What Is Black Seed Oil Good For?

Teresa M March 23, 2018 Black Seed Oil 37 Comments

Welcome to Part 3 of my introduction to Black Seed Oil and its remarkable health benefits. In Part 3, I will delve into what is Black Seed Oil good for.

Catch up on Part 1 here if you want to learn more about the historical use and the modern research and studies into it.

Check out Part 2 here if you want to discover what this amazing plant does and how it works.

Black Seed (Nigella sativa) has been extensively researched and investigated using modern scientific techniques and focuses on very specific health conditions. Some of the most compelling and impressive evidence include: [Source]

* Allergies & Hay Fever – Effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

* Asthma – Research has shown it to be a promising treatment for bronchial asthma.

* Amenorrhea & Irregular periods – Nigella sativa seeds have been reported to have significant effects against ailments such as skin disease, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, anorexia, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, paralysis, amenorrhea, asthma, cough, bronchitis, headache, fever, influenza and eczema.

* Anxiety – Research has shown it to stabilise moods and decrease anxiety.

* Autoimmunity – Evidence suggests that it can be used in the development of effective therapeutic agents towards the regulation of immune reactions implicated in different infectious and non-infectious conditions, such as allergy, autoimmunity and cancer.

* Boils & Carbuncles – The paste prepared by mixing ground Nigella sativa seeds in water is used for the treatment of boils.

* Cancer (breast cancer; colon cancer; leukaemia) – Rats with induced colon cancer in the post initiation stage, but with daily treatment with the volatile Black Seed Oil for 14 weeks induced significant reductions in the colonic lesions.

* Candidiasis – Research shows that Black Seed exhibits inhibitory effect against candidiasis.

* Cardiovascular problems – Nigella sativa seeds have shown to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

* Chemical weapons injury – A study suggests a prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa on chemical war victims.

* Colds & Flus – Research conducted showed that the plant and its main active ingredient Thymoquinone is effective clearing congestion associated with the upper respiratory tract.

* Colic – InArabia, Nigella sativa is a traditional remedy for asthma, , cough, stomach ache, abdominal pain, colic, general fatigue, rheumatism, and skin diseases.

* Coughs – Various studies support the common folk perception of Nigella sativa as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent used for traditionally to help with asthma, hypertension, cough, bronchitis, eczema and gastrointestinal issues.

* Depression – Results that support the traditional belief on the beneficial effects of Nigella sativa on the nervous system has shown that it can prevent LPS-induced depression.

* Diarrhoea & Constipation – Research shows that traditional uses of Nigella sativa seeds for diarrhoea and asthma stands correct.

* Diabetes (Type I & II) – Anti-diabetic effects of the plant have resulted in evidence to support its anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anti-oxidant effect.

* Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes) – Study shows a protective role of Nigella sativa in diabetic nephropathy.

* Digestive & Gastrointestinal problems – Review focussing on regenerative effects for gastric ailments.

* Edema – Nigella sativa showed promising anti-inflammatory activity in many studies.

* Epilepsy – Review shows that Nigella sativa and its components can be considered as promising agents in the treatment of nervous systems disorders.

* Hair loss – Researchers at the University of Rome conducted a small pilot test and results show significant improvement in both hair density and hair thickness.

* Headaches – Various studies support the common folk perception of Nigella sativa as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent used for traditionally to help with asthma, hypertension, headache, eczema and gastrointestinal issues

* HIV – Report reflects the fact that there are possible therapeutic agents in the plant that may effectively control HIV infection.

* Hormonal problems – Results from this study showed that the alcoholic extract from the plant especially in high doses could increase fertility potential, LH and testosterone concentration in male rats.

* Hypertension – Results suggest that the daily use of Nigella sativa seed extract for two months may have a blood pressure-lowering effect in patients with mild hypertension.

* Hypothyroidism – Positive beneficial effect of powdered Nigella sativa in improving thyroid status in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

* IBS – Review focusing on regenerative effects for gastric ailments.

* Insomnia – Problems with sleep can be due to psychological causes or by an over-stimulation of the nerves. According to different studies, it seems that the plant can affect the nervous system and related diseases. From my experiences so far, Black Seed Oil has certainly helped with my 5 years of broken and interrupted sleep!

* Infections (including the deadly super-bug MRSA) – Results in this study indicated that Nigella sativa has inhibitory effects on MRSA.

* Intestinal parasites – Present study proved that the plant had inhibitory effect on the microscopic organism, Blastocystis hominis.

* Immune system strengthener – The present investigations provide a comprehensive review of the ability of Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component in Nigella sativa, to modulate inflammation and immune-related disorders in the various important disease states.

* Kidney & Bladder disease – Extensive studies on the plant have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which include anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective and antioxidant properties

* Liver & Gallbladder problems – (see kidney and bladder above).

* Memory Impairment, Learning, Mental Fatigue, Lethargy, Confusion – Many studies have been done to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on learning and memory and they have shown to be positive. This is due to the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cholinesterase properties.

* Menopause – the plant is shown to be efficacious in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

* Metabolic Syndrome – This review suggests a potential role of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone (TQ) in the management of metabolic syndrome.

* Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Results from some studies showed that the plant and TQ have several properties including anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti‐ischemic, analgesic, anti-psychotic and memory enhancer. Also, its protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and MS have been discussed.

* Muscle cramps & spasms – Data indicates that the crude extract of Nigella sativa seeds exhibits spasmolytic and bronchodilator activities.

* Nasal congestion – (see Sinusitis)

* Nausea – The anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil may help in alleviating nausea.

* Neurotoxicity & Neurodegeneration – Studies have shown that Nigella sativa has protective effects against neuronal damage and neurotoxicity.

* Obesity & Weight Loss – This review published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorder examined 33 different studies relating to herbal and natural weight loss remedies. Studies with Nigella sativa and the other herbs showed significant decreases in body weight and seemed to have satisfactory anti-obesity effects.

* Opiate addiction/withdrawal – Studies have shown that the plant and its extract can be useful in the treatment of drug tolerance due to its anti-oxidant properties.

* Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis – This study gives strength to the potential relevance of Nigella sativa in clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis through modulation of T lymphocytes.

* Peripheral neuropathy – Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone could be a potential treatment against peripheral neuropathy.

* Sinusitis – The results of investigations of Nigella sativa seed fixed oil showed its therapeutic potential in treating sinusitis by its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histaminic, immune-modulator, anti-microbial and analgesic effects.

* Skin problems (eczema, bruises, burns, wounds, acne, neurodermatitis) – Nigella sativa seeds have been reported to have significant effects on skin disease like eczema.

* Toothaches – The use of Nigella sativa seed fixed oil can inhibit the inflammation of sinuses and respiratory airways, microbial infections and help patients suffering from clinical symptoms of sinusitis such as nasal congestion, headache, earache and toothache.

* Tumours – The seeds of the plant were evaluated for its potential in the prevention of febrile neutropenia in children with brain tumors, with positive results.

* Ulcerative colitis – Results from this study found that Nigella sativa prevented inflammatory status in the blood, partly protected colonic tissue against experimental ulcerative colitis.

It’s quite an extensive list that has been proven by research and I hope to explore more about Black Seed Oil and its incredible health benefits in future articles. Stay tuned!