All you need to know about black cumin oil and black cumin seeds

It's highly likely that you've already heard of nigella oil, perhaps you've even heard of its many virtues. But are you familiar with nigella seeds? The same seeds from which this vegetable oil is extracted.

In this article, you'll learn all about this wonderful oil as well as its seeds: How to use them? How to eat them? What are their effects? What are the precautions for use?

Let's start with the basics: what is cultivated black cumin (Nigella sativa)? It is a plant of the Family Renonculaceae whose seeds are used as a spice or as a remedy in traditional medicines, whose oil is obtained by first cold pressing and whose essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of this vegetable oil.

Nigella seeds

Nigella seeds, also known as black cumin because of their dark coloring, are mainly used as a spice, but they also have medicinal virtues. To enjoy all the benefits of these aromatic seeds, there are different ways to go about it, which we'll cover in this article.

Benefits of black cumin seeds

The nigella seed has anti-inflammatory effects thanks to anactive principle it contains, thymoquinone, and therefore helps relieve various inflammations such as that of the joints, skin or even the scalp.

This little black seed can also help boost the immune system. It is also known to help prevent or reduce the effects of certain seasonal allergies.
In addition, it is known to be associated with the use of certain antibiotics, as it is thought to increase their effectiveness. Having said that, however, it is important to seek the advice of a health professional when associating a food with an antibiotic.

These black seeds are also reputed to be used as a cure, as they would, among other things, give an energy boost. Another important point is that these seeds contain plant proteins and are interesting to incorporate into a vegetarian diet.

Nigella seeds are said to have many other health benefits, such as:

• maintaining a healthy digestive system;
• favoring lactation in women;
• lower blood cholesterol levels...

How to consume black cumin seeds

As mentioned above, black cumin seeds can be consumed in many different forms and for many different uses. It should be noted that these seeds are the basic form from which all derived products are derived, which is why some prefer to consume it as is.

The seeds can be used:

• Crushed as is: the important thing here when ingesting them is to take the time to chew them to properly assimilate its components. These seeds digest well, but to benefit from their efficacy as much as possible, it's important to chew well.
  
  
• The advantage of this method is that it's quick and easy, the disadvantage is that the bitter taste of the seeds is quite pronounced and will displease some people. The other disadvantage is that even if you chew the seeds well, some of them will not be assimilated by the body.
  
  
• Milled/powdered: in this form, they can be added to raw vegetables or juices, for example. To grind these seeds, simply place them in a special device such as a blender or coffee grinder. Some people prefer to roast them in a pan beforehand, to enhance their fragrance and facilitate blending. Generally speaking, it's advisable to consume two teaspoons of powdered black cumin seeds, one in the morning and one in the evening.
  
  
• In decoction: simply pour a teaspoon of black cumin seeds into cold water, boil the mixture for 5 minutes and leave to infuse for around ten minutes. The seeds can also be infused in other beverages such as tea or coffee.
  The seeds can also be used in powder form, simply diluted in the beverage. The infusion of seeds in water can be used to gargle 3 times a day, as it can relieve certain tooth and throat aches.

• As a poultice: in this case, the crushed seeds in the form of a slurry should be placed in a clean cloth and applied to the area to be treated for between 5 and 10 min, 3 to 5 times a day. Alternatively, soak the cloth in a cooled infusion of black cumin seeds instead of the porridge.

The use and consumption of black cumin seeds will therefore depend on each person and their needs. Some, for example, prefer to consume them mixed with honey, which will provide the body with other benefits in addition to breaking the bitter taste of the seeds. For this use, it is still advisable to grind the seeds.

In cooking, black cumin seeds have the advantage of being able to be incorporated into almost any preparation, even desserts! A good way to use them, especially for those who find their taste rather strong. Generally speaking, so that the taste doesn't come out in excess, 1 teaspoon of seeds is recommended for a dish for 2.

Cautions for using black cumin seeds

There are various other uses for black cumin seeds, such as in syrup, inhalation or as an eye compress, the key is to use them carefully and be aware that this product is not and will not replace medical treatment.

It should also be noted that a cure of black cumin seeds should not exceed 3 months.

Consumption of these seeds is strongly discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

This food should also be avoided by those on anticoagulants (always seek medical advice).

Black cumin oil

Need to be introduced, black cumin oil has become a must-have for many natural product enthusiasts. It not only has beauty benefits for hair and skin, but also health benefits.

As mentioned above, cigella oil is derived from the first cold pressing of the seeds, so it retains the benefits these seeds offer (already presented in this article).

Given its essential oil content, black cumin oil should be used with caution, and it is generally advisable to dilute it in other vegetable oils or in a neutral oil.

Benefits and use of black cumin oil on hair

Cinnamon vegetable oil helps maintain a healthy scalp, which has an impact on hair health, which can notably become stronger and shinier. What's more, this oil, which has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties, relieves itchy scalps and helps combat dandruff.

The nigella oil is best known for combating hair loss. In fact, thanks to its powerful active ingredients, this oil helps strengthen follicles, which helps slow hair loss, and it stimulates growth while strengthening hair resistance.

To do this, simply pair it with another vegetable oil, apply a few drops to the scalp, massaging gently, and leave on for at least 20 minutes and at best overnight, then shampoo the next morning.

Nigella vegetable oil can also be used to nourish all hair types although it is particularly appreciated by dry or brittle hair, simply apply a few drops in the morning to the ends and lightly to the lengths or use it as an oil bath once or twice a week by combining it with other vegetable oils such as jojoba oil and leaving the mixture to sit overnight.

Oily hair will also find happiness with this oil as it helps limit the overproduction of sebum.

In the same way as for cellular aging, the fatty acids contained in black cumin vegetable oil help slow down capillary aging.

Benefits and use of black cumin oil on the skin

In external use on the skin, it is advisable to use black cumin oil in combination with another vegetable oil. This oil is nourishing and moisturizing for the skin, as it helps to replenish lipids, which themselves help to limit water loss from the skin.

This vegetable oil is particularly effective in combating skin problems. In fact, it soothes and purifies them in addition to preventing the appearance of new acne pimples. It also calms certain irritations, inflammations and skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Used on dry skins, black cumin oil helps regenerate and nourish them. What's more, thanks to its antioxidant properties, this oil helps limit the appearance of new wrinkles and fine lines.

For daily use, black cumin vegetable oil can be incorporated into day cream at a concentration of 1% i.e., for 100 ml of cream, pour in 1 ml of oil. In the evening, it can be used to remove make-up from the skin before washing (do not put in contact with the eyes).

How and why consume black cumin oil?

Nigella oil is quite aromatic, half a teaspoon of it is more than enough to season a dish.

For a cure in internal use, you can drink half a teaspoon of it. Half this amount should be diluted in another dietary vegetable oil. Be careful, this cure should not exceed 12 weeks in a row.

When consumed internally, the benefits of black cumin oil are numerous:

• Strengthens the immune system;
• Soothes gastric and intestinal disorders;
• Detoxifies the liver;
• Alleviates headaches...

Precautions for use

• Nigella oil is not forbidden for pregnant and breastfeeding women, nor for children under 6, but it is not recommended. Ask a health professional for advice if in doubt.
• It is not recommended to heat black cumin oil above room temperature.
• This oil should not be brought into contact with the eyes.
• Some people may have an allergy to black cumin oil, before using it on the skin, a skin tolerance test is recommended.