What is Black Seed Oil or Nigella sativa? – Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil!

What is Black Seed?

Black seed, scientifically named Nigella sativa, is a traditional herb which has been in use for centuries in the Middle East and some parts of Asia and Africa to promote health and general well-being. It is also known as the “Blessed Seed” because of its numerous health benefits. Scientifically, Nigella sativa is classified under the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family and grows upto about 16-24 inches high with white flowers. Our Black Seed products are prepared from the tiny black, sharp-cornered seeds from the plant.

What makes Black Seed special?

Black seed oil has been believed to be one of the beauty secrets of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. The history of Black Seed as a special herb is well known. The ancient Egyptians used to keep a bottle of Black Seed Oil in the tombs of the Pharaohs among other precious belongings.

The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was heard to have said that Black Seed is ‘a remedy for everything except death’ and later research has been proving the impressive efficacy of Black Seed Oil in the treatment of many diseases including HIV infection, various types of cancers and tumours and fatal infections by resistant bacterial strains like MRSA called Super Bugs.

How are Black Seeds used in traditional medicine?

In traditional medicine, Black Seed has been used for various conditions related to respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal complaints, kidney & liver diseases, cardiac health and to improve the immune function and general health. Black Seed oil is also used topically for skin conditions, arthritis and hair problems like hair fall, dandruff, alopecia etc.

Are Black Seed benefits scientifically researched and backed up?

Since 1959, over 500 peer-reviewed studies at international universities and articles published in various journals show commendable efficiency of black seeds and its active ingredients in various conditions. This has evidently backed up some of its traditional uses scientifically.

What are the benefits of Black Seed for general wellness?

Black Seed is an herb equipped to help the body’s natural wellness. Black seed is highly effective in managing respiratory diseases, seasonal allergies due to hypersensitive immune responses, conditions affecting the kidneys and the liver, gastrointestinal complaints, arthritic conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Black Seed is a safe herb with no known side effects and has been in use for centuries. Black Seed is also great to boost metabolism, weight loss and prevent metabolic disorders like diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Studies also point out Black Seed’s effectiveness in supporting tumour shrinking and fighting cancer. Thymoquinone present in Black Seeds is a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, which is highly effective in fighting cancers of various kinds. Black seed is also a herb that boosts fertility by treating both male and female causes for infertility. Black seed is a great home remedy that also helps to manage acute infections, fevers and even mental stress, insomnia and endocrine disorders.

It also has profound antibiotic action against even the most dangerous resistant strains like MRSA. Furthermore, Black Seed has established benefits in skincare and haircare, too, apart from being a medicine cabinet for the whole family.

How is Black Seed Oil made?

Naturments Black Seed Oil is extracted from organic and fresh non-GMO Black Seeds using the cold-pressed method. No heat or chemicals are used in extracting the oil from the seed which ensures that the Black Seed Oil remains untouched and unaltered, preserving all its natural powers and nutrients.

What does Black Seed Oil contain?

Black Seed constitutes over 100 components, of which many are yet to be discovered. A rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, black seed is made up of about 35% oil, 21% protein, and 38% carbohydrates. Essential fatty acids constitute more than 50% of the oils. It has abundant amounts of linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid which helps to produce Prostaglandin E1, which aids the body in fighting inflammatory responses and infections, balancing the immune system and subduing allergic reactions. Gamma-linolenic acid is a powerful stabilizer of the cell membrane.

About 0.5-1.5% volatile oils including Nigellone and Thymoquinone are present in Black Seed and they have been found to possess anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, anti-infective and broncho-dilating effects. Black Seed Oil is also rich in essential amino acids, minerals like Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium which are staples for healthy skin and hair.

Naturments Black Seed Oil contains 100% Pure, Extra-Virgin, Cold-pressed Nigella sativa oil free from additives. Our Black Seed Oil is obtained from USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Halal & Kosher-Certified sources and manufactured and packed at GMP-Certified facilities.

What colour is pure and natural Black Seed Oil?

Pure and natural Black Seed Oil has a golden brown colour. Naturments Black Seed Oil is extracted through cold-pressing without subjecting the Black Seeds to heat which would cause the oil content in Black Seeds to go rancid and therefore, has a fresh-smelling, golden brown colour. Black Seed Oil which is extracted by excessively crushing the black seeds and exposed to heat and light will yield dark, blackish coloured oil which indicates rancidity. Naturments Black Seed Oil is made from fresh, organically produced Black Seeds in hygienic, GMP-Certified facilities and packed in black-tinted glass bottle which keeps it safe from direct light and heat and prevents oxidation and rancidity and thus, maintains its freshness.

Is Black Seed Oil more effective than Black Seeds?

Both black seeds and black seed oil are equally effective, but Black Seed oil is more potent and contains greater amounts of essential fatty acids and active ingredients. Always use a genuine product that is 100% pure, cold-pressed, solvent-free and hygienically packed and sealed under GMP-certified facilities. Be cautious about using poor quality Black seed oils that maybe heat-extracted or chemically extracted, adulterated with cheap carrier oils which could do more harm than good to your body. Black Seed Oil sourced from trustworthy Certified Organic, vegan and non-GMO sources are always the best in the international market.

Does a high percentage of Thymoquinone in Black Seed Oil mean more effectiveness?

Thymoquinone is the most important bioactive compound found to be naturally occuring in Black Seed Oil. The essential oil/active ingredient portion in Nigella sativa is, according to research, about 0.4%-2.5% and a major part is the therapeutically beneficial Thymoquinone. However, bioactive microcompounds are very potent in small amounts and a little goes a long way. Less is more in case of essential oils and Thymoquinone-rich Black Seed Oil is supposed to be taken regularly and consistently as a supplement in moderate dosage rather than in huge amounts in a short time to reap its benefits.

Black Seed Oil is one of the only two natural sources of Thymoquinone but being natural doesn’t make it safe to be taken in large amounts. Moderation is key in consuming Black Seed Oil for its health benefits and general wellness. Excessive intake of Black Seed Oil can cause vital dysfunction due to the powerful bioactive constituents present in it. That said, you might find many Black Seed Oil products in the market promising high efficacy with higher percentage of Thymoquinone (TQ) in the oil but this comes with certain catches. Naturally occurring Thymoquinone can be increased in concentration only through artificial procedures which will take away several other nutritional benefits of Black Seed Oil, compromising on the overall quality of the Black Seed Oil. The naturally occurring amount is always the safest dosage to take as a dietary supplement or home remedy.

Can Black Seed Oil be used without any diseases?

Black Seed Oil benefits people of all ages and health status. Regardless of your disease-free body, Black Seed Oil is an ideal natural supplement to maintain a healthy body. Taking Black Seed Oil or Black Seed Oil Capsules regularly will keep your body in optimum state and shape. You will enjoy fewer infections, allergies and illnesses owing to a strengthened immune system. If you are looking for a simple yet powerful health supplement without any complexity in consumption, Black Seed Oil or Black Seed Oil capsules are a great choice.

How do Black Seeds, Black Seed Oil, and Black Seed Oil capsules differ?

Black Seed: The Nigella sativa seeds can be eaten on their own or sprinkled over your cereals, muesli and salads or added to breads and shakes. This seed is cold-pressed to obtain pure Black Seed Oil.

Black Seed Oil: Our Black Seed Oil is 100% pure and is derived from the Nigella sativa seed, suitable for both internal and external use. The oil is sourced from Certified Organic, Non-GMO sources and extracted through cold-pressing and packed in GMP-Certified facilities. This unrefined and unadulterated Black Seed Oil is of premium quality and presented in glass bottles.

Black Seed Oil Capsules: The Naturments Black Seed Oil Capsules are 100% pure Black Seed Oil packed in capsules. They are ideal for people who do not like ingesting oils or seeds as such, simplifying the process of taking raw Black Seed Oil.

Black Seed in oil and capsule form is known to be 35% more concentrated than that of the seeds alone. This makes the oil and capsule to be more convenient and effective than using the seeds in daily diet. Half a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil or two capsules of Black Seed Oil will address the amount needed in a dose whereas when taking the seeds, the quantity required for efficacy will be high. Owing to the convenience factor and efficiency, Black Seed Oil and Black Seed Oil capsules have become more popular than the raw seeds.

How is Black Seed Oil used?

Black Seed Oil can be taken internally or applied topically on the skin and scalp. A small patch test is advised on the skin before extensive use on skin and scalp. Black Seed Oil is used alone or in combination with other natural ingredients for added benefits according to the condition you need to address.

For general well-being, the most loved method of consuming Black Seed Oil is to mix half a teaspoon of Black Seed Oil with a teaspoon of raw, organic honey and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning and later at bedtime. A teaspoon of Black Seed Oil can also be taken alone twice daily. For specific traditional blends to use Black Seed Oil for various conditions and general health, download our FREE E-BOOK listing over 100 uses of Black Seed Oil for starters. Take home a whole medicine cabinet in a bottle.

Always make sure the Black Seed Oil you buy is organically pure and unadulterated to reap its benefits.

What is a safe and effective dosage of Black Seed Oil?

Black Seed Oil benefits our body when taken in a dosage of at least 1-3 teaspoons a day. It may be taken raw or mixed with honey, juice or tea according to the supplementary ingredients mentioned in various home remedies using Black Seed Oil. Being consistent in consumption is necessary. If taking to remedy a condition, look for specific remedy recipes in which Black Seed Oil is mixed with another natural ingredient. You can find the recipes in our ebook on how to use Black Seed Oil for various needs, listing over 100 Black Seed Oil home remedies.

In Capsule form, take as per the dosage instructions given on the bottle. For starters, 1 teaspoon once or twice a day is a good place to start and maintain. Make sure that the Black Seed Oil you consume is of premium quality, extracted by cold-pressing from organically grown, fresh, Non-GMO Black Seeds, which are not contaminated or rancid. Also look for amber-coloured or golden-brown coloured Black Seed Oil packed in dark, light-protective glass bottles which will preserve the freshness and active ingredients of the Black Seed Oil.

Can Black Seed Oil be used during pregnancy?

Do not take Naturments Black Seed Oil during pregnancy since the effects of Black Seed Oil during pregnancy have not been studied yet. However, it is safe during breastfeeding and has been used to improve lactation.

Are there any contraindications to using Black Seed Oil?

Always consult your physician before starting a dietary supplement if you are pregnant, if you have any existing chronic medical conditions or if you are regularly taking any medications since it may interact with the active ingredients in Black Seed Oil and prove to be hazardous.  For example, Black Seed Oil may not be safe to use if you are on blood-thinning medications as Black Seed Oil as such is an anti-coagulant natural remedy supporting cardiac health.

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