The incredible benefits of black seed oil
We call it black cumin: nigella is an ancestral plant from the East, recognised for millennia as a natural antibiotic. Let us tell you about these black seeds which, according to the Prophet Mohammed, can “cure anything, except death”.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about this seed with a bitter and spicy flavour.
What exactly is nigella? 🌸
Cultivated nigella or nigella sativa is the most commonly studied type of nigella, and the plant we’re looking at here.
It’s an annual plant from the ranunculaceae family, which may grow up to 60 cm tall in your garden.
Its flowers are white, unlike nigella damascena whose flowers are blue, and its  are harvested for the seeds they contain.
Nigella is quite easy to grow at home, as long as your garden is sunny enough.
A short history
Nigella was used in ancient Egypt to treat pulmonary diseases, a practice that still continues today.
Also, after a hearty meal, it was customary to eat it to promote digestion.
In Ancient Greece, it was a powerful remedy for pain such as headaches, toothaches, etc.
What are its benefits?
This small black seed, from which essential and vegetable oils are extracted, has multiple benefits. Nigella is especially recommended for:
- treating respiratory problems and allergies
- boosting the immune system
- strengthening the hair and skincare
Nigella oil is particularly aromatic and is excellent for a soothing and fortifying massage. It’s also used to treat skin with a tendency towards acne and eczema.Â
Researchers have studied its virtues for the respiratory system closely. It’s quite powerful for the bronchial tubes and can be an effective remedy for allergies.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory (meaning that it can stimulate the immune system or calm it in the event of an allergic reaction), it’s an antihistamine and acts as a bronchodilator.
Nigella oil also helps soothe inflamed joints.
From a cosmetic perspective, nigella:
- strengthens brittle nails and softens the hair
- tones the scalp
- protects against aging and dandruff
It’s one more protector to add to your care routine, but should be consumed in moderation.
How do you consume it?
For any use on the skin, mix it with other oils, because it has a very distinctive fragrance that’s reminiscent of cumin. For a joint massage for example, you can mix it with one-third arnica oil and one-third eucalyptus or other oil.
Did you know that the seed oil is edible? As a high-quality food oil, it has a spicy odour like pepper. As a seed, you can sprinkle it in a vinaigrette dressing or on sweet and savoury dishes if you like its bitter flavour.
Note that nigella vegetable oil can oxidise quickly. It should therefore ideally be kept in an opaque bottle.
Do you grow nigella? Do you have any good tips on how to use or eat it? Feel free to share your photos and suggestions on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
Did you like this article?
Take the time of a click to share your thoughts with us and make our next articles even more relevant to your needs.