if it feels too intense. The oil can also be applied to damp skin or together with a little water for easier absorption.Steam bath
Add 10 drops of black cumin oil to a steaming hot water bath. Wash your face clean from dirt and makeup. Carefully lean your face over the water bath (be careful not to burn yourself) and place a towel over so that the steam is preserved. Steam bathe your face for 5 minutes. This is especially good for clogged pores, impure skin and acne-prone skin.Scalp treatment
For scalp problems such as dandruff, fungus, inflammation or hair loss, pure or diluted black cumin oil can be massaged directly into the scalp. Let it work for at least 30 minutes and then wash out with shampoo (massage in shampoo first, then water). You can also mix a few drops of black cumin oil with your shampoo.Hair mask
For a moisturizing treatment, black cumin oil can be massaged into the hair lengths. Put your hair up in a bun or wrap a towel around your hair and let it work for at least 30 minutes. Then wash out the oil with shampoo (massage in shampoo first, then water). You can also mix a few drops of black cumin oil into your regular hair conditioner to care for extra dry hair and strengthen damaged hair.
