Have you ever heard of black cumin seed oil, or more commonly known as black seed oil? The healing prowess of this humble black seed is mind-boggling, and it may not be familiar to many.

The seeds of the plant, Nigella Sativa, have health benefits that are confirmed and supported by biomedical literature since the 1960’s. One of black seed oil’s active component, known as thymoquinone, is a potent extract that protects brain tissue from radiation-induced stress, possess protective effects on the kidney and heart.

Studies have also asserted that black seed oil also helps with the suppression of breast, cervical and liver cancer growth as the thymoquinone extract inhibits growth of tumour. The thymoquinone extract is also said by studies to kill aggressive Gliobastoma brain cancer cells and Leukemia cells. Other than that, the extract from Nigella Sativa also induces programmed cell death in oral cancer cells.

Black seed oil is also good for people with skin disorders – such as Psoriasis – as the alcohol extract of Nigella Sativa seeds portray anti-psoriatis properties. This humble, but potent seed oil is also known to have blood-sugar lowering effects and aids in the management of diabetes for those with diabetes. Other than that, black seed oil is also known to aid in digestion and reduce bloating.

Black seed oil’s immense potential as a healing agent should be promoted and the consumption of black seed oil ought to be more openly encouraged.