Black seed oil is also known as black cumin oil that originates from Nigella sativa seeds. The plant itself is a flowering annual native to southwest Asia. It grows to one foot and produces delicate flowers with capsules that contain the seeds. Many cultures in Africa and Asia use black seed oil for a wide spectrum of health remedies. Before starting any supplements, including oils, consult your health care provider to ensure its safety.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that causes pain in the extremities, especially the toes and feet. The pain is associated with elevated blood sugars over time. Eventually, the nerves are damaged and the nerve tissues become inflamed. Acute pain or chronic pain may result. Not all diabetics develop this condition if sugar levels are well controlled according to the National Institutes of Health. Black seed oil contains a component called gamma linolenic acid, GLA, which has been shown to reduce pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. These results were apparent after a six month study as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center. GLA has anti-inflammatory qualities.
Allergies
Several studies used black seed oil to treat allergy symptoms. The outcomes were promising according to "Phytotherapy Research." The allergies investigated included allergic rhinitis, eczema and asthma. The black seed oil was administered daily to a group of people that reported severe symptoms. During the treatment, all subjects had a decrease in their symptoms and they reported feeling better. Blood tests also revealed fewer antigens that originally caused the allergic reactions.
Improved Cholesterol
Black seed oil helps decrease the triglyceride levels in cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol also known as high-density lipoprotein, HDL, according to the "Pakistan Research Repository." Triglycerides are the fatty particles that travel through the blood and have the potential to stick to the vessel walls causing occlusions. This could result in a stroke or heart attack. The HDL is the component of cholesterol that clears out the triglycerides thereby decreasing their levels in the blood. Total cholesterol levels were reported by "Phytotherapy Research" to decrease as well, which is beneficial to overall heart health.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Diabetic Neuropathy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gamma-linolenic acid
- PubMed.gov.: Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) on subjective feeling in patients with allergic diseases
- Higher Education Commision Pakistan: Characterization of Black Cumin Seed Oil and Exploring its Role as a Functional Food
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