Black Seed Oil

The Immunity Booster

With its antioxidant and anti-inflamatory properties, consuming black seed oil, or even it's application on skin and hair is highly beneficial. This is the superfood that Indians have known for several millennia

Black seeds, scientifically known as Nigella sativa, come from a small plant with pale purple, blue or white flowers that's native to the southwest region of the Asian continent, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. They are commonly known as cumin around the world and kalonji in India. The oil extracted from these seeds is known as black seed oil/ black cumin seed oil or locally in layman's language even called kalonji oil.
Black seeds are cultivated in Turkey or Italy but herbal myths suggest they have been cultivated in India for several millennia. It is a perpendicular, much-branched, yearly plant with a widespread, well-developed taproot and grows to about 70 cm above the ground. The ideal climate for growing black seeds is an area of higher elevation, at least 1500 ñ 2500 m above sea level in the tropical regions with a temperate climate. For a perfect yield, it requires temperatures ranging from 14∫C to 26∫C but can tolerate temperatures from 5-30 degrees. For the crop to flourish, it needs rainfall between 600-800 mm but can also grow in the range of 400-1000 mm and it takes about 100 days for the complete growth of the crop.  

Black seed oil is an amber hued oil used in the making of different cuisines world-wide and is also said to render a wide range of benefits for good health. It is known to be a remedy for conditions like allergies, asthma, diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and digestive disorders. Other than these, black seed oil also is said to improve the immune system, thus increasing its resistance against infections and also reduces inflammation. The most common use of this oil is for concerns regarding skin and hair like acne, dry skin, dry hair and hair growth respectively. Out of the annual yield whichever seeds are slightly bitter are used to add flavour in the form of spices mainly in Middle-Eastern and Indian cuisine. They are also sprinkled on flat breads like naans, or even bagels as an ingredient for garnishing.

According to an assessment conducted by the DAS- 28 rating scale, black seed oil improves the conditions of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis by reducing the blood levels of inflammatory marks and the number of swollen joints. It also reduces the chances for allergic rhinitis as it reduces the presence of nasal congestion, itching, running nose and sneezing within two weeks. The consumption of black seed oil could also help in improving the body's balance of blood sugar. Besides this, it also helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in an individual.

As proven by a study, black seed oil also helps in the reduction of obesity in women. The participants were divided into two groups one of which consumed black seed oil for eight weeks while maintaining a low calorie diet. On the other hand, the other group consumed a placebo for the same amount of time with the same requirements. At the end of the study, the weight, waist circumference and the levels of triglyceride levels in the body had reduced by a higher margin in the group that consumed black seed oil.
Another special benefit of black seed oil is that it has the apparent ability to fight cancer because of being filled with thymoquione a component that could have cancer fighting components.

In recent times there has been a promising research that connects black seeds to multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is a big deal since these ‘superbugs' growing in significance are posing a risk to public health. These bacteria are anti-microbial resistant and are becoming almost impossible to treat after a certain stage such as HIV, influenza, gonorrhoea, tuberculosis, malaria and candida. A study conducted by the researchers of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College who wanted to determine just how much potential black seed oil has against some of these ‘superbugs' and pairing it with several anti-bodies, like Amoxicillin, Tetracycilin and Gatiflaxocin. The thymoquione accompanied by thymohydroquione and acetylcholinesterace is used medicinally to treat diseases like Alzheimer's, glaucoma and Parkinson's disease.
Black seed oil can also help in improving the quality of ones hair due to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help in maintaining the general health of the scalp and can discourage dryness.

In addition to all the benefits black seed oil has to offer it also has some side effects. Although very little is certain about the long-term consumption of black seed oil, exessive use in food could lead to vomiting, constipation or even an upset stomach. For a few, the possibility of an increased risk in seizures might also exist. But, one thing is for sure, if applied directly on the skin it could cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

According to a report, a particular component of the black seed oil known as melanthin could be toxic when consumed in larger amounts. Black seed oil could also start slowing down the rate of blood clotting and increasing risk of bleeding hence, if you are on medication that affects your blood clotting you should avoid having black seed oil. It might also react with other medication, therefore pregnant and lactating women should also avoid this oil.

Black seed oil is definitely an ingredient that would add to the assets of the food you consume or even your health if had directly with the help of its various different components. But as anything in excess is detrimental, do keep a track on the amount of black seed oil you consume.