Black seed oil

Nigella Sativa is the plant from which the seeds are utilized to extract black seed oil. 

It is also called kalonji, black cumin, or black caraway. 

This plant is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia and the seeds are used as a spice by the locals. 

It is routinely added to flat-breads such as naans, as well as into curries and even desserts. 

The medicinal benefits were obvious to the ancient people especially the Egyptians.

 When Tutankhamen's tomb was opened there were black seeds found inside. 

They loved black seeds so much, they wanted to take it into the afterlife with them. 

So these fascinating seeds are good for this life and the next. 

For at least 3,300 years we have been using this incredibly potent seeds and its oil.

 In the Muslim text, it's referred to as the cure for everything except death.

 The name is commonly confused with true cumin or black sesame. 

The seeds are 35%-40% oil and that's where the black seed oil comes from.  

The benefits of this powerful seed extends from cellular to the organ to the entire organism.

Containing the enzyme thymoquinone and unsaturated fatty acids, it is a powerful antioxidant and also has antimicrobial properties. 

In fact it is popularly anti-cancer and effective against infections that display flu symptoms. 

Research has also shown that black seed oil inhibits most strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria, making it very immune strengthening. 

Along with this, black seed oil has also been shown to lower cholesterol and help to manage both type 1 and 2 diabetes.  

Black seeds and its constituents are responsible for reducing inflammation in the body, resulting in better function of the heart, liver, kidneys, stomach and other organs.

 By reducing nasal congestion and mucus, asthma sufferers can find relief in the use of this powerful ingredient. 

This anti inflammatory effect also results in black seed oil being used as a treatment for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis while also reducing the pain associated with that.

Conditions like colitis and indigestion can also be relieved using black seed oil.

 It's also been shown to help in auto-immune conditions.  Another issue that black seed oil can be helpful in is thinning of hair and hair loss. 

It benefits the skin and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis while speeding up the wound healing process. 

Of course the ancient Egyptians knew about this versatile seed and the females included black seed oil in their beauty routine.  

Along with all the physical effects, black seed oil is also used to boost memory and improve cognition.  

Black seeds are very safe to introduce into the diet as there aren't many negative side effects and it is largely side-effect free. 

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't still consult with a health professional before introducing it into your diet. 

When I need some good quality black seeds or black seed oil I always go to Hab Shifa, plus they have great customer service as I found out when I received damaged goods,

 I was given a replacement free of charge straightaway! 

They also have some great resources on their website regarding information and history about these unassuming seeds. 

 https://www.whateatly.com/kalonji-benefits-in-islam/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/thymoquinone https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/nigella-sativa https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema/black-seed-oil-for-eczema#can-it-help https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785163/ https://www.foodsforbetterhealth.com/black-seed-oil-health-benefits-39119 https://www.ayurtimes.com/thymoquinone/ https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-black-seed-oil-89421