Ever Heard of Black Cumin Seed?
Other cultures call it Kalonji, but the scientific name is Nigella Sativa. Despite the name, it's not actually related to the cumin spice you've probably heard of. Cumin comes from the parsley family, while black cumin is from the buttercup family.
If you travelled back 2,000 years ago, you'd find famous Egyptians like Cleopatra using this oil as an incredible skincare tool and hair product. It was so well cherished that even the famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun requested some be added to his tomb so he'd have it with him in the afterlife. The famous Greek physician and philosopher, Hippocrates II famously stated that black seed was “a cure for all diseases except death”!
Many cultures including those in the Mediterranean sea frequently ate these seeds and the oils produced from them and credited it for their health and longevity.
What We Know Today...
While science would certainly never tell anyone a herb or seed could cure 'all diseases', it's unique properties make it really stand out from other plant foods.
The biggest active ingredient in black seed oil is thymoquinone, but the palmitic acid, oliec acid, linoleic acid and plant sterols certainly deserve a mention too. Were the ancients crazy, or do these unique compounds offer special health benefits? Turns out... they were wildly smart beyond their years.
Big Benefits of Black Cumin Oil:
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Countless tests have proven it's ability to reduce inflammation and support the immune system, potentially aiding conditions like arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune disorders. - Metabolic Support:
Some studies show it may help improve blood sugar levels in those with diabetes and may even help someone lose weight by speeding up digestion. - Cardiovascular Benefits?
Some trials show a reduction in cholestrol levels, lower blood pressure and protection against certain causes of heart disease.
- Immune System:
Traditional knowledge suggested it could help with asthma and allergies, and some key studies have shown improved lung function and far less hay fever. It's antimicrobial properties may also help fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.
- Skin and Hair:
Applying the oil directly to your skin may help treat acne, eczema, psoriasis and speed up the healing of certain wounds. There's evidence showing it may help reduce hair loss and enhance the shine too. - Brain Health:
Some research has found neuroprotective effects for both cognition and anxiety in animal models suggesting there could be more to the complex compounds in the seed than we realize.
While all studies conducted (there's over 700!) have mentioned very few side effects at lower doses, it's still recommended that anyone who wishes to overindulge seek a doctor's advice before doing so.
One university found that black cumin seed oil was nearly as effective as ibuprofen for it's anti-inflammatory effects, but without the stomach lining damage that can come with NSAID products.
How Do You Use Black Cumin Oil?
Naturally, the cold pressed seed is at the heart of things, a natural ingredient you can use to spice up food. Some use it as a condiment on top of already prepared foods (move out of the way, ketchup!) but, there's other ways to enjoy it too.
- Drizzle over vegetables
- Salad dressings
- Baked goods (naan bread, for example)
- Stir fry sauce
- Smoothies
While there's no real wrong way to eat it, it's not a cooking oil, and high heat will damage it's precious nutrients. It's best to enjoy raw where possible, even just taking a a spoonful right out of the bottle.
These seeds and the oils created from them have been praised in Islamic traditions, the Bible and even in Ayurvedic traditions in India. It's been popular for centuries in countless cultures, but it's making a big resurgence today. You can probably see why.
When we started pressing black cumin seed oil right here in Vernon BC, it was obvious right away that this mysterious, spicy and almost pizza like aroma had something ancient and powerful to it.
If you haven't tried it yourself or at least smelled it, your missing out on something truly special. A unique seed oil that hundreds of thousands of people around the world have come to trust for a number of uses and benefits.