Buying guide for best black seed oil
Extracted from the seed of the Nigella sativa plant, black seed oil is an all-in-one product that boasts beauty, health, and culinary benefits. It is thought to have immune-boosting and antihistamine properties as well. If you want to learn more about black seed oil or perhaps purchase a quality product, you’ve come to the right place.
Of course, as with any medicinal product, we urge you to carefully monitor your dosage of black seed oil. We also highly recommend speaking with your healthcare practitioner before you use black seed oil in order to avoid unnecessary side effects and drug interactions..
Uses for black seed oil
Beauty
Black seed oil has been used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. Its effectiveness as a topical skin agent has not been definitively proven, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil, when applied to the skin, is useful in treating the following ailments.
Acne
Psoriasis
Eczema
Rough, dry skin
Black seed oil has been shown to have antibacterial properties, and there are claims that it helps wounds heal faster. The oil is also thought to be moisturizing for the hair and may be applied as a hair mask in order to soften it.
Health
Black seed oil contains antioxidants and is sometimes used as an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. People with the following health concerns sometimes use it.
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Asthma
Stomach upset
Diabetes
Male infertility
Fungal growth
Some proponents even suggest that black seed oil may have anticancer properties. However, it’s important to note that conclusive studies are few and far between. Black seed oil is a supplement only; it’s not intended to be used as a replacement for medical treatment from a professional.
Cooking
Seeds from the Nigella sativa plant can be used by cooks to add additional nutritional value and a unique flavor profile to dishes. Why cook with the seeds or black seed oil? It’s a way to reap the health benefits and add a source of essential fatty acids to your diet. Some ideas for incorporating the seed into your cooking include the following.
Sprinkling it in stir fry
Adding it to homemade bread products
Mixing it with your own home-ground seasonings
If you’re using black seed oil to flavor a recipe, make sure to taste test it before adding it to food. Different brands may differ in taste. Some versions are more bitter than others. Black seed oil is not a substitute for an ingredient like olive oil and should be added in smaller quantities.
Considerations
Before you add a black seed oil product to your supplement roster, consider the following.
Safety
This supplement may interact with prescriptions. Always check with your physician before using a supplement of this sort. Black seed oil has been known to cause allergic reactions when applied topically. Perform a skin test before slathering it onto your body.
Black seed oil is potentially harmful to the kidney and liver in large doses. Follow packaging instructions regarding dosage to reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage. Medicinal doses are not recommended for pregnant women or those breastfeeding. Anyone with a blood disorder or those heading into surgery should not consume black seed oil.
The effects of this supplement have not adequately been studied, and this list of safety concerns is not exhaustive. Please consult with your doctor before adding black seed oil to your supplementing routine, and as mentioned above, do not use it as a substitute for other medical interventions.
Form
Black seed oil is available in liquid and pill form. Seeds from the plant are also available for use in cooking. The oil extract is naturally more potent than the seeds.
Packaging
If purchasing the supplement in liquid form, look for options stored in dark glass bottles. It’s even better if the oil is contained in UV-filtered glass. The darkened glass slows the oxidation process and preserves the oil longer.
Organic
Concerned about chemical contamination? Look for USDA-certified organic black seed oil formulas. They’re not derived via chemical extraction and typically don’t have additives.
Cold pressed
Oils that are cold pressed are extracted without heat. Since heat may decrease the quality of the resulting oil, cold-pressed options are usually higher in quality.
Purity
Avoid additives and preservatives by selecting a black seed oil formula that’s 100% pure. You’ll avoid fillers and be confident that you’re getting your money’s worth.
Did you know?
Many people confuse black seeds with cumin. Cumin is not a relative of the black seed, but it too can be used in the kitchen.
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Black seed oil prices
100% pure black seed oil costs more than black seed oil that contains fillers. USDA-certified organic options also cost more. The brand name may affect the cost of a black seed oil product, too.
If you opt for black seed oil in capsule form, expect to pay between $0.10 and $0.75 per pill. If you opt for liquid black seed oil, you can expect to pay between $1.5 to $10 per fluid ounce depending on the purity and origin of the substance.
Recipe for black seed oil dressing
Popping a black seed oil capsule or gulping down a teaspoon of the stuff in the morning is simple and convenient, but incorporating black seed oil into recipes is a fun way to include this health supplement in your diet. Consider topping your salad with this new flavor for an exotic kick.
Mix the following ingredients in an emulsifier and drizzle over your favorite salad. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use throughout the week on your lunch salads.
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup of your favorite olive oil
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. honey
2 tbsp. vinegar of your choice
1/4 tsp. dijon mustard
black seed oil to taste (1/4 tsp. should do, but flavor depends on the brand)
salt and pepper to taste
FAQ
Q. What does black seed oil taste like?
A. Seeds have a bitter flavor while the oil is slightly spicy. Different brands may have different flavor profiles. Taste doesn’t matter much unless you plan to cook with the stuff, though. If you want to use black seed oil in the kitchen, look for slow cold-pressed options. The gradual extraction process prevents bitterness from developing.
Q. Will using black seed oil cure my condition or disease?
A. While there are reports that black seed oil has helped people with chronic conditions, there is no solid scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of the supplement. Feel free to add safe dosages of black seed oil to your diet, but do not use it to replace an already prescribed treatment.
Q. How do I use black seed oil?
A. It can be ingested in pill form, sprinkled on food in seed form, or taken in liquid form by the spoonful. The oil can also be applied topically to the skin or hair.
Q. Is black seed oil effective for weight loss?
A. Unfortunately, there’s no magic pill for melting away belly fat, and studies on black seed oil and weight loss aren’t particularly convincing. You might find yourself less bloated when taking this supplement, but it’s not a miracle solution for shedding pounds.
Q. What is the shelf life of black seed oil?
A. If it’s tightly sealed and stored correctly, a bottle can last up to two years. Opt for black seed oil stored in UV-filtered glass bottles to maximize shelf life.
