Contents

• Nigella sativa – an abundance of inconspicuous black seeds
• Health-promoting properties of black cumin oil
• The use of black cumin oil in the kitchen
• The use of black cumin oil in cosmetics

Growing environmental awareness in society is fueling our interest in healthy nutrition that naturally supports our bodies in functioning properly. Interest in natural cosmetics that not only serve us well but also do not harm the environment is also growing. Natural oils are enjoying great popularity—both in healthy, sustainable cooking and in cosmetics. Treatments such as hair oiling are becoming increasingly popular and commonplace, and importantly, we can do them ourselves at home. Healthy oils such as rapeseed oil , grapeseed oil, and olive oil are already relatively well-known on our market. That's why it's worth taking a look at the less common but equally valuable black cumin oil.

Nigella sativa – an abundance of inconspicuous black seeds

Black cumin oil is made from the characteristic small black seeds of the black cumin plant, a plant with blue flowers that is cultivated primarily in Southern Europe and Western Asia, but can also be found in Poland. This plant, as well as its seeds and the oil derived from them, contains a wealth of ingredients such as:

• unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid,
• Phospholipids,
• phytosterols,
• flavonoids,
• Saponins,
• tannins,
• Vitamins A, E, B1, B3, B6
• Minerals: zinc, selenium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium.
• Protein,
• Carbohydrates,
• essential oils.

Health-promoting properties of black cumin oil

Due to its rich composition, black seed oil is said to have numerous health-promoting properties. Cold-pressed oil contains the most nutrients and vitamins, so it's worth checking before purchasing. Consuming the oil can affect, among other things:

• strengthens natural immunity, has an antioxidant effect, neutralizes the effects of free radicals, stimulates the growth of lymphocytes and macrophages, which are responsible, among other things, for the immunity of our body,
• The thymoquinone contained in the oil inhibits the release of histamine, which is responsible for allergic reactions. This alleviates the symptoms of an allergy.
• Shortening and alleviating the symptoms of bronchitis – essential oils support the coughing up of secretions remaining in the bronchi and the bronchi expand and work more efficiently,
• Gastrointestinal diseases – relieves reflux symptoms and reduces the effect of Helicobacter pylori bacteria , which contributes to the formation of ulcers and supports the fight against parasites such as threadworms, tapeworms, flukes, etc.

The use of black cumin oil in the kitchen

This oil has a very specific, slightly bitter, spicy, and intensely herbal flavor. Its color can range from bright yellow, brown, and even greenish. It is ideal for creamy soups, salads, and cold snacks, to which it imparts a characteristic herbal aroma. To somewhat soften the bitter aftertaste, it can be combined with honey, maple, and agave syrup. Cold-pressed black cumin oil should not be used for frying or baking, as this will impair its valuable health-promoting properties.

The use of black cumin oil in cosmetics

Black seed oil can also be used successfully as a hair oil treatment. With regular use, it strengthens the hair and nourishes the hair bulbs. Hair becomes soft and shiny, and more resistant to external influences.

This plant oil can be successfully applied to facial skin. It is particularly effective for sensitive and delicate skin prone to irritation and allergies, as well as for acne-prone skin, because:

• relieves inflammation,
• regenerated,
• moisturizes,
• relieves itching and burning,
• improves skin tone,
• regulates the work of the sebaceous glands,
• has antibacterial properties,
• helps to slow down the aging process of the skin,
• improves the firmness and elasticity of the skin,
• helps protect facial skin from the harmful effects of external factors.
  

It's definitely worth trying to incorporate black seed oil into a daily, balanced diet, adding it to salads or healthy snacks. You can also get a daily dose by drinking a teaspoon of the oil daily. However, pregnant women and children under 1 year of age should not consume it this way.