Black seed oil is packed with over 100 substances such as important trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, fatty acids, and much more. Black seed and its oil have been used for centuries by the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and the benefits are numerous.
Benefits of using black seed oil
Nigellone and thymoquinone are the substances in black seeds that have been most extensively 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 historically been used for:
Allergies
Skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis
Hair loss, scalp problems
Inflammations
Upset stomach
Omega 3, 6 and 9
Black seed 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 seed oil?
Internally
The recommended amount is 1-3 teaspoons of black seed oil per day. The oil has a peppery and somewhat bitter aroma.
Note! Black seed oil should not be taken by pregnant women, nursing mothers, those scheduled for surgery, those on medication, or people with anemia, diabetes, or epilepsy.
Consuming black seed oil
The simplest way is to take a teaspoon of oil with each meal.The oil can be taken as is or with lemon juice or honey to mask the taste.Drizzle on food
Black seed oil is delicious drizzled on yogurt or over salad.Add to food
Boost your smoothie or whip up a creamy sauce or dressing with black seed oil. It can also be mixed into stews and similar dishes. Keep in mind that the oil deteriorates when heated and should therefore be added when serving after the food is prepared.Drop into warm beverages
Add a few drops or 1 teaspoon of black seed oil to a cup of hot tea.
Inhale the aroma
Massage
Massage pure black seed oil directly onto the chest or dilute it with another base oil and massage in. You can 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 the skin
Black seed oil can be applied directly to the skin as is or dabbed onto 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 mixed with a little water for easier absorption.Steam bath
Add 10 drops of black seed oil to a steaming hot water bath. Wash your face clean of dirt and makeup. Carefully lean your face over the water bath (be careful not to burn yourself) and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Steam 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, fungal infections, inflammation, or hair loss, pure or diluted black seed 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 seed oil with your shampoo.Hair mask
For a moisturizing treatment, black seed oil can be massaged into the lengths of your hair. Put your hair up in a bun or wrap a towel around your hair and leave it on 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 seed oil with your regular hair conditioner to nourish extra dry hair and strengthen damaged hair.
