Black Seed Oil- Benefits, Uses, and Side-effects

2021-12-21 19:01:47

Black Seed Oil (Nigella Satva), also known as Kalonji Oil, is extracted from a small flowering plant. It is up to 20 to 30 cm long with divided, thin, sequential leaves containing five to ten petals. The fruits of Kalonji have tiny black seeds. Using black seeds in home remedies is famous for thousands of years. These cure many diseases.

 People use them in cooking to add flavour to curries, bread, and pickles. When eaten raw, the seeds have a bitter flavour that often tastes like cumin or oregano. Kalonji has various names such as black caraway, black cumin, black onion seed.

Why is Black Seed Oil Beneficial?

Kalonji seeds are a powerhouse of amino acids, iron, crude fibers, sodium, calcium, and potassium. Kalonji is also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin B12, Niacin, and Vitamin C.

The black seeds oil is a preferred choice as compared to other oils as it contains healthy fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It includes approximately 26% carbohydrates, 17% protein, 57% plant fats and oils.

Benefits of Black Seed Oil

 Beneficial for high blood pressure and Cholesterol patients

Taking black cumin seed extract for two months results in reducing high blood pressure. Kalonji oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants which help to reduce blood pressure.

Taking kalonji oil reduces high cholesterol as well. It’s rich in linoleic acids and oleic acid that reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and maintains healthier cholesterol levels in the body.

Improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms-

The anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil help to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Oral consumption of kalonji oil may help to reduce joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

 Decreasing asthma symptoms-

The anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil may improve symptoms of asthma. Its effect in reducing inflammation in the airways may also help in easing bronchitis symptoms.

Reduces stomach problems-

The black seed oil also helps to relieve stomach pain and cramps. The oil is effective in relieving stomach bloating, gas, and ulcers as well.

Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants may reduce inflammation and protect against several health problems. It may cure heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

Black seed oil is rich in thymoquinone, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It may protect brain health.

Aids in weight loss

Kalonji may help reduce the body mass index (BMI) in individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Good for skin and hair

Besides medical uses, using black seed oil topically helps to treat a variety of skin conditions and also hydrates hair.

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of kalonji oil may help in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, general dry skin, and psoriasis.

Uses of Black Seed Oil

 In Cooking

The flavour and aroma enhance the taste of various dishes. The seeds may be toasted and sprinkled on flatbreads like naan, biscuits, soups, curries, and stir-fries. Grind it and mix it with other seasonings like mustard, fennel, and cumin seeds.

For Beauty

Black seed oil is an essential ingredient in many cosmetic products. It helps to cure various skin problems which makes it a perfect solution to tackle skin diseases.

For Medicinal home remedies

Kalonji oil is effective in treating a lot of health conditions. Therefore, the use of oil and seeds is common in houses.

Side effects of Black Seed Oil

Kalonji doesn’t have any known side-effects. However, consumption in excess amount can cause various problems such as –

• It may lower blood sugar levels or blood pressure. People with low blood pressure and low blood sugar should avoid it.
• Its effect is not known for women who are breastfeeding. So, lactating mothers should avoid it.
• Kalonji may hamper the blood clotting process during or after surgery.
• It may also cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.

Where is Kalonji/ Black seed found?

Black seed is native to Eastern Europe in the regions of Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania, and Western Asia in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. However, it is naturalized in parts of Europe, northern Africa, and eastern Myanmar.