Black seed oil or black caraway commonly called “Kalhudhiri theyo” is an extract from the Nigella sativa plant native to Eastern Europe, Western Asia and the Middle East. The black colored seeds from the fruits of the plant have been used in medicine for thousands of years.

The potential benefits of black seed oil include weight loss, benefits for the skin, for diabetes or infertility among many more. Moreover, thymoquinone contained in the oil is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may also help in reducing tumors. The oil can be incorporated in capsule form and in different skin applicable products.

The uses:

Packed with Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that prevent oxidative damage to the cells by killing harmful free radicals. Several compounds found in Black seed oil, such as thymoquinone, carvacrol, t-anethole and 4-terpineol, are responsible for its potent antioxidant properties.

Antibacterial

Some researches show Blackseed oil can be used as a standard antibiotic against several bacterial strains. For example, a study showed the use of black seed in isolating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a strain of bacteria difficult to treat and resistant to antibiotics. Black seed extract was effective in more than 50% of the samples killing off the bacteria in a dosage system.

Keeps blood sugar steady

1 billion people worldwide have high blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure causes complications such as fatigue, unintentional weight loss, nerve damage, vision changes and slowed wound healing.

Research shows Black seed extract could aid in blood sugar regulation therefore preventing these complications. In addition, Black seed extract if taken daily for 3 months was seen to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar, average blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Infertility

Black seed oil is hypothesized to improve sperm movement and increase sperm count and semen volume in men with abnormal sperm and infertility. The research came up on placebo-controlled-clinical tests carried out in Tehran, Iran.

Kidney and liver function.

A research published by National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt on 2013 march shows black seed oil may reduce liver and kidney disease complications and improve organ structures in rats. Further tests are to be carried out.

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