So, what’s the buzz about black seed oil? Although its benefits to your immune system have thoroughly hit the grapevine, there is some fuzziness about what plant true “black seed” oil is harvested from. After all, there are many seeds that are black, and most have health benefits.
While most brands harvest their black seed oil from what they refer to as black cumin seed, the actual plant which produces the black seed oil you’re looking for is Nigella Sativa. True black cumin seed is harvested from the plant Bunium Bulbocastanum, a plant whose extracts also offer therapeutic benefits, but is a different plant altogether. So what you’re looking for on the label is that the black seed oil is harvested from the Nigella Sativa plant, not that it says “black cumin seed oil”.
The Nigella Sativa plant grows in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It produces white flowers, and the black seeds which have been used in these regions for thousands of years as a cure-all for everything from skin infections, to diabetes and cancer.
Black seed oil contains natural plant-based chemicals known as phytochemicals. Just to give you a comparison, anti-oxidants are also phytochemicals. The most powerful of these phytochemicals found in black seed oil is TQ or thymoquinone. Thymoquinone provides immune system proteins that greatly reduce allergic reactions, and improve the immune system in a myriad of ways.
As noted in our buying guide for essential oils, cold-pressing is an ideal method of
extraction for essential oils such as black seed oil, as it retains the purity of the essence. Like flaxseed oil, black seed oil contains essential fatty acids such as omega-3s, which are necessary for a healthy body, including skin, hair, and nails.
While black seed oil is not a
meal replacement, it is a great supplement to your diet, just like
almond flour is a great substitute for white flour on a diet. Black seed oil offers a seemingly endless array of health benefits that stops many diseases dead in their tracks.
Black seeds were good enough for King Tut to be buried with, so there is definitely something to these magic seeds!
Price
Some of the factors which can affect the price of black seed oil are the quantity you’re purchasing, extractions methods, and the purity of the plant.
A bottle of black seed oil can run you anywhere from $12 - $100, but the more expensive brands aren’t necessarily the purest. On the other hand, don’t necessarily purchase from a cheap brand either, as these may not be of very high quality. Be sure the manufacturer lists the Nigella Sativa plant as the source of the black seed oil.
Also keep an eye out for additives. Other fillers can be used on even the most expensive brands, so check out the label to determine whether or not there are other additives.
Features
The primary feature to look out for is that the black seed oil you purchase is harvested from the Nigella Sativa plant. Another factor to consider is where the plant is harvested. Egypt is known for producing high-quality black seed oil, but other regions in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia do grow healthy Nigella Sativa plants for harvesting.
Let’s look out for a few of these factors when selecting a brand:
- Ingredients (are there other additives?)
- Method of extraction (cold-pressed is ideal)
- Size of bottle
- Price
- Liquid or pill form
- Dark/amber bottle
- Customer satisfaction
Construction and Design
In order to maintain the purity of this essential oil, you want to purchase black seed oil in a dark/amber bottle, which will keep harmful light rays from damaging the essence of the materials.
A freshly cold-pressed batch of black seed oil is the best way to ensure the plant essence has not been harmed in any way by other extraction methods, which may use excessive heat or chemical solvents, thereby reducing the efficacy of the final product.
As we have discussed at length in this buying guide, look for black seed oil that has not been diluted with other additives, and that is sourced from the Nigella Sativa plant.
Performance and Ease of Use
Known for its pungent flavor, black seed oil can be taken with honey in liquid form to make it more palatable. You can also purchase it in gel caps, if that’s your preference. Just keep in mind that it is possible to have an allergic reaction to gelatin, especially if it’s sourced from animals.
There are many beneficial uses for black seed oil. A truly magical elixir, it has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
This all-natural ancient medicine has been used to treat diabetes, reduce cancerous tumors, treat drug addiction, reduce bronchitis, and improve breathing and blood circulation. It will also keep your hair, skin, nails, and eyes healthy.
Black seed oil truly packs a powerful immune-boosting punch. It’s your doctor in a bottle!
The true black seed oil that’s been used for thousands of years is sourced from the Nigella Sativa plant. There are several phytonutrients, or natural plant-based immune-boosting chemicals, that are present in black seed oil. Probably the most important of these phytonutrients is Thymoquinone, which is proven to have numerous beneficial effects on one’s health. Also known as TQ, it’s an effective phytochemical which can be used to treat many diseases and illnesses.
Complete with essential fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6, and 9, the list of health benefits from black seed oil is quite long. Now you know the secret to long-lasting health! Purchase a bottle today from one of these trusted brands, and get on the path to wellness!
