5 amazing facts about the Nigella sativa (black seed) plant
The Nigella sativa plant (also known as black cumin or black seed) has been used for millennia in traditional medicine.
We take a look at five amazing Nigella sativa benefits and explain how you can enjoy the benefits of using black seed oil extract.
It’s antioxidant
Nigella sativa is packed full of protective compounds called antioxidants.
The antioxidant that Nigella sativa is most famous for is thymoquinone (1), which is linked to many of the plant’s health benefits.
As an antioxidant, it fights free radicals in your body. If their levels get too high, free radicals can make you more susceptible to diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
So antioxidants like those found in the Nigella sativa plant act as your first line of defence against cell damage, disease and even premature ageing!
It’s anti-inflammatory
Inflammation in your body is not always a bad thing. It’s how your body responds to injury or infection and is a way of protecting you from further problems.
But too much inflammation can lead to chronic pain and a higher chance of developing serious diseases including cancer.
The thymoquinone in Nigella sativa is believed to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect (2), protecting you from pain and disease.
It boosts your immunity
Nigella sativa has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine thanks to its immune-boosting and other properties.
Traditional belief in its protective qualities has been investigated by scientific studies, one of which (3) offered participants two grams of Nigella sativa powder daily for three months.
At the end of the study, the participants were found to have higher levels of white blood cells, which is linked to a stronger immune response.
It keeps your heart healthy
Nigella sativa helps keep your heart healthy by reducing cholesterol levels.
In one study (4), obese women combined a low-calorie diet with three grams of Nigella sativa oil daily for eight weeks.
At the end of the trial, their cholesterol levels were much lower and the women were overall healthier, thanks to weight loss and smaller waist size.
It may even kill cancer cells!
It’s even believed that Nigella sativa could kill cancer cells.
One study (5) pulled together research done so far on the plant and its relationship to cancer cells.
It concluded that it appeared to be a safe and effective way of treating many different types of cancer and that more research was needed into this important role of the Nigella sativa plant.
Tap into the power of Nigella sativa!
Now you know how awesome the Nigella sativa plant is, you’ll want to know how you can tap into its power.
Its seeds are densely packed with the nutrients we discussed above and others including vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids, all of which are essential to keep the human body healthy.
The oil is used for quality health supplements, like our Black Seed Oil Extract (also known as Nigella sativa oil), available in our online shop.
You can use just use one to two drops daily to harness black seed oil benefits. Massage it into the skin or add the drops to your favourite smoothie or other healthy drink.
(And don’t forget to consult your doctor before using any new supplement such as black seed oil.)
References
- Hannan M et al. ‘Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety,’ Nutrients, 2021 May 24;13(6):1784. doi: 10.3390/nu13061784.
- Kheirouri S, Hadi V, Alizadeh M. ‘Immunomodulatory Effect of Nigella sativa Oil on T Lymphocyttes in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis,’ Immunological Investigations, 2016 May;45(4):271-83. doi: 10.3109/08820139.2016.1153649. Epub 2016 Apr 21.
- El-Shansoury M et al. ‘Nigella sativa improves anemia, enhances immunity and relieves iron overload-induced oxidative stress as a novel promising treatment in children having beta-thalassemia major,’ Journal of Herbal Medicine 2018, pp. 100245.
- Mahdavi R, Namazi N, Alizadeh M, Farajnia S. ‘Effects of Nigella sativa oil with a low-calorie diet on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women: a randomized controlled clinical trial,’ Food & Function, 2015 Jun;6(6):2041-8. doi: 10.1039/c5fo00316d.
- Khan M, Chen H, Tania M, Zhang D. ‘Anticancer Activities of Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin)’, African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2011; 8(5 Suppl): 226–232.