Black Seed or Blessed Seed as the Ancient Egyptians used to call it, has been widely known to be part of the self-care and healthcare rituals of iconic Egyptian queens and kings such as Cleopatra and Tutankhamun. A well-researched botanical, its origins go back to ancient times. Black Seed has been mentioned in many different ancient herbal papyruses for its healing properties. Moreover, there have been over 600 clinical studies conducted on the seed which back up its healing and restorative properties.
Known for its powerful medicinal and antioxidant properties, black seed oil is a natural science-backed remedy that people use to treat a wide range of beauty and health conditions, including headaches, back pain, high blood pressure, infections, and even inflammation.
Black seed oil or black cumin seed oil is made from the seeds of the black cumin (Nigella sativa) plant, which belongs to the ranunculus family (Ranunculaceae). The black cumin plant is native to southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa. It has been grown for centuries for both its aromatic and flavorful seeds that can be used as a spice or as an herbal medicine.
1) It Can Help Fight Acne, Reducing and Balancing Oil Production In The Skin.
Research indicates that Black Seed oil is beneficial for multiple skin conditions, including acne. Mainly associated to its anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Packed with Vitamin A and being a natural source of All-Trans-Retinoic-Acid and amino acids, Black Seed Oil helps to reduce scarring even that of acne by speeding up cell turnover and improving cell longevity.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil aid in reducing the appearance of spots and acne by vastly decreasing the redness, pigmentation, and scarring caused by skin inflammations.
When applied topically research show that it can reduce the amount as well as area of lesions on the skin. Similarly, one study in 60 people had participants apply a topical gel made with black seed oil to the skin twice daily for 60 days.
Those who did this treatment had a 78% reduction in acne severity along with a significant improvement in the number of acne lesions compared with a control group.
2) It Can Help Treat Eczema, Psoriasis and Dermatitis.
Interestingly, some studies have found that black seed oil could aid in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaly red patches on the skin, as well as eczema and dermatitis. Being a natural anti-histamine and anti-microbial source, Black Seed Oil works to balance the skin's microbiome, restoring the skin’s barrier and preventing unfriendly bacteria from overgrowing, making it perfect for treating rashes, Eczema, and even Psoriasis, soothing itching, and irritation.
One study found that 83% of participants experienced at least a 75% reduction in their psoriasis severity after applying the herbal cream to the affected area daily for 12 weeks.
3) Promotes Wound Healing.
Black seed oil contains a compound called thymoquinone, which has been studied for its ability to stimulate tissue growth and promote wound healing.
Studies have found that thymoquinone may help treat burns, excisions, and diabetic wounds due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
4) Can Help With Hair Health.
Thanks to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, black seed oil is often added to hair care products, including hair masks and shampoos.
5) Could Aid In The Treatment Of Vitiligo.
Some research suggests that black seed oil could be beneficial for the treatment of vitiligo, a disorder that causes loss of pigmentation in the skin. One study in 33 people with vitiligo found that applying a cream made with black seed oil to the skin twice daily improved pigmentation in the hands, face, and genital region after 6 months.
Another 2014 study in 52 people showed that applying black seed oil topically for 6 months significantly reduced the size of vitiligo lesions, particularly on the arms, trunk, head, and neck. Researchers have suggested that the benefits of black seed oil may be due to its ability to spread and increase melanin within the skin.
6) Reduces Inflammation.
Studies have shown that black seed oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. According to a review of 10 studies, consuming black seed oil may reduce multiple markers of inflammation while also increasing blood levels of antioxidants.
7) Increases Hydration Levels On The Skin.
Highly nourishing, it is rich in omegas and essential fatty acids which help to maintain the skin's lipid barrier, preventing the skin from drying out. It is a natural source of NMFs (Natural Moisturizing Factors) that help prevent transepidermal water loss and keep skin moisturized.
8) It Is One Of The Richest Sources Of Antioxidants Found In Nature.
A rich source of antioxidants, the skin’s number one anti-aging agents, it is extremely high in Thymoquinone. This powerful antioxidant helps to fight off free radicals - which damage skin cells through oxidation and are responsible for much of the visible aging process by creating oxidative stress. Free radicals speed up the skin's cellular degradation by stealing oxygen from healthy skin causing them to wither which in time leads to the formation of lines and sagging skin. Black Seed Oil works to fight these aging processes.
9) Treats Infections.
Compounds in black seed oil have also been analyzed for their antifungal properties. In an effort to offer a solution to the growing antifungal resistant problem people have with yeasts and molds, a recent study was conducted with the purpose of determining if Nigella sativa seed oil could help.
What this study tells us is that Nigella sativa oil carries a unique chemical constituency that is not only effective individually, but more importantly also collectively. Essentially proving that fungus and molds cannot exist in the presence of these phytochemicals, it is no wonder why researchers seek to solve the superbug problem with black seed oil.
10) Unique to Other Plant Oils.
The pharmacological properties of Nigella Sativa make this seed oil very unique. Studies have found a compound called Thymoquinone which has been shown to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial and accelerates wound healing.
This is also why in clinical studies the oil has shown a significant reduction in papules and pustules and aids skin conditions like acne vulgaris, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, Black Seed oil contains a variety of vitamins (vitamin A & C) and minerals like Magnesium and Potassium and has good free radical scavenging activity, which helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
When it comes to looking for unparalleled antioxidant powerhouses, we recommend Hayaty’s 100% organic and natural Egyptian Black Seed Face Oil
Suitable for all skin types, ensure your face is properly cleansed before putting on a skincare oil. If you have dry skin, massage a few drops into your skin twice daily, morning and evening, letting it penetrate for a few minutes before applying other skincare products (or makeup) on top. If your skin is oily, apply once every 2 days, to balance the sebum production.
