Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is a substance that is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant that is native to Egypt, the sub-continent and Asia. Black seed and black seed oil have long been used as herbal medicine for skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and dry skin, allergies, colds and more serious health conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer and diabetes. 

When you scan the label, you'll notice a variety of beneficial compounds listed, including things like omega-3, -6, and -9 essential fatty acids and cholesterol-lowering plant compounds called phytosterols. But the majority of its therapeutic perks probably have to do with a particularly potent active compound called thymoquinone (TQ), says Pedre, which is "an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and immune-supporting properties." Today, black cumin seed oil is sold in health food stores, grocery stores, and online as a liquid oil, as gel capsules, and in a blend with other extracts such as hemp oil. To reap its varied benefits, you can ingest it or apply it topically to the skin.

Research has also shown that the antioxidant properties of black seed oil can have a protective effect on both the liver and the kidneys. There are several mechanisms by which this works. In one of the key processes, thymoquinone appears to reduceTrusted Source the level of oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress is associated with a variety of liver problems such as alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver damage caused by Tylenol, hepatitis, and others. It is also associatedTrusted Source with kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease and kidney toxicity. Trusted Source also shows that black seed oil may be helpful in reducing the size of kidney stones and eliminating kidney stones from the body.

Generally, the possible antidiabetic mechanisms of N. sativa might be mediated via modulation of oxidative status (either through upregulation of endogenous antioxidants or reduction of oxidative species) [45, 47], attenuation of inflammation [45], improvement of lipid profiles, increased good cholesterol (HDL-c), while reducing bad cholesterols (LDL-c, TC, and TG) and body weight [44, 46, 51].

Black Seed Oil

Black seed might lower blood sugar in some people. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking black seed along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others. Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider. Black seed might increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, black seed might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Legend has it that Cleopatra's secret to radiant skin was actually black seed oil! While we can't officially confirm this historical anecdote, one 2015 review study in the Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery did find that applying a lotion of 10% black seed oil significantly and positively affected acne after two months, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Other research has found that topical application of black seed oil speeds wound healing, which may help reduce blemishes and scarring. Black seed oil can also be diluted with a carrier oil (or added to shampoos) and applied to the scalp to soothe and reduce flakiness. With a quick "black seed oil + weight" search, you'll find a number of bloggers and vloggers raving about this oil's ability to melt away the pounds. While this may (rightly) induce some eye-rolling, some research suggests black cumin seed oil could somewhat aid in weight maintenance or at least fight risk factors for obesity.