Black seed oil: a powerful way to revitalise skin, and even aid weight loss
Disclaimer: this website does not provide medical advice. Articles are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Introduction
If there was a product that was inexpensive and easy to take, that was packed with antioxidants and vitamins, that revitalises skin and hair, helps with a number of health conditions and has been shown to support weight loss, wouldn’t you want to take it?
We are talking about black seed oil, which is an oil extracted from the black cumin seeds often found sprinkled on top of bread. The seeds come from a flowering shrub called Nigella Sativa, which is native to Asia, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.
In this article, we are going to go through the numerous scientific studies to support the claims above as well as looking at user reviews.
Why use black seed oil?
It contains vitamins, including Vitamin A (retinoids), B (niacinamide), and C (ascorbic acid), fatty acids, amino acids and thymoquinone, which according to the National Library of Medicine is shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
In the article “From here to eternity – the secret of Pharaohs: Therapeutic potential of black cumin seeds and beyond”, they list many studies showing positive results from the use of thymoquinone and they call for more clinical studies to explore its application in treating various health conditions
How to use black seed oil
According to Medical News Today, you can use the oil topically, by rubbing it into your skin, or take it orally in the form of capsules or oil. They say side effects are rare, but allergic reaction is possible so you need to be somewhat cautious when you use the product initially.
The dosage of black seed oil would depend on the type of issue you are using it to tackle. Each product will have different strengths and levels of thymoquinone so you should refer to the manufacturer’s recommended dosage for that specific oil.
You may wish to speak with a doctor to make sure that using black seed oil is safe for you and to determine the right dose.
Benefits for your skin
The oil is said to help skin to retain moisture, maintain elasticity, clear blocked pores and control oil production, making it good for both anti-aging and for fighting against breakouts. The authors of the article “Dermatological effects of Nigella Sativa” suggested it has potential as an ingredient in anti-aging and moisturising cosmetics because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Using black seed oil on the skin can provide various benefits due to its unique combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential fatty acids. Some of the skin benefits that can be observed from using black seed oil include:
Moisturisation: Black seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and oleic acid, which help to moisturise the skin, maintaining its natural barrier and preventing water loss.
Anti-Aging Properties: The oil’s antioxidant content, including thymoquinone, helps neutralise free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging. This may result in reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Acne and Pimple Reduction: Black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help calm redness and swelling associated with acne. Its antimicrobial properties may also combat acne-causing bacteria, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts.
Eczema and Psoriasis Relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, black seed oil can alleviate symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It may help reduce itchiness, redness, and irritation in affected areas.
Wound Healing: Applying black seed oil to minor cuts, scratches, or insect bites may support the healing process. The oil’s antimicrobial activity can help prevent infection, while its anti-inflammatory properties aid in reducing inflammation and promoting faster recovery.
Soothes Irritated Skin: Black seed oil can help soothe and calm irritated skin caused by various factors such as allergies, sunburn, or harsh environmental conditions.
Hyperpigmentation Reduction: Some studies suggest that black seed oil may help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone.
Combats Dry Skin: Regular use of black seed oil can help combat dry and flaky skin by providing deep hydration and improving skin texture.
Each person’s response to black seed oil may vary, and some may experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Benefits for your hair
In a study, “The effectiveness of coconut oil mixed with herbs to promote hair growth”, they concluded that the mixture of coconut oil and black seed oil was the most effective that they had examined at promoting hair growth, and they deemed that the combination had potential for use in hair treatment.
According to Holland & Barrett, black seed oil supports hair growth as it is packed with vitamins that can have benefits for hair regrowth and may also reduce hair loss. A study in 2017 found that a hair treatment containing black seed oil resulted in a reduction in hair fallout of up to 76%.
And, because of the properties already described in this article, black seed oil may be able to help your hair stay moisturised and nourished.
Black seed oil offers several benefits for hair health due to its rich composition of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Here are five benefits of using black seed oil for hair:
Stimulates Hair Growth: Black seed oil contains nutrients that can nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. It helps strengthen hair strands from the root, reducing breakage and supporting longer, healthier hair.
Moisturises and Conditions: The oil’s emollient properties help to lock in moisture, providing deep hydration to the hair and scalp. It can help combat dryness and reduce frizz, leaving the hair softer and more manageable.
Treats Dandruff and Scalp Conditions: Black seed oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for addressing scalp issues such as dandruff, scalp irritation, and itchiness. Regular use may help soothe the scalp and reduce flakiness.
Prevents Split Ends: Regular application of black seed oil can help strengthen the hair shaft, reducing the occurrence of split ends and promoting overall hair health.
Adds Shine: Black seed oil can give the hair a natural shine. By providing essential nutrients to the hair shaft, it improves the overall appearance of the hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
Also, black seed oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it suitable for various hair types, including curly, straight, and wavy hair. To experience these benefits, you can apply the oil directly to your scalp and hair, or you can mix it with carrier oils or haircare products like shampoos and conditioners.
Benefits for weight loss
In the 2015 study “Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial”, they showed that the participants who were taking black seed oil lost significantly more weight compared to those on a low-calorie diet alone.
While these are exciting results, it is still unknown why black seed oil helps weight loss and more research is needed into this area.
Let's Hear from a Nootropics Expert
Discover the nootropic benefits of Black Seed Oil, the recommended dosage, side effects and clinical research. Nootropics is a field that looks into substances that positively impact cognitive function.
Let’s look at some products
We recommend the two black seed oil products below. We think they are both excellent. Pure World is our top pick, but only because it is better value for money. Viridian is a well-known brand so, if you are not price sensitive, you may prefer to opt for this product instead.
- Pure World Black Seed Oil 250ML
- High Strength Thymoquinone
- 100% Pure Virgin Cold Pressed Nigella Sativa
- Glass Bottle
- Non-GMO
- Made exclusively from organic Egyptian black cumin seed
- Cold-pressed and bottled in amber glass bottles under a blanket of nitrogen to protect the oil from air and light
- With a pleasant aroma and taste, it can be taken internally off the spoon, used as part of a salad dressing or used as a head or chest rub
- Vegan, Kosher
Safety precautions
It is a very safe, natural product but, if you are pregnant, breast feeding or have any health conditions, you may wish to check with your doctor before taking it orally. Also, make sure that you understand the recommended dosage and don’t exceed this level.
And when applying it topically, there is never any harm doing a patch test as you never know when your skin might have an allergic reaction.
Conclusion
There is a lot of scientific evidence to support the use of black seed oil. It contains thymoquinone, which would appear to have impressive properties in terms of healing. We are also very impressed with its potential for helping with weight loss.
If you are interested in reading more about weight loss, have a look at our article From Flab to Fab: Protein, The Nutrient You Need for Rapid Weight Loss
If you are going to use a body moisturiser, why not use an oil with scientifically proven healing properties? The process of massaging itself has lots of benenefits, which you can read about in our article Facial massage: could this be the answer to your anti-aging prayers?
We are definitely big fans of this product. But we want to hear about your experience. Have you tried it? What have you used it for? And what have your results been?