Seed oils are vastly growing in popularity, and black cumin seed oil is one that we keep seeing pop up in articles again and again. So what is black cumin seed oil and why are so many people talking about it?
Black cumin seed oil is a carrier oil made from the seeds of the black cumin plant. This plant is native to southwestern Asia, as well as areas in the Mediterranean and Africa. It is generally applied topically or taken as capsules and can be used alone or mixed with essential oils.
In this article, I’ll take you on a whistle-stop tour of everything black cumin seed oil, including how it’s made, its popular uses and benefits, as well as some details on potential substitutes and shelf life details.
What is black cumin seed oil made from?
Black cumin seed oil is derived from the seeds of the black cumin plant, with the oil being extracted from the kernels and produced into black cumin seed oil that we see available in stores around the world.
The black cumin plant is generally found in Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean, and the kernels have been used to produce traditional medicine in these countries for thousands of years.
Black cumin seed oil is high in antioxidants which may make it beneficial for reducing inflammation, and it also contains sterols which may help to regulate cholesterol levels.
Uses for black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil has many uses, most of which are health/medicinal related.
It is often taken orally in the form of capsules alongside other oils and vitamins, and is thought to promote good health including potentially aiding weight loss and regulating cholesterol – however, these claims are always worth discussing with a medical professional to ensure you’re being treated correctly if you require help for a particular condition.
When applied topically to the skin, it can be beneficial to help soothe aching joints, as well as skin conditions such as eczema as it can help with dry skin. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help with other skin conditions such as psoriasis – jojoba oil is another oil that has anti-inflammatory benefits, here’s a more in-depth guide into jojoba oil.
Black cumin seed oil can also be used as a dressing for salads, as well as in cooking and baking. When purchasing black cumin seed oil, it’s important to always double-check the label to ensure it’s ingestible prior to cooking with it.
Benefits of black cumin seed oil
There are a number of key benefits to black cumin seed oil (which I love) including the following:
- May help to promote liver health – studies show it may help the function of the liver in preventing damage/disease
- Rich in thymoquinone and thymol – thymoquinone is an antioxidant and thymol is a compound that may help to fight bacteria
- Protects skin from dryness and conditions such as eczema – studies have shown it to be as effective as some skin creams in relieving eczema (we strongly recommend speaking to a medical physician before taking black cumin seed oil for conditions such as eczema)
- Generally helps to reduce inflammation – this can involve promoting the healing of burns and keeping skin hydrated
- Helps to improve scalp health – has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties which may help hydrate the scalp and reduce conditions such as dandruff
- May help to balance cholesterol levels – studies have shown cholesterol levels decrease upon the regular dosage of black cumin seed oil, and may also help to decrease blood pressure
Appearance and scent of black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil is generally amber in color and can vary to almost black in some varieties.
It has a scent that is often described as earthy, woody, and peppery.
Black cumin seed oil is fairly thick and therefore has a comedogenic rating of 2. This means that it is unlikely to directly cause breakouts/acne, however, it is slow to absorb into the skin and may feel a little greasy if you have oily skin.
Substitutes for black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil is very unique, and it is, therefore, difficult to recommend a long list of potential substitutions in this case. An oil that is probably most similar is evening primrose oil, due to its anti-inflammatory benefits.
If you’re interested in other carrier oils, here are 63 carrier oils that we’ve explored in depth!
Shelf life and storage of black cumin seed oil
With a shelf life of up to 2 years, you’re safe to keep black cumin seed oil for a significant amount of time provided it’s stored correctly.
It will generally last longer when kept in cool, dark, dry conditions – it can even be stored in the fridge if you’d like a cooling effect when applied to the skin!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you learn a little more about black cumin seed oil.
Black cumin seed oil is also known as black seed oil, and can therefore be considered as the same product.
You should always check labels when purchasing black seed oil – it should specify that it is extracted from the black cumin plant if it is the same as black cumin seed oil.
You should not take black cumin seed oil if you have a blood disorder or if you take medication that may cause blood clotting. This is because black cumin seed oil may slow blood clotting and decrease blood pressure.
We always recommend consulting with a medical professional before adding a new product into your regime such as black seed cumin oil to avoid any adverse effects.
Black cumin seed oil may cause allergic rashes in rare cases. If you experience any form of rash or other adverse symptoms such as an upset stomach or vomiting, we recommend stopping usage and consulting with your medical physician.
It is considered to be safe to take black cumin seed oil on a daily basis, and this may result in lowered blood pressure/cholesterol. Always make sure you’re sticking to the advised doses when taking black seed cumin oil to avoid negative effects.
When applied topically, black cumin seed oil can help to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation, making it a popular oil for massage and also in combination with essential oils.
Here are some details on 112 essential oils if you’re interested in this vast topic!
You can also take black cumin seed oil orally in the form of capsules which may help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol in combination with other actions such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Leave a Comment