Black seed, or Nigella Sativa, has been used for millennia, and the claims have finally caught the attention of modern medicine. Several studies have shown positive health benefits associated with the consumption of black seed. Additionally manufactures sell black seed in topical formulations applied to the skin as an oil. The most noted proponent of black seed was Ibn Sina, author of "The Canon of Medicine," written in the eleventh century, who promoted it for a variety of ailments, especially targeting fatigue and malaise.
Composition
Black seed contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B2 and C, plus iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium. Additionally, black seeds contain several amino acids, including arginine, alanine, aspargine, tyrosine, linoleic acid, thymoquinone and tryptophan. And the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" explains that the proteins and fats present in black seeds help to deliver these vitamins and amino acids to the different parts of your body. A study published in the August 2000 "Phytotherapy Research" found that black seeds also contain several antioxidant properties.
Additional Benefits
According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," in addition to having antioxidant properties that may help fight fatigue, black seed has many health benefits that include anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic properties. Additionally, black seed can help treat asthma, hypertension and many common allergies. These health benefits are most likely a result of the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and proteins present in the black seed.
Scientific studies have started to examine these purported uses. However, current clinical evidence does not support the claims about black seed oil or the specific reasons why black seed may offer these health benefits.
Oils
Typically, you will find black seed in oil form. Manufactures sell black seed oil in both topical and oral formulations. Before, applying black seed oil to your skin, always try it in a small area with a very small amount and check for any allergic reactions. According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments," allergic reactions to black seed oil are not common. However, you want to make sure you do not have any allergies prior to applying the oil to large portions of your body. This warning also applies when consuming it. Try a small amount of black seed oil and wait for at least a day to make sure you do not experience an allergic reaction. Should you experience any adverse reaction to topical or edible black seed oil, immediately discontinue use and seek medical attention.
The Different Names
When purchasing black seed health supplements, make sure that it contains true black seeds. Manufacturers of supplements use several different formulations to describe Nigella Sativa, and some of them do include black seed. Therefore, before purchasing a Nigella Sativa supplement, make sure the package says that it contains black seeds. If the package lists other ingredients in lieu of black seed such as black cumin, fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower or black onion seed, the supplement is not Nigella Sativa.
References
- Memorial Sloan--Kettering Cancer Center: Disclaimer
- NCBI: Antioxidant Activity of Nigella Sativa Essential Oil; Burits M and Bucar F; August 2000
- NCBI: Pharmacological and Toxicological Properties of Nigella Sativa; Ali BH and Blunden G; April 2003
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
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