Whenever most people discuss Black Seed Oil they bring up a quote by the Prophet Muhammad, a man said to live over a thousand years ago…
“In the black seed is a cure for every disease except death.”
As profound of a source Muhammad may be, and as profound of a statement this is indeed, it should not be taken as your true reason to put your full faith in Black Seed Oil to be your cure for every disease. However, it does give us reason to explore this seed a bit more since there is verified proof of its use for thousands of years.
What are some of these Black Seed cures claimed?
Of the many ways that black seed oil benefits the body, the 6 that stick out in the scientific literature are its ability to help prevent cancer, diabetes, obesity, hair loss, skin disorders and infections like MRSA.
These are major claims that would certainly need some scientific evidence to be legally placed on any product. While these benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, there have been a number of clinical studies done to suggest the Black Seed may just have some amazing beneficial properties.
Before continuing let’s not confuse Black Seed with other herbs such as cumin or caraway. Black Seed is more correctly know as Nigella sativa. Other common names are Fennel flower, Kalonji, Black cumin, Black caraway, Black sesame, Onion seed, and Roman coriander. [1]
If there is still any doubt about what you’re buying, just look for the term Nigella sativa on the package.
So what is the basis for all these claims of the benefits of Black Seed Oil?
So if just taking the word of a great prophet’s quote from over a thousand years ago isn’t enough, many more scriptures in Ayurveda medicine can be found about the uses and benefits of Black Seed Oil. However, in modern times we have become accustomed to needing scientific research and evidence to back up any claims.
There have been over 600 scientific peer-reviewed articles published about black seed oil benefits. Throughout most of these articles and studies there seems to be a common characteristic found within the Black Seed that can’t be ignored.
There is a definite connection with Nigella sativa being antimicrobial and anti-fungal. This is important due to the fact that many of the bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses such as HIV, staphylococcal, tuberculosis, influenza, gonorrhea, candida, and malaria have been becoming resistant to many drugs administered to help fight them. [2]
Let’s get more technical – What is in Black Seed that makes it so powerful?
Thymoquinone is the active ingredient in Black Seed which almost all research on Black Seed focuses on for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. [3]
Thymoquinone constitutes about 30% of Black Seed oil or ether extract.
Can Black Seed really cure cancer?
Croatian scientists evaluated the antitumor activity of thymoquinone in mice and discovered that the result of antitumor activities of Thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone reached TGI = 52% and it was statistically significant. [4]
Black Seed for Liver Health
Nearly every toxin gets processed through the liver and there is no doubt the importance to up keeping the health of this vital organ. In a recent study scientists discovered that black seed oil benefits the function of the liver and helps prevent both damage and disease. [5]
Black Cumin Seed can promote healthy Blood Glucose Levels
Nigella sativa is one of the few substances on the planet that is suggested to help prevent both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. According to a study, black seed “improves glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin, a drug commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes; yet it has not shown significant adverse effects and has very low toxicity!” [6]
Not just another Weight Loss gimmick, Black Seed has scientific proof
By decreasing weight gain triggers such as diabetes and high blood glucose levels, Nigella sativa was found as an effective anti-obesity herbal medicine in a study researching many other plants said to have anti-obesity effects. [7]
In conclusion, Nigella Sativa, Camellia Synensis, Green Tea, and Black Chinese Tea seem to have satisfactory anti-obesity effects. [7]
Black Seed Fights Infections
MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is plaguing hospitals and nursing homes across the globe because ordinary staph infections are becoming resistant to generic antibiotics. Older people are at high risk to MRSA due to their weakened immune systems.
Black Seed was shown to be able to slow down, or stop, MRSA from spreading. [8]
The conclusion of this study reports: “The results indicated that N. sativa has inhibitory effect on MRSA. This finding warrants necessity of further investigation of this product of folk medicine.”
In conclusion to this article it is important to recognize there are many levels to the many benefits of herbal medicine that are claimed throughout our community. A quote from such a prominent being such as the Prophet Muhammad could be taken as the sole reason for someone turning to Black Seed to help cure their cancer. Others may have more faith in modern clinical studies. Whatever may be said about Black Seed and its extensive list of miracles, we cannot doubt that Nigella sativa is comprised of some very powerful chemicals that have both, ancient texts and modern science, talking of this herb next to terms such as cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and other ailments that have plagued our communities.
Finally the real truth about Black Cumin Seed!
Thank you for the invaluable info I have reordered more black seed cumin Nigella sativa with the hopes that it will give me all the benefits so far so good carole