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Black Seed Oil: Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects You Should Know
Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is a herbal component that comes from the plant Nigella sativa, which is indigenous to Western Asia and Eastern Europe.
People use black seed oil, natural medicine that is known for having potent therapeutic characteristics, to cure a wide range of illnesses, including:
hurts in the back and the head
significant risk of infection and inflammation due to high blood pressure
Because of the high concentration of antioxidants and other bioactive components that it contains, it also provides a broad list of health and beauty benefits that are supported by scientific research.
In this post, we will take a more in-depth look at ten of the top benefits of black seed oil that are supported by science.
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1. May reduce acne
Research suggests that black seed oil could be good for skin disorders such as acne.
It’s possible that this is because of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics that are connected with black seed oil.
One review paper found that after 2 months of using a lotion containing black seed oil on acne-prone skin, patients saw a significant reduction in the number of acne lesions that they had.
In another trial with the same number of participants, a topical gel containing black seed oil was applied to the participants’ skin twice per day for a period of sixty days.
In comparison to a group that did not receive this treatment, those individuals who did receive it experienced a considerable improvement in the number of acne lesions as well as a 78% reduction in the severity of their acne (4Trusted Source).
2. Could help treat psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is characterized by scaly red patches on the skin. Black seed oil, which has been the subject of a number of research has shown promise as a potential treatment for psoriasis. In a study conducted on rats, it was revealed that administering black seed oil to the affected areas of their skin resulted in a reduction in psoriasis symptoms and inflammation.
The effects of black seed oil on patients who suffer from psoriasis are the subject of a limited amount of research that is currently available.
On the other hand, the effects of a herbal cream comprising black seed oil together with other substances such as olive oil, tea tree oil, cocoa butter, and vitamins A and B12 were assessed in a single, limited study including a total of 12 participants.
After using the herbal cream on the affected area once a day for a period of 12 weeks, the researchers discovered that 83 percent of the individuals saw at least a 75 percent improvement in the severity of their psoriasis.
Because black seed oil was used in this study in conjunction with other components, it is impossible to determine whether or not the usage of black seed oil was responsible for the observed beneficial benefits. This is a crucial point to keep in mind.
Psoriasis in persons is a topic that requires additional investigation into the possible effects of black seed oil.
3. Promotes wound healing
There have been studies done on the ability of a chemical called thymoquinone, which is found in black seed oil, to improve wound healing and encourage the creation of new tissue.
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of thymoquinone were investigated in a study involving animals. The results suggested that this compound may be useful in the treatment of burns, excisions, and diabetic wounds.
For instance, one study conducted on animals indicated that the use of black seed extract dramatically sped up the process of wound healing in diabetic rats in comparison to a control group.
In yet another experiment with animals, it was found that applying black seed oil, either by itself or in combination with honey, helped rats heal their wounds more quickly and effectively.
However, more research is required to determine whether or if black seed oil and thymoquinone can help speed up wound healing in humans.
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4. May support hair health
Black seed oil is frequently included in various hair care products, such as hair masks and shampoos, as a result of the antibacterial and antioxidant qualities that it possesses.
Even though many of these products claim to improve the luster, volume, strength, and texture of hair, very little study has been done on the positive effects of black seed oil on hair health.
On the other hand, a very limited study carried out in 2014 indicated that combining coconut oil and black seed oil promoted enhanced hair growth in participants who applied the mixture to their scalp three times a day.
In a study with the same number of participants, it was shown that after 90 days, using a hair oil that contained a mixture of black seed oil and other herbal substances dramatically reduced the amount of hair loss.
Because the therapies in these studies included black seed oil with other components, it is vital to keep in mind that it is impossible for us to know for certain whether or not black seed oil was the factor that led to the benefits in these particular situations.
Therefore, in spite of these encouraging results, additional large-scale research of high quality is required to determine how black seed oil might affect the health of hair when it is used by itself.
5. Could aid in the treatment of vitiligo
There is evidence from certain studies that black seed oil might be useful in the treatment of vitiligo, a condition that results in the gradual or complete loss of color in the skin.
In a trial that involved 33 persons with vitiligo, researchers discovered that using a cream on the skin that was created with black seed oil twice daily resulted in enhanced pigmentation in the hands, face, and genital region after a period of six months.
In a second study published in 2014, researchers looked at the effects of using black seed oil topically on the affected areas for a period of six months. They found that this considerably reduced the number of vitiligo lesions, notably on the arms, trunk, head, and neck.
Researchers have hypothesized that one of the reasons black seed oil is beneficial is because of its potential to increase melanin production within the skin. Melanin is a natural pigment that can be found in the hair, skin, and eyes of human beings.
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6. Reduces inflammation
Numerous scientific investigations have demonstrated that black seed oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory capabilities.
This could be good for several areas of health, as some evidence suggests that inflammation could be a contributor to the development of a wide variety of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Intake of black seed oil may be associated with a reduction in several inflammatory markers, in addition to an increase in blood levels of antioxidants, as indicated by a study of ten separate research.
In addition to this, the study came to the conclusion that black seed oil may be more effective at lowering inflammation than other forms of black seed.
Another analysis that looked at 12 trials came to similar conclusions, stating that taking black seed supplements could lower blood levels of C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, both of which are indications of inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
7. Supports weight loss
Black seed oil seems to encourage weight loss and reduce body fat, although the exact mechanism by which this occurs is not completely understood.
In one study, the effects of black seed oil were investigated on 84 overweight female participants.
Those who followed a low-calorie diet in addition to consuming 3 grams of black seed oil per day for a period of 8 weeks had higher reductions in body weight and abdominal fat than those who followed a low-calorie diet alone.
Another study including 45 obese or overweight women found that ingesting 2,000 milligrams of black seed oil daily for eight weeks resulted in a reduction in hunger as well as a lower body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, and overall body fat percentage.
In addition, a review of 11 separate studies came to the conclusion that black seed supplements might have a moderate effect on a person’s overall body weight, body mass index, and abdominal fat, with the caveat that additional high-quality research is still required.
8. Improves blood sugar control
There is evidence suggesting that black seed oil may help stabilise blood sugar levels.
In point of fact, a study of seven separate research found that black seed helped improve numerous measures of blood sugar control, such as insulin levels and blood sugar levels both before and after eating.
Black seed was found to be beneficial at reducing fasting blood sugar and decreasing levels of haemoglobin A1C, which is a measure of long-term blood sugar control. These findings were found in another analysis that analysed 23 research and found comparable results.
In addition to this, the results of a meta-analysis that included 17 separate research showed that black seed oil was more effective than black seed powder at reducing levels of fasting blood sugar.
9. Could reduce symptoms of eczema
According to the findings of a number of research, black seed oil may be able to reduce the symptoms of eczema, which is a skin disorder characterised by dry and itchy skin.
When used topically twice a day for a period of four weeks, a small study conducted in 2012 indicated that black seed oil was just as beneficial as the type of corticosteroid known as betamethasone cream in terms of increasing quality of life and reducing the severity of hand eczema.
In addition, a study conducted on animals revealed that oral and topical administration of thymoquinone, a chemical that may be found in black seed oil, resulted in a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the symptoms of eczema in mice.
In addition, the oil extracted from black seeds helps hasten the healing of wounds and defend against infection caused by germs. There is a possibility that this could aid in the prevention of skin infections caused by eczema.
However, there is still a need for more current research in humans that are of a high quality.
10. Can help prevent metabolic syndrome
According to research, black seed oil may be able to assist in the prevention of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of disorders that can raise one’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
In one trial, participants with high blood pressure were given black seed oil at a dosage of 2.5 millilitres twice a day for a period of eight weeks. Those participants in the trial who were given this treatment ended up having a greater number of favourable outcomes.
They had lower levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar, all of which are components of metabolic syndrome. They also reported a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Numerous further research have come to the conclusion that black seed oil may lessen the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome by reducing the amount of abdominal fat, bringing down blood sugar levels, and improving cholesterol and blood pressure level.
However, keep in mind that the best ways to prevent metabolic syndrome are to maintain an active lifestyle and eat a healthy, balanced diet that emphasises whole foods. To get the most out of supplements like black seed oil, you should combine them with a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Black seed oil is a potent herbal substance that has been linked to a number of positive effects on both one’s health and appearance.
In instance, it may reduce inflammation, bring blood sugar levels down, improve the quality of your skin and hair, and assist you in keeping your weight under control.
Because of its adaptability, low cost, and widespread availability at a large number of pharmacies and health stores, it is an excellent component to have on hand at all times.