Black Seed Oil | Photo: Getty Images

What is the history of Black seed oil?

Black seed oil has a long history of use dating back over 2000 years. According to some sources it was discovered in the tomb of King Tut, the 12th pharaoh of the 18th Egyptian dynasty.

The oil of Nigella Sativa (black seeds) which is extracted is oftentimes slightly bitter and sometimes used as a flavoring or spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.

It contains thymoquinone, a compound with antioxidant properties, as one of its key components and used by some for the treatment of conditions including asthma, diabetes, hypertension, weight loss, and other conditions. There is scientific evidence to support some, but not all, uses for black seed oil.

Hair Loss Treatment

Since it contains thymoquinone which is a powerful antihistamine, it means it can be prescribed to patients with alopecia in order to help with hair regrowth and any thinning spots of hair.

The oil contains antioxidant properties which also help relieve inflammation. A study by Research Gate states: “It is reported to contain essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, ascorbic acid, iron, and calcium.

“Presence of these natural actives makes Nigella sativa seed as great a medicinal herb.”

Asthma

Preliminary research suggests that black seed oil may offer benefits to people with asthma. For example, an investigation published in Phytotherapy Research in 2017 found that people with asthma who took black seed oil capsules had a significant improvement in asthma control compared with those who took a placebo.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are down with rheumatoid arthritis, black seed oil may aid in your treatment, according to a small study published in Immunological Investigations in 2016.

According to this study, 43 women with mild-to-moderate rheumatoid arthritis took black seed oil capsules or a placebo every day for one month. The study results showed that treatment with black seed oil led to a reduction in arthritis symptoms (as assessed by the DAS-28 rating scale), blood levels of inflammatory markers, and the number of swollen joints.

A review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2015 shows that black seed oil may be good for people with diabetes. Researchers analyzed previously published studies on the use of Nigella sativa (black seed) for diabetes and concluded that it could improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels in diabetes models but noted that clinical trials are necessary to clarify the effects.

Nasal Inflammation

Black seed oil shows promise in the treatment of allergies. In a 2011 study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology, for instance, black seed oil was found to reduce the presence of nasal congestion and itching, runny nose, and sneezing after two weeks.

Another news published in 2018 analyzed data to determine if black seed oil could help in the treatment of sinusitis. Study authors concluded that the oil has therapeutic potential in the treatment of the condition due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, immune-modulator, antimicrobial, and analgesic effects.

Ultimately, black seed oil is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight infections. The oil is used topically for skin and hair concerns, such as acne, dry hair, psoriasis, hair growth, and dry skin.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.