Black Seed Oil

Black Seed Oil is an edible oil extracted from the Black cumin seeds. The health benefits derived from this oil make it quite popular throughout the world.

Black Seed Oil

Table of Contents

Table Of Content

Table of Contents

What is Black Seed Oil?

The seeds from the Nigella sativa plants are commonly known as Black cumin or Kalonji. Oil extracted from the Kalonji is called the Black Seed Oil or Black Cumin Oil. It is edible and is used for various culinary and medicinal purposes. This highly nutritious oil has many health benefits to offer.

Black Seed Oil Scientific Name

The scientific name for the Black cumin plants is Nigella sativa.

Black Seed Oil Description

Here is a general description of this oil:

Picture 1 – Black Seed Oil

Appearance: It is a clear liquid.

Color: Black Seed Oil is deep yellow to deep amber in color.

Taste: The slightly bitter taste of the oil resembles that of the Black cumin seeds.

Aroma: It has a spicy aroma.

Black Seed Oil Properties

Some of its principal properties are:

Specific Gravity: Its specific gravity ranges between 0.915 and 0.918.

Viscosity: It has a moderate viscosity.

Black Cumin Distribution

The Black Cumin plants are indigenous to the south and southwestern parts of Asia as well as Middle East. Presently, they are grown throughout the world. Their distribution range includes various parts of North America and South Africa.

Black Seed Oil Composition

It contains high amounts of fatty acids while its essential oil content is also beneficial for human health. Here is the essential oil composition of this oil:

Carvone: 21.1%
Alfa-Pinene: 7.4%
Sabinene: 5.5%
Beta-Pinene: 7.7%
P-cymene: 46.8%
Others: 11.5%

It also contains the following fatty acids:

Myristic Acid: 0.5%
Palmitic Acid: 13.7%
Palmitoleic Acid: 0.1%
Stearic Acid: 2.6%
Oleic Acid: 23.7%
Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): 57.9%
Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): 0.2%
Arachidic Acid: 1.3%

Black Seed Oil Extraction Process

Oil is extracted from the Black cumin seeds using the cold press method. The seeds are washed and cleaned properly before using them for oil extraction. No chemical additives are used in this oil. The cold press method does not require heat which means the oil retains all its natural nutrients.

Black Seed Oil Nutritional Value

Here is the nutritional value of the Black Cumin Oil:

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	208 ug/g
Thiamin	15ug/g
Riboflavin	1 ug/g
Pyridoxine	5ug/g
Niacin	57 ug/g
Folacin	610 IU/g
Calcium	1.859 mg/g
Iron	105 ug/g
Copper	18 ug/g
Zinc	60 ug/g
Phosphorus	5.265 mg/g
Saturated Acid	18.1%
Monounsaturated Acids	23.8%
Polyunsaturated Acids	58.1%

Black Seed Oil Health Benefits

Numerous health benefits can be derived from the Black Cumin Seed Oil:

Picture 2 – Black Seed Oil Seeds

It works as an antihistamine to cure various symptoms of allergies.
Black Seed Oil helps to reduce fever.
According to studies, its thymoquinone contents and anti-fungal properties can improve the immunity system.
Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for reducing cough and asthma.
This oil plays an important role to keep the digestive tract clean and healthy.
It is an excellent source for polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Its active ingredients help in controlling the blood pressure.
Black Cumin Oil is also beneficial for curing various sleep disorders.
It also has anti-spasmodic properties.
The antioxidants in the Black Seed Oil help in preventing various heart diseases, cancer, neurological disorders and arthritis.
It benefits the human body by producing prostaglandin E1 which controls cholesterol levels, reduces thrombosis and blocks abnormal cell formation.

Black Seed Oil Uses

The nutrient rich oil extracted from the Black cumin seeds is used for various culinary purposes. The medicinal properties of Black Seed Oil also make it useful.

Edible Uses

It is widely used in cooking in various places including Middle East and Asia.
This oil is sometimes used as a pepper substitute for its pungent and bitter taste.
Its oregano-like aroma has made it useful as a spice.
It is often used for preparing various vegetable dishes, lamb dishes and chutneys in India.

Medicinal Uses

It is consumed with drinks like tea and coffee for fighting hypertension.
Black Seed Oil is used for massaging the forehead as it cures headaches.
It is used for curing various ailments such as fever, cough, flu and asthma.
It is also used for curing various sleep disorders and insomnia.
The oil is useful for fighting various digestive problems, stomach upset and nausea.
It is used as a remedy for diarrhea.
Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for curing toothaches.
Black Seed Oil is used for curing numerous skin problems including skin rashes, sores, acne, itching, herpes and eczema.
It is used in the treatments of diabetes, dysuria, colic, vitiligo, leprosy, bephritis and hepatitis.
This oil is also used for treating kidney and gall stones.

Other Uses

Black Seed Oil is used in various personal care products such as hair oil, shampoo and soap.
It is consumed along with fruit juices for increasing energy and staying active throughout the day.
This oil is applied to the face along with olive oil for a healthy complexion.
Black Cumin Seed Oil is often consumed in the form of health supplement capsules.

Black Seed Oil for Hair

Black Seed Oil is very good for hair as it acts as a moisturizer and prevents hair-loss as well as hair-graying. It is also believed to be beneficial for the growth of hair. One should massage the scalp with the Black Cumin Oil after shampoo for keeping the locks healthy and shiny.

Using Black Seed Oil during Pregnancy

It is advisable to avoid using it in any form during pregnancy as it can cause various complications and even miscarriage.

Black Seed Oil Side Effects

There are no known side effects of this oil when used in moderate amounts. But, it can cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions to some people.

Black Seed Oil Availability

One can buy organic Black Seed Oil both in stores and online at reasonable prices. The price for 200 ml oil ranges from $20 to $25.

Black Seed Oil Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the oil extracted from the Black cumin seeds:

It is mentioned in the Bible for its healing powers.
Black Seed Oil is highly regarded in Islam. Prophet Muhammad said that it can cure any health problems and diseases except death.
Pliny the elder has mentioned this oil in the “Naturalis Historia” as a remedy for snakebites, insect bites, rashes and tumors.