black seeds
NIGELLA SATIVA
our hero Ingredient
"a cure for every disease except death"
~ Prophet Muhammed
With their many names (including black seed, black cumin & kalonji) these tiny black seeds, and their oil, have been used as a medicinal remedy and to maintain health for thousands of years.
In fact, it was so revered in the time of the Ancient Egyptians, that King Tutankhamun was buried with a vat of Black Seeds in his tomb. And, Egyptian Goddesses Cleopatra and Nefertiti were said to use Black Seed oil in their beauty routines.
the plant
As part of the Buttercup Family, Nigella sativa is a hardy flowering plant thought to be native to the Aegean and its adjacent regions - ie Eastern Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa.
the seeds
The seeds are slightly bitter in taste and have been used for millennia as both a spice (traditionally used on top of Turkish bread), as a natural medicine, and in practices like Ayurveda to help treat a large range of illnesses and skin conditions.
the magic
Containing one of the world’s richest natural sources of THYMOQUINONE (a powerhouse antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound), Black Seeds possess an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, proteins as well as a extremely high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
It is thought that the unique combination of these components work in synergy to give Black Seeds the power behind their tremendous potency and function.
benefits for the skin
In addition to being a potent source of free-radical fighting antioxidants, Black Seed Oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids (namely omega 3, 6 and 9) which help to fortify and protect the skin's natural lipid barrier, retain moisture and promote elasticity.
The potent combination of vitamins, minerals, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral) and anti-inflammatory properties of Black Seed Oil see this natural powerhouse also help improve wound healing, reduce blemishes, minimise the appearance of scars and combat the visible signs of aging.
Whilst it's impossible to list all the benefits of Nigella Seed Oil here, we hope this snippet provides you with enough to help you understand why these magical tiny Black Seeds are the hero ingredient for all of our Organic Skincare products.
the science
With a plethora of benefits for the skin, hair, body and immune system, Nigella sativa is one of the few ancient remedies that is becoming increasingly backed by scientific research.
There have been thousands of studies published on Nigella Sativa and its constituents.
This study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2021 (link below) provides a good summary of some of the traditional uses of Black Seeds, as well as modern day studies conducted on the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, anticancer, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity and neurological properties of Nigella sativa, and thymoquinone.
It also discusses the studies conducted on various skin diseases including, but not limited to psoriasis, skin itchiness, blemishes, eczema and other difficult skin conditions.
Nigella Plants – Traditional Uses, Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Preclinical and Clinical Studies
A summary of some of the traditional uses of Black Seeds, as well as modern day studies conducted on the antioxidant, anticancer, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity and neurological properties of Nigella sativa, and thymoquinone.
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An Australian-first study from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) showed that "Nigella Seed Oil supplementation was associated with faster recovery of symptoms than usual care alone for patients with mild COVID-19 infection."