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Everything You Need to Know About Black Seed Oil
Nigella Sativa or Black Seed, is a flowering plant in the buttercup family. In Ayurveda and Unani traditional medicines, black seeds fill an integral role in their holistic practices. In the middle east, it is most commonly used as a digestive remedy - like pepto bismol, but natural. Black seed oil provides quick relief for digestive disturbance and benefits all the symptoms in the pepto bismol song, from nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach… You know the rest.
The benefits of black seed oil don’t stop at digestive relief. This functional and therapeutic oil contains over 100 valuable components, including the research-supported phytonutrient, thymoquinone. Black seed oil is a remedy for hundreds of ailments, packed with antioxidants, providing anti-inflammatory support, and immune-modulating properties… Let’s dive into everything you need to know about black seed oil.
Black seed contains natural phytosterols, plus omega-3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids. This is why black seed oil effectively supports healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure. But black seed oil isn’t just a fatty acid supplement like flax oil or evening primrose. In addition to phytosterols and omegas, black seed oil contains active compounds which are highly effective in fighting inflammation.
Meet Thymoquinone
Anything with a long weird name like that is sure to be some sort of powerful phytonutrient. Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are active ingredients; Anthocyanin is a phytonutrient and an active ingredient in blueberries; Curcumin is a phytonutrient, and an active ingredient in turmeric; In black seed oil, the most prevalent and researched active ingredient is thymoquinone (TQ), which provides many of the therapeutic benefits associated with black seeds. This exceptionally potent component has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune-modulating abilities. Its benefits are really quite impressive, notable ones include.
Better Digestion
Thymoquinone has gastroprotective effects, working almost instantly for digestive relief. Whether you’re looking to remedy nausea, bloating, stomach pain, cramping, gas or indigestion, black seed oil works quickly, and when taken daily can support better digestion long-term.
Seasonal Allergies & Asthma
The anti-inflammatory and phytonutrient components in black seed oil are responsible for the potential decrease of both asthmatic and allergy symptoms. Black seed oil has immune-modulating effects which inhibit inflammation from affecting the airway in both conditions.
Balanced Mood & Improved Memory
Studies show that black seed oil produces anti-anxiety effects, while also improving cognitive function and memory. This may be related to increased levels of serotonin and tryptophan, which have been shown to naturally increase after just one-month of supplementation.
Supports the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is one of the body’s largest neurotransmitter networks. Your endocannabinoid system has the motive of creating balance. This network sends messages and communications to all of your bodily parts to ensure everything is running smoothly, and it confirms if anything needs to be re-balanced. When your ECS finds a problem, it regulates by sending further instructions to receptors, which adjust how you feel and think. While the brain naturally produces endocannabinoids, the first cannabinoid to be discovered was in plant-based THC back in the 1960s. However, black seed oil also contains a key phytocannabinoid called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), and BCP binds exclusively to the CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Supporting this system is essential if you’re looking to improve or maintain health for the nervous system, immunity, digestion, joints, liver, skin and bones.
Lower Blood Pressure
Black seed oil has a vasorelaxant effect, meaning it has the ability to reduce tension in the blood vessel walls. This respectfully lowers blood pressure and helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It may take 2-months of supplementation to achieve this, but since there are no known contraindications or adverse side effects, incorporating even small amounts into your routine may benefit heart health in the long-term.
Support Healthy Metabolism & Blood Sugar Management
Research suggests that since black seed oil reduces inflammation, including it would also benefit our weight. Since extra-pounds and inflammation are related. Black seed oil also works to balance blood sugar levels, and has been shown effective in treating type 2 diabetes, due to its ability to improve insulin sensitivity.
Skin Healing (Psoriasis & Eczema)
Black seed oil provides significant benefits for both eczema and psoriasis when used internally and topically. Since thymoquinone pertains to immunomodulating abilities, this oil works to significantly reduce inflammation, which relates to both conditions. For cases of psoriasis the results of BSO may actually be more effective than tazarotene, the standard drug for “eruptions of the skin”. Black seed oil also helps to stop psoriasis and eczema from spreading.
Choosing A High-Quality Black Seed Oil
Not all black seed oils are created equal, and many products mostly provide omega-3 fatty acids, but as we’ve discovered it’s the phytonutrients that we want, specifically the thymoquinone. Black seed oil supplements should meet a few requirements when purchasing:
- Choose an oil that is Cold-Pressed: Other methods of extraction typically involve high heat which would damage the therapeutic properties of the oil
- Choose an oil that is First-Press: This means that the seeds were crushed and pressed only one time
- You want the true Nigella Sativa (Black Seed): Not black caraway, not cumin seed, not black sesame
- Opt in for Certified Organic: This certification will ensure you're getting a product with no synthetic pesticide residue
- Choose an oil that comes in a Light-Blocking Bottle: This prevents rancidity and also protects the therapeutic compounds
- Look for Undiluted: Your black seed oil should be 100% pure and undiluted. Avoid blends that include other oils with no therapeutic value
- Look for the Thymoquinone content: A good quality black seed oil will disclose the thymoquinone content in a %/mg amount, this means that the product has been analyzed and tested
How to Use Enerex Black Seed Oil
If you’re looking to see and feel results from your black seed oil and make this more than just a fatty acid supplement, you will need to match the requirements above. Enerex Black Seed Oil provides the highest natural and guaranteed thymoquinone content on the market at 2-2.25%. Black Seed Oil can be taken daily for long-term benefits or can be taken for relief as needed.
Each ½ tsp of Enerex Black Seed Oil contains 45 mg of thymoquinone and it can be taken straight on a spoon. Black seed oil has a pungent, bitter and peppery taste, these flavour characteristics are wonderful for balancing the taste buds and work to naturally decrease our cravings for sweet. The strong taste of Black Seed Oil isn't for everyone. If you're looking to receive the benefits of this potent oil, here are some expert tips on getting past the flavour so you can benefit daily.
Try mixing it with honey. The sweetness from honey helps to neutralize the flavour so the taste won't linger as long
Try spooning it to the back of the throat to pass the taste buds and then have a little glass of lemon water or juice to get it down
Use it in recipes, BSO works great in a turmeric latte as it compliments the flavours of ginger and turmeric. Coconut milk also helps cleanse the mouth from the oil.
About Nicole Eckert, CNP
