Black Seed Essential Oil (Nigella sativa)

Overview

Black Seed may also be referred to as Black Cumin Seed, Fennel Flower. It is typically processed using cold-pressed as a method for extracting oil from the seeds.

Summary

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to south and southwest Asia. N. sativa grows to 20–30 cm tall, with finely divided, linear leaves. The flowers are delicate, and usually colored pale blue and white, with five to ten petals. Black seed oil is touted as a remedy for conditions such as allergies, asthma, diabetes, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, black seed oil is said to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and fight infections. The oil is used topically for skin and hair concerns, such as acne, dry hair, psoriasis, hair growth, and dry skin. The slightly bitter seeds are used as a flavoring or spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine and are sometimes sprinkled on flatbread, naan bread, or bagels.

Black Seed Essential Oil

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Earthy Fresh Green Soft Spicy Woody

  • Taste Description: Has a complex, pungent peppery bitter flavor with an aroma that reminds one of nutmeg
  • Common Name(s): Black Cumin Seed, Fennel Flower

  • Synonyms(s) for Nigella sativa: Nigella cretica, Nigella indica, Nigella truncata

  • Botanical Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Botanical Genus: Nigella
  • Chemical Family: Thymoquinone
  • Major Compounds: thymoquinone, carvacrol, and p-cymene
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Medium
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Low
  • Color: Rich, deep gold to dark brownish black
  • Indigenous Country: Southwest Asia, India
  • Cultivation: Organically Grown
  • Processing Methods: Cold-pressed
  • Part Typically Used: Seeds
  • Shelf Life: 2 Years
  • Conservation Status:  [NE] Not Evaluated
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan
  • Not Pregnancy Safe Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
  • Not Child Safe Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

May be benefitial for addressing the following ailments:

Aches Asthma Bodily Congestion Diarrhea Eczema Flatulence Headache Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Insect Bites Menstruation : Cramp ( Dysmenorrhea ) Migraine Muscle Stiffness Muscular aches and pains Psoriasis Skin : Dry Stiffness

Properties of Black Seed:

Very healing - soothes eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin

Therapeutic Benefits of Black Seed:

Analgesic Anti-allergenic Anti-asthmatic Anti-bacterial Anti-cancer Anti-epileptic Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Anti-parasitic Carminative Cicatrisant Decongestant Emmenagogic Emmenagogue Energizing Immune support Strengthening Tonic

Other Uses for Black Seed:

According to Tisserand, the fixed oil is radioprotective... protecting healthy cells against damage from radioactivity.

Blends

Black Seed Blends:

Clary Sage Lemon Orange, Sweet Peppermint Rosemary Tea Tree

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Black Seed:

There's some evidence that applying black seed oil directly to the skin may cause an allergic skin rash (known as allergic contact dermatitis) in some individuals. There's some concern that taking too much black seed oil may harm your liver and kidneys. It's possible that black seed oil may interact with many common medications, such as beta-blockers and (Coumadin) warfarin. Stop taking black seed oil at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.

Safety Precautions for Black Seed:

A component of black seed oil known as melanthin may be toxic in larger amounts.

Avoid Black Seed if:

Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Do not:

Black seed oil may slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that affects blood clotting, you shouldn't take black seed oil.

History

History of Black Seed:

Historically black seed has been used as a medicinal seed since the earliest times. It is said that Cleopatra and Nephrititi used it in their beauty regimes and it was found in the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Apparently, the Greek physician Dioscorides used black cumin seeds to treat headaches and toothaches, while Mohammed said that black cumin cures every disease but death itself.

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities

Energetics and Chakras Qualites of Black Seed:

2nd Chakra - Relationships 3rd Chakra - Personal Power 7th Chakra - Higher Information Clarity Creation Energy Energizing Protective Purifying

Articles

Black Seed Articles or Publications:

Black Pine Corsica Essential Oil
Black Spruce Essential Oil