Ingredient Spotlight: The Blessed Seed
“Hold on to the use of the black seed for indeed it has a remedy for every disease except death,”
That is a heavy statement and an immense burden to put on a single source. But I believe it! And you should too. Here’s why.
Modern science has finally caught up to what our ancestors have known for centuries. Nigella Sativa, or the black seed, is perhaps the most scientifically studied plant in recent times. Over the last five decades, numerous scientific studies have affirmed the pharmacological qualities of Nigella Sativa seeds, and demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihistamine, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antihypertensive activity.2
Extracts of NS contain many oils, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, nitrogen compounds, saponins, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, iron, and potassium; overall, more than 100 compounds have been isolated from black seed and their structure elucidated!! 1,2 Many studies have attributed the bulk of the pharmacological activity of NS to its qui-none content, which includes thymoquinone (TQ) and its dimer dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol. These compounds are scientifically proven for their anticancer activity. How amazing!
The Black Seed is believed to be native to the Mediterranean region. It has spread over the years throughout northern Africa, eastern Asia, and southern Europe. In the past few decades, this blessed seed found its way into Eastern Europe and North America. The plant is cultivated worldwide for medicinal and culinary uses.
In the first century, the Greek physician, Dioscorides recorded that the Nigella Sativa seeds were taken to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal worms. The Persian physician, Ibn Sina, commonly known in the West as Avicenna, also recommended the Black Seed as a remedy for fever, headache, toothache, and common colds; as a soothing agent for skin disorders, wounds and external irritations; and as an anti-fungal and vermicide against parasites and worms. In Biblical times, the Black Seed was often used to spice breads and cakes, and throughout Europe over the centuries baked goods were spiced with Black Seeds in combination with cumin or coriander.
The black seed has been used to successfully keep people super healthy for over 3,300 years, since their first reported discovery in Egyptian Pharoah Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Part of the buttercup family, the seeds are dark, thin, and crescent-shaped when whole. There have been reports of these health-giving seeds being used throughout history in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and India – for everything from minor headaches and skin irritations to ailments otherwise deemed untreatable. Regarded throughout the entire Middle East as one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs ever to exist…
- Cleopatra used it as a beauty treatment.
- Queen Nefertiti used black cumin seed oil to bring luster to her hair and nails.
- Hippocrates used it to assist with digestive and metabolic disorders.
- Archaeologists even confirmed that King Tut had a bottle of black cumin seed oil in his tomb for use in the afterlife!
It is no surprise then that black cumin seed oil has also been used by practitioners of Ayurveda and Chinese Traditional Medicine for thousands of years to treat an extensive list of mild to extreme health conditions. In recent years, it has been put to the test and numerous scientific studies confirm its long reported health benefits.
Although the internal benefits of the Nigella Sativa seeds are studied and proven, there is also strong evidence and research for the topical use of the black seed oil. A unique characteristic of this superfood is the oil’s powerful ability to restore the look and vibrancy of your skin. Below are just a few of the benefits of the topical application for your skin:
REDUCES OILY SKIN & CLOGGED PORES: If you’re struggling with excessive oil and clogged pores try this oil.
MOISTURIZES: black seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids that provide deep, lasting moisturization for your skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
NOURISHES: Black seeds provides vitamins A, B, and C, along with minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, giving skin what it needs to be healthy.
REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF DARK SPOTS: Regular application of this oil will help to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Vitamin A and amino acids together with fatty acids help to encourage a youthful look.
With so many amazing benefits and its proven history, the blessed seed will surely live up to its name. Try it in many of our products, including Rosehips Don’t Lie, Tree Hugger, and The Smooth Operator beard oil.
1. Gali-Muhtasib H, Roessner A, Schneider-Stock R. Thymoquinone: a promising anti-cancer drug from natural sources. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006;38:1249–1253. [PubMed]
2. Ali BH, Blunden G. Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa. Phytother Res. 2003;17:299–305. [PubMed]