The Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent are home to a plant that has various names - blackthorn, black cumin or blackcurrant.
The most important part of the plant is its seeds. In ancient times, almost everything was treated with them - leprosy, malaria, bites from poisonous snakes, earaches, nasal congestion, headaches. Nowadays the plant is called black cumin and its main use is in the form of an oil, again with numerous uses and benefits.
Since the oil of the herb finds various uses, it is good to know its effects in order to use it most effectively.
Black cumin oil - history of its use
Nigella sativa is a medicinal plant that is part of the Ranunculaceae family. The name black cumin is imposed because of the seeds, because its seeds, which resemble the spice cumin. Actually, they are different plants and the application of black cumin oil is in more areas.
Although it can be used in the kitchen, black cumin oil has a wide range of health benefits and hence more uses, earning it the name herb of heaven.
The use and harm of black cumin oil were described by Hippocrates, who mentioned this product in his treatises on medicine.
The inhabitants of ancient Egypt used it not only for cosmetic purposes, but also added it to their food. Black cumin oil is believed to improve digestion, cleanse the body of parasites and support the functioning of internal organs.
In his scientific writings Avicenna claims that black cumin not only fights diseases, but also gives vitality, helps the human body to cope with weakness and fatigue.
Nowadays the black cumin oil product is popular as a remedy for many diseases and also for preserving youth and beauty.
Black cumin oil is also famous among Muslims, as the Prophet Muhammad claimed it contained a cure for everything except death.
Chemical composition and preparation of black cumin oil
Black cumin essential oil is obtained by cold pressing black cumin seeds. The oil has numerous health benefits that are due to its chemical composition.
This product is characterized by its high nutritional value. It contains more than a hundred different useful nutrients, half of which take a direct part in the metabolic processes in the human body. Among them of particular value are:
- Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids;
- Phospholipids;
- Amino acids;
- Carotenoids;
- Vitamins E, D, C, group B;
- Minerals potassium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, selenium;
- Phytosterols;
- Tannins.
More than 85% of the composition of the oil consists of unsaturated fatty acids. They have a positive effect on the digestive and cardiovascular systems, to restore hormonal balance, have an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthen the immune system and improve the condition of the skin.
Black cumin oil is rich in micro- and macronutrients. The large number of minerals, natural antibiotics and immunostimulants determine its colossal health benefits.
Black cumin oil is different from the spice cumin, which is widely used in cooking, mostly in powder or sometimes grain form.
Beneficial properties of black cumin oil
At the end of the twentieth century, studies were conducted in India that showed that black cumin oil had the ability to destroy various types of pathogens.
The therapeutic effects of the black cumin product exceed that of a number of bactericidal drugs. The use of the oil does not cause dysbacteriosis, which indicates that it destroys pathogens without affecting the beneficial microflora.
Black cumin oil has a beneficial effect on the thymus gland, strengthening the immune system and thus protecting the body from viruses and colds.
The use of the oil for the heart and blood vessels is done because of the unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids and phytosterols, as well as various types of vitamins. These components strengthen blood vessels, clean them of bad cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
Useful substances prevent the development of inflammatory processes. The course of taking black cumin oil is recommended in the prevention of not only cardiovascular diseases, but also in the complex treatment of atherosclerosis, ischemia.
Black cumin oil is actively used in traditional medicine in the treatment of diseases that cause blood circulation disorders in the brain, varicose veins and thrombosis.
Benefits and uses of black cumin oil
Black cumin oil is one of the most effective means of increasing immunity. It is a strong source of many biologically active substances, including vitamin C, which strengthens the body's resistance and increases resistance to diseases.
Black cumin oil is extremely useful for diseases of the respiratory system and asthma with its soothing effect. It is an effective immunostimulant and has an antibacterial effect, which reduces infections and ensures the proper functions of the respiratory system.
Black cumin oil is suitable for people with a sedentary lifestyle, because of the increased cholesterol and blood values that result from it. Lack of activity also slows the metabolism and makes the immune system weaker. The fight against hypertension and high cholesterol values is more effective with black cumin oil, which also reduces the risk of developing other serious diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
Black cumin seed product is also good for removing toxins from the body, especially the liver. This way, the function of the entire hormonal system is also improved, by improving all vital processes. In addition, the tonicity and energy of the body is enhanced.
Conditions in which the intake of black cumin oil is appropriate
- Reduced immunity;
- Asthma and allergies;
- Frequent headaches and chronic fatigue;
- Stress, impaired memory and irritability;
- Increased values of cholesterol and blood pressure;
- Overweight;
- Malignant problems that run in the family for the development of such;
- Problems with digestion;
- To strengthen bones and joints;
- For beautiful hair, skin and nails.
Method of use and dosage of cumin oil
The benefits of this product far outweigh the harm. However, the contraindications to the use of black cumin oil and the possible side effects should be taken into account.
In case of individual intolerance, the use of the oil may cause an allergic reaction. Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting sometimes occur.
The oil can significantly lower blood pressure, especially if a diuretic is taken at the same time. Against the background of hypotension, fatigue, dizziness and even loss of consciousness appear.
Not recommended during pregnancy.
The specificity of the product is that the dosage and frequency may be different depending on the purpose. For example, for treatment of flu it is recommended to take 1 tsp. of the oil twice a day an hour before meals.
For stomach ulcers, it is common to make a decoction by mixing 1 tbsp. of seeds with a cup of water and 1 tsp. of cumin oil.
For preventive purposes for the health of the body, the recommended dose is:
- for children from 6 years of age - 1/2 tsp. daily
- adults - 1 tsp. daily.
See more amazing benefits of black cumin oil.
