What Is Black Seed Oil Used For?
Black seed oil is an essential oil derived from black cumin seeds. The seeds are used throughout the Middle East and Far East as a spice for cooking and a supplement to aid in digestion. Because its use is relatively new to the English-speaking world, it is known by a variety of names, including black caraway and black onion seed.
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Beauty
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When taken as a supplement, black seed oil is said to strengthen hair and nails. Used externally on the skin, it is thought to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Queen Nefertiti of ancient Egypt, who was renowned for her beauty, was said to have used black seed oil to treat her skin.
Digestion
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The ancient Egyptians believed that black seed oil would kill internal parasites and aid digestion. Whole seeds were used in Egyptian cooking. A bottle of black seed oil was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen for the pharaoh to take with him for use in the afterlife.
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Remedy
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The ancient Egyptians also used black seed oil to cure inflammation and abscesses, and as a remedy for colds, headaches, allergies and infections. Pliny the Elder used the seeds from which the oil is derived in a paste to treat snake bites and scorpion stings. And the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that the seeds will cure everything except death.
Birth
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In India, black seed oil is given to women who have just given birth. The oil is thought to help ease postnatal contractions and aid in lactation.
Cooking
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In addition to its health benefits and supplementation properties, black seed oil is used widely in cooking. It has been mentioned in the Bible as an ingredient in some types of bread. Its pungent, bitter taste has caused it to be used as a pepper substitute in parts of the world. It has a pungent, oreganolike odor and has been used as both a condiment and a spice. In India, it is used in mild braised-lamb dishes, vegetable dishes and chutneys.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Nigella sativa by Jerzy Opioła
