Black cumin has been widely used in folk medicine of the East for several millennia in a row to maintain health and beauty. This plant is found in many countries. Black cumin, or sowing nigella, kimin, kalindzhi, and also Roman coriander (there are more than a dozen other names depending on the place of growth) is an annual herbaceous plant with small trihedral dark-colored seeds.
Black cumin is widely cultivated as a spice and has a bitter, spicy aroma and astringent, astringent taste. It is actively used in the preparation of rye bread (sprinkled with loaves), sauerkraut is flavored with caraway seeds, used for pickling vegetables, baked meat with it, added to soups, cheeses and a variety of pastries. One of the first known liquors - the famous "Kyummel", prepared on the basis of cumin, was created back in the 16th century as a drink that improves digestion.
Since ancient times, caraway greens have been used for vitamin deficiency, fruits - in medicinal preparations and tinctures, in perfumery and soap making. Arab women are known to have eaten cumin mixed with black pepper and honey as an aphrodisiac. The popularity of black cumin in folk medicine in different countries is due to its many healing properties. Cumin has a general strengthening and immunizing effect on the body, and also has a fairly wide range of beneficial effects in protecting against many diseases.
The essential oil extracted from black cumin fruits is successfully used in pharmacology, medicine and cosmetology. Black cumin oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant of the same name using the cold pressing method. The use of this technology preserves the maximum useful properties of the plant.
Black cumin oil contains vitamins, microelements, as well as valuable organic acids, beta-carotene and other useful substances. According to independent studies, some of the fatty acids that make up this oil can only be found in seafood. Black cumin oil has a positive effect on the functioning of the thymus gland, thereby stimulating the human immune system. This is where the undoubted benefits of using this oil come from - with its regular use, the composition of the blood is updated and the composition of the bone marrow improves, the manifestations of allergies decrease. Also, black cumin oil is effective for dermatological diseases, gastrointestinal and acute respiratory infections.
How to choose the right black cumin oil
The most valued oil produced by the method of the first cold pressing. To decide where to buy black cumin oil, it will be useful to take into account some of the nuances:
- Black cumin oil produced in Egypt is widely found on sale. This is due to a balanced combination of "quality-price", in addition, these manufacturers of essential oils are well known in our market. Black cumin oil has been imported from Egypt for more than a decade.
- Oil produced in Syria, Pakistan, Yemen and Algeria has a mild taste and excellent quality. Black cumin oil from Saudi Arabia, as well as the UAE, is positioned as a premium product, its cost is quite high.
- Other producers (European countries, Russia, Ukraine) mainly use imported raw materials for pressing black cumin oil, since the climatic conditions of these countries are not optimal for the ripening of this plant. Often, the rather high price of black cumin oil from these manufacturers is due to the overhead costs of transportation.
Depending on the method of production, the following varieties of black cumin oil are distinguished:
- on a geographical basis - according to the place where the plant is grown;
- in composition - for example, the so-called "royal" black cumin oil (it contains 30% Ethiopian black cumin seeds and 70% Syrian cumin seeds), "Ethiopian" black cumin oil (a mixture of Syrian and Ethiopian cumin seeds). Mixing is carried out in order to obtain the optimal ratio of taste characteristics and efficiency;
- first cold pressed oil, as well as pressed oil without mechanical filtration, which includes natural sediment in its composition;
- 100% pure black seed oil or mixed with additives - for example, adding 30% olive oil softens the taste of black seed oil and promotes its better absorption.
The use of black cumin oil
Black cumin oil has a pronounced antibacterial, antiviral, mycoseptic, anti-inflammatory and tonic effect.
Regular consumption of black cumin oil inside is recommended to improve the body, increase immunity and fight many diseases. Effectively affects diseases of the cardiovascular system, digestive and genitourinary systems, metabolic disorders, as well as viral infections. The use of black cumin oil gives a tangible effect:
- in the fight against hypertension - lowers blood pressure and reduces the level of bad cholesterol;
- in the fight against atherosclerosis, disorders of cerebral circulation;
- in diabetes mellitus, black cumin oil regulates blood sugar levels, participates in the synthesis of insulin;
- with helminthiasis;
- with dysbacteriosis, for the prevention of colitis, gastric ulcer, cholelithiasis and cirrhosis of the liver;
- with violations in the reproductive system, to enhance potency;
- for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system;
- has a calming effect and relieves spasms in bronchial asthma.
Black cumin oil is used externally:
- for the care of oily, problematic and inflamed skin, with acne, as well as for mature skin;
- for the prevention and treatment of fungal diseases;
- with inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs (with rhinitis, sinusitis, SARS);
- for the treatment of hemorrhoids;
- to improve the condition of the hair (cares, effectively moisturizes, enhances hair growth, prevents the appearance of premature gray hair);
- as an anti-inflammatory, soothing and regenerating agent for skin diseases (allergic dermatitis and neurodermatitis);
- to normalize blood circulation, increase skin elasticity, to combat swelling and stretch marks;
- for rubbing with krepatura and pain in the joints.
There are almost no contraindications to the external use of black cumin oil. It should be noted that this tool is a potent concentrated drug, and it should be used with caution externally in undiluted form. Carefully read the instructions for using black cumin oil.
Application for hair
Oriental women traditionally use black cumin oil to maintain the beauty of their hair, because it contains a real storehouse of nutrients and moisturizers. Black cumin oil strengthens hair, effectively fights dandruff and early gray hair. It is not recommended to use this oil for healing hair in its pure undiluted form (to avoid possible allergic reactions).
Recipes for hair masks with black cumin oil:
- To make dull and lifeless hair silky and shiny, mix equal amounts of cumin oil, olive oil and onion juice, warm the resulting mixture a little and apply to hair. This mask must be kept for half an hour, after which the hair is thoroughly rinsed.
- Against cross-section and hair loss, prepare a mask of black cumin oil, low-fat cream and olive oil (take all components in equal proportions), apply to hair and massage the scalp thoroughly. After a quarter of an hour, rinse your hair with warm water.
- To stimulate hair growth, mix caraway, burdock and castor oil (half a tablespoon), add the yolk of one egg and a couple of drops of patchouli or lavender essential oil, mix thoroughly and apply for half an hour, then rinse.
Application for weight loss
Black seed oil has been successfully used for weight loss as a dietary supplement and in home beauty recipes to improve skin elasticity and reduce the volume of critical areas. This oil accelerates regeneration and improves the appearance of the skin.
To lose weight with black seed oil, you need to switch to a lighter diet and minimize the intake of carbohydrates, in addition, you should take black seed oil on an empty stomach according to the scheme below.
In the first month:
- 1 and 4 weeks - in the morning take 1 tsp. oils with a glass of water;
- Week 2 - in the morning and evening half an hour before meals, take 1 tsp. oils with a glass of water;
- 3 week - take in the morning 2 tsp. oils with a glass of water.
In the second month:
- 1 week - in the morning take 1 tbsp. l. oils on an empty stomach without water;
- Week 2 - in the morning and in the evening half an hour before meals, take 1 tbsp. l. oils without water. Keep in mind that the daily intake of fats in food should be reduced to 20 g;
- Week 3 - 20 minutes before meals before breakfast, lunch and dinner, take 2 tsp. oils without drinking water;
- Week 4 - before breakfast and lunch, take 1 tsp. oils.
After the end of the course, you should take black cumin oil every other day as part of salads or adding to drinks. This technique guarantees a weight loss of 2 kg per month, is effective for speeding up metabolism, normalizing blood sugar levels and reducing appetite.
- To reduce body volume - mix 150 ml of black cumin oil with 5 drops of grapefruit oil and 3 drops of jasmine oil, then massage the problem areas, moving from the ankles to the waist, giving each area for several minutes;
- To improve skin elasticity - mix 200 ml of black cumin oil with 10 drops of natural menthol or peppermint essential oil, massage problem areas. Perform the procedure in the morning before breakfast.
A contraindication to this massage is individual intolerance to black cumin oil, as well as the presence of mechanical damage to the skin.
Application in traditional medicine
Recipes for using black cumin oil:
- For the treatment of a runny nose, lubricate the wings of the nose from the outside, and also moisten cotton rolls (turundas) with black cumin oil and place in the nose for 15 minutes.
- For the treatment of otitis media - in order to relieve inflammation, as well as for pain relief, place cotton turunda soaked in black cumin oil in the ear for an hour.
- For colds, accompanied by a hysterical cough, bronchitis, pneumonia, rub the back and chest with a mixture of olive oil and black cumin oil (5: 1 ratio). Take inside black cumin oil 1 tsp. 3 times a day for a week.
- For the treatment of diarrhea, 2 times a day, take half a glass of kefir mixed with 1 tsp. black cumin oil.
- A remedy for flatulence and bloating is to add a few drops of black cumin to tea.
- For stomach ulcers, take a decoction of flax seed with black cumin oil, prepared as follows: add a tablespoon of flax seed to a glass of water, bring to a boil, heat over low heat for two minutes, then add a teaspoon of black cumin oil. Drink a glass of infusion in two doses (morning and evening).
- With helminthiasis - regularly lubricate the anus with cumin oil.
- For the treatment of prostatitis - a mixture of pumpkin seed oil and black cumin oil (1: 1) take one teaspoon 2 times a day.
- For pain in muscles and joints - mix a small amount of black cumin oil with olive oil, apply for rubbing.
- To improve memory - add 7 drops of black cumin oil and a little honey to a glass of mint broth, consume on an empty stomach 1-2 times a day.
How to drink black cumin oil
Children over the age of 3 years are allowed to give black cumin oil in the following dosage:
- from 3 to 5 years - half a tsp. in a day;
- 5-10 years - no more than 1 tsp;
- children over 10 years old - no more than 1.5 tsp. in a day.
Black cumin oil should be taken half an hour before a meal (with half a glass of water) or consumed immediately after a meal.
Black Seed Oil is a highly effective therapeutic agent with clinically proven efficacy. The positive feedback on the use of black cumin oil and the growing demand for this product strongly support the use of black cumin oil.
Contraindications for use
As with most herbal preparations, there are some contraindications to the use of this essential oil:
- it is forbidden to take pregnant women - black cumin oil can be harmful during pregnancy due to the presence of plant hormones in the composition;
- after undergoing organ transplant operations - implant rejection may occur;
- allergic reactions and individual intolerance.
