11 Health Benefits And Uses Of Black Seeds Oil For Hair And Skin

There is one plant that is considered one of the greatest forms of traditional healing medicine in Islamic literature –  the plant Nigella sativa (Black seeds). In the Arab world is called habbatul barakah, which means blessed seeds.

It has been used as a medicinal herb in other traditional systems like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha for 2000 years. It is a flowering plant that grows in Northern Africa, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Southern Europe. (1)

The tiny black seeds from this plant can be used to add some flavor to pickles, curries, and bread, very similar to oregano and other herbs. Some people eat it raw, mix it with honey or put it in the oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt.

But, the most common use of the black seed is the extracted black seed oil which has numerous applications and it can be used for many digestive tract conditions, including treating asthmas and immune system support. (2) The black seed oil is obtained from the cold press of the seeds from the plant.

It can be used topically in pure form without any added additives for healing wounds, treating eczema, acne, and psoriasis,  the beauty benefits which we will discuss in this article.

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

In traditional medicine, this plant has been used as a panacea or universal healer, medicine for all types of health conditions and in the Islamic literature, it is stated that it is a  “cure for everything but death”. (3)

This is not of a surprise as black seeds have a super nutrient profile.

Nutrition Information

One tsp. of black seed oil contains:

• Proteins: 0 gr
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 gr
• Fiber: 0 gr
• Calories: 45

Black seed is rich in:

• Copper
• Thiamin
• Zinc
• Niacin
• Phosphorous
• Iron
• Folic Acid
• Calcium

Black Seed Oil Is Rich In Antioxidants

Cumin (black) seed oil is high in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, and protect you from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. (4)

It is particularly rich in thymoquinone, which has been researched in many studies for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, in particular for treating cancer. And all the therapeutic properties come from this antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage and chronic diseases. (5)

Black Seed Can Be Used For Treating Many Health Conditions

Many studies proved that it could be effective in treating the following health conditions:

1. For treating dangerous infections starting from ear infections to pneumonia and it is proven to have anti-staphylococcal activity. (6)
2. It can have a protective effect on both kidneys and the liver as the antioxidant thymoquinone appears to lower the level of oxidative stress. It can prevent and dissolve kidney stones, as it was found in one study. (7)
3. It has been traditionally used for treating nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Additional research is needed to pin down its effects in this area.
4. Some research has shown that it is possible to improve blood sugar levels and it can be used for diabetes 2 treatment along with other conventional treatments. (8)
5. It can reduce high blood pressure as shown in one study from 2019. (9) Still, more research is needed to strengthen this evidence.

11 Health Benefits And Uses Of Black Seeds Oil For Hair And Skin

The black curcumin seeds oil is packed with many amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins that work together to have an anti-aging and moisturizing effect on the hair and the skin. The skin is our biggest organ and it deserves to be treated with the best natural ingredients and with nothing synthetic.

It has been used for centuries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa for enhancing natural beauty. It has been used as a beauty product by Cleopatra and Nefertiti in their daily beauty regimen as a secretive black elixir. Its essential fatty acids can alleviate skin dryness, increase hydration and provide a radiant glow.

Let’s see why our skin and hair love black seed oil!

1. Black seed oil keeps acne at bay!

Black seed oil can regulate excessive oil production, maintain healthy skin, and prevents sebum formation. The rich concentration of vitamin A and the active compound thymoquinone can reduce acne breakout. This black elixir has many anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as proved in many scientific studies and can reduce inflammation and redness on the skin. (10)

In one study from 2010, it was found that black seed lotion can be more effective in reducing the acne appearance compared to a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion. (11)

2. It can reduce the acne scars

Black seeds oil reduces inflammation, which can speed up the healing process of acne scars. At the same time, it prevents the growth of bacteria that could lead to further infections.

3. It is a powerful eczema fighter

One study showed that it reduced and improved the eczema symptoms on the hands with patients who applied it topically twice a day for 4 weeks.  (12)

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce eczema itchiness and it proved to be more effective than some commercial medicinal products.

4. It helps in treating psoriasis

Some studies have shown that it can help with the treatment of psoriasis, which is an inflammatory health condition with red patches on the skin, but additional research is needed to prove its effectiveness. (13)

5. Black seed oil can exfoliate your skin

You can make an exfoliating scrub to scrub and wash out the dead skin cells from your face.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon raw organic honey
• 1 tablespoon black cumin seed carrier oil
• 3 tablespoons apricot shell

Steps

• Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
• Wash your face and apply one tbsp of the mixture to your neck and your face.
• Leave it for 10 – 15 minutes so the skin can soak it.
• Massage it and rinse it off with warm water.
• You can apply 1 – 2 drops of pure black seed oil afterward.

6. Treats hypopigmentation and vitiligo

In one study, it was found that when applied topically for six months, it resulted in decreasing the vitiligo in the affected areas.  In this health condition, the skin losses its pigment-producing cells also called melanocytes.

On the other hand, during hypopigmentation, your skin fails to produce melanin, and according to one review from the Journal of Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery, thymoquinone, the most active ingredient present in black seed oil, induces melanin production when exposed to melanocytes. (14)

7. Black seed oil promotes hair growth

Rich source of natural antihistamines (nigellone and thymoquinone), can help you in hair fall and promote its growth. You can massage your scalp to provide all the needed nutrition for the hair follicles and get stronger and healthier hair.

The massage oil for the hair can be prepared at home very easily. You need only 2 ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. black seed oil
  1 tbsp. coconut oil ( or olive oil)

Instructions:

• Mix equal parts of the ingredients in one bowl.
• Work the oil into your scalp in circular motions before having a shower.
• Let it sit for half an hour and wash your hair normally.

8. It is a deep moisturizer

It is promoted as one of the best moisturizers. It will boost the hydrating effects on your skin by adding a few drops to your body lotion or regular face lotion if you have dehydrated skin.

You can make a great moisturizer for dry skin and use it in the cold winter months:

Just mix all the ingredients in one glass reusable container:

• 2 tbsp. sweet almond oil
• 2 tbsp. jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp. rosehip oil
• 2 tbsp. black cumin seed oil
• 1 tsp. vitamin E oil

Apply to your skin regularly if you need to moisture your skin and face.  You should warm up this elixir by rubbing 8 – 10 drops in your hands before the application.

9. Fade your face wrinkles with black seed oil

Apply regularly to enhance skin elasticity and fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. (15)

10. It can moisturize dry hair

To restore the hair moisture, massage your dry hair with black seed oil. It will also regulate the production of sebum in the scalp. This oil can also provide hydration to the hair shafts, leading to healthy and beautiful hair.

11. The black seed oil promotes wound healing

Besides its beauty effects on the skin, black seed oil can be used as a medicine for some skin health conditions. Its most beneficial compound, the antioxidant thymoquinone, has been studied to stimulate tissue growth and improve wound healing. (16) 

One animal study found that it can enhance diabetic wound healing in rats with diabetes.  (17)

Side Effects Of Black Seed Oil For Skin Application

There are no known side effects of using black cumin oil on the skin, but you should always avoid over-application. In addition, any product, if applied topically, may trigger an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin. You should test it before, in case you have sensitive skin.

Side Effects Of Black Seed Oil And Who Should Not Take It As A Supplement 

The black seed oil cannot replace the prescribed medications. Therefore, you should talk to a doctor if you want to stop taking any prescribed medication or before taking this oil as a supplement in case you take any prescribed medications.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your health provider before taking it.

Although serious side effects are quite rare, some people may have certain side effects such as:

• nausea
• low blood sugar
• bloating
• indigestion
• a burning sensation

In one study, a woman with type 2 diabetes was hospitalized with kidney failure after taking black seed capsules for a time period of 6 days. (18)  If you have kidney health issues, consult a medical provider before taking it.

It may interact with certain medications, like beta-blockers, and you should consult a doctor if you take this medication before taking it as a supplement.

How To Use And Consume Black Seed Oil Every Day 

You can apply it twice a day, morning and evening, if you have dry skin. Make sure your skin is cleansed before the application. If you have oily skin, apply it only once a day or as needed. The black seed oil is recommended for aging or the skin prone to acne.

To use it topically, massage it onto your skin. It is better to dilute in a carrier oil if taken for skincare. However, it can be used in liquid form, in capsule, or raw. Its consummation depends on the benefits you want to see from it, so it is best to consult a doctor or a dietitian before taking it for some health condition about the dosage.

The recommended dosage is 1 tsp in the morning or before sleeping, diluted in water.

Note: Never use this oil for cooking, as it will lose all the benefits from the high temperature used.

It has a very strong flavor, so it is best to mix it with honey before ingesting it.

Black Seed And Honey Benefits

It has spectacular results for your health if you mix it with honey and consume it regularly.  You can take 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of raw black seed powder and dilute them in water. Then, drink this mixture first thing in the morning to reap all the benefits from it. Here are some of the health benefits you can have from this mixture from regular consumption, and it can be used for:

• It can be used for weight loss.
• To improve your liver function and for detoxification from regular consumption.
• For youthful-looking skin and hydration and reducing the fine wrinkles on your face and around the eyes.
• Improve the quality of your sleep and feel more energetic throughout the day.
• For hair health and radiant fuller body when consumed on a regular basis.
• It will help you fight infections, reduce cough and throat irritation, and boost your immunity.
• Black seed and honey can be used as topical applications and are beneficial for wound healing. One study in Brazil in 2018  found that this mixture is very beneficial for wound healing. (19)

How Long Does It Take For Black Seed Oil To Work?

It usually takes around 3 to 4 months before seeing the first results, so you should be patient when taking it as a supplement.

When Should I Take Black Seed Oil Morning Or Night?

There are different ways of consuming it, but the recommended dosage is 1 tsp (diluted in water)  in the morning or before sleeping. But, it is always safe to check the instruction on the package before taking it.

Conclusion:

• Cumin (black) seed oil is high in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, and protect you from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease. 
• It is particularly rich in thymoquinone, which has been researched in many studies for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, in particular for treating cancer. And all the therapeutic properties come from this antioxidant that protects the body from cell damage and chronic diseases.
• It has been used for centuries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa for enhancing natural beauty. It has been used as a beauty product by Cleopatra and Nefertiti in their daily beauty regimen as a secretive black elixir. Its essential fatty acids can alleviate skin dryness, increase hydration and provide a radiant glow.
• It has spectacular results for your health if you mix it with honey and consume it regularly. 
• There are different ways of consuming it, but the recommended dosage is 1 tsp (diluted in water)  in the morning or before sleeping. But, it is always safe to check the instruction on the package before taking it.