Black Cumin Oil - 5 Remarkable Health Benefits and Uses

The tiny seeds of the Nigella sativa plant have been used as a natural healing ingredient for thousands of years. The black seeds of the plant are ground up and processed into black seed oil, a traditional ingredient used to treat a wide range of diseases. While not all of these traditional medicinal uses were confirmed by medical studies, black seed oil has several health benefits that are backed by science - from relieving asthma to promoting weight loss.

This guide explores 5 of these health benefits and explains how to use black seed oil at home. 

 

What Is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is produced from black seeds, which are also known as black cumin, nigella, kalonji, Roman coriander, and black caraway. The seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant - a small shrub with white or pale blue flowers that grows all across Western Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. 

Black seed oil can be used in cooking, applied directly on the skin, or taken in the form of capsules. The active ingredient in black seed oil is called thymoquinone, and it’s a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound. We review five science-backed health benefits of black seed oil below. 

 

1. Helps your success in weight loss

When it comes to weight loss, there’s no magic pill capable of making a person lose weight while they are sitting on the couch and overeating on a daily basis. Black seed oil will not make you magically lose weight, but it can improve the effectiveness of the things you’re already doing to shed those extra pounds. 

 

Medical studies show that taking black seed oil with every meal along with a low-calorie diet can lower the body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference more than a low-calorie diet alone can. A review study from the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders confirmed that black cumin seed oil helps weight loss efforts in individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. 

 

One 8-week study in 90 obese women aged 25-50 found that taking 1 gram of the oil with a meal 3 times a day made them lose more than their counterparts who took a placebo. A 2018 review study pointed out that the average weight loss with black seed oil was around 4.4 pounds (2.1 kilograms). 

 

2. Benefits cardiovascular health and reduces blood pressure

Another noteworthy benefit of black cumin seed oil is its ability to promote cardiovascular health. More specifically, it’s capable of reducing blood pressure and reducing the levels of bad LDL-cholesterol levels. Research from 2013 observed improvements in blood pressure in adults who took ½ teaspoon of black seed oil two times a day after 8 weeks. 

 

The study in obese women discussed earlier also found that the levels of LDL cholesterol in the participants who took black seed oil were lower compared to the placebo group. The same findings were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes in a 2015 study. Remember that both high levels of LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure lead to the development of heart disease and increase one’s risk of stroke and heart attack.

3. Fights acne and improves skin and hair health

Applying black seed oil directly on the skin and hair is beneficial for people suffering from several skin and hair issues - from dry hair and skin to psoriasis, eczema, and acne. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of the oil treat inflammation, calm, and nourish the skin and hair. A 2010 study found that a lotion with 20% black seed oil was superior to benzoyl peroxide at treating acne and had fewer side effects. 

 

A 2013 study suggests that applying black seed oil on hand eczema 2 times a day over the course of 4 weeks was just as effective as the topical steroid Betamethasone and hand moisturizers. Speaking of which, black seed oil is an excellent moisturizing agent for skin, nails, and hair. You can either apply pure black seed oil on your skin and hair or mix the oil into your skincare and haircare products.

 

4. May help lower blood sugar 

Several human and animal model studies of type 2 diabetes suggest that taking 2 grams of crushed black seeds reduces fasting blood sugar levels and other blood markers of diabetes after 2-3 months of supplementation. Note that most of these studies included black seed powder in capsules, but more recent research suggests that black seed oil has identical effects.

One research paper suggests that taking as little ⅓ teaspoon of black cumin seed oil for 20 days reduced HbA1c levels (a blood test that measures average blood sugar over 3 months) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Keeping blood sugar within a normal range helps diabetics reduce their risk of serious health complications.  

 

5. Improves asthma and breathing difficulties

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by difficultly breathing, wheezing, coughing, and reduced lung function. Studies suggest that combining black seed oil with asthma medication can help the symptoms of the disease. Thymoquinone reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in the airways, which makes it easier for the patient to breathe. 

 

A study that included 80 adult asthma patients found that taking 500 mg of black seed oil capsules twice daily over one month improved the patients’ ability to control their condition. Black seed oil may also be beneficial for improving lung function in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a different chronic lung condition that makes it hard for patients to breathe. 

 

How to Use Black Cumin Seed Oil  

There are many ways you could use black seed oil. If you intend to take it internally, you can purchase it in capsule form. Black seed oil is also available in liquid form at health food stores and drugstores, which allows you to use it as a supplement, a cooking ingredient, or a skincare and hair-care product.

It’s important to buy the highest quality black seed oil you can get - ideally, it should be cold-pressed 100% Nigella sativa oil. Black cumin seed oil has a spicy and bitter taste reminiscent of oregano or cumin. So, if you will be taking it as a liquid, it may be useful to mix it with honey or lemon juice to balance out the flavor and make it easier to consume. Begin by taking no more than ½ teaspoon of the oil and slowly build up to 1-2 teaspoons daily. 

 

Note that black seed oil will not be able to replace any medication. Moreover, people who take any medication should discuss using black seed oil with their doctor or dietitian because it can interact with medications like beta-blockers. People suffering from kidney issues should also consult their doctors prior to taking black seed oil. 

 

Most people experience little to no side effects while taking black seed oil, but there are some reports of constipation, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. When you’re applying black seed oil directly on the skin, patch-test the oil first on a small area to make sure you’re not allergic to it. All in all, black seed oil is easy to use and try. We hope that you found this information helpful.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Amazing Benefits Of Cucumber For Skin and Hair

Cucumbers surely reminds you of a salad, especially when you;re dieting, as it is low in calories, due to its high water content. This great vegetable has one other skill that needs sharing though because it is also extremely beneficial for your skin and hair - especially when used alongside some other basic ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
This list runs through 10 great skin and hair care remedies you can easily make at home using a humble cucumber. And yes, they are entirely appropriate for both sexes, so there is no excuse for the men out there not to look after their skin too!

1. Cucumber Eye Brightener

We might as well start off with the most obvious use of cucumbers for skin care. We have all seen people put slices of cucumber over their eyes, but it's no pointless practice. The phytochemicals in cucumbers help collagen tighten and reduces puffiness, while cucumbers also encourage a subtle, skin lightening effect to reduce dark circles.
For best results, apply the cucumber when its cold (so straight from the refrigerator) and cut thick slices, and place them over your closed eyes for 10 - 15 minutes. As it's a completely natural process and chemical free, you can repeat the process as often as you like!

2. A Cucumber Skin Toner
Many people ignore toners as part of their skincare regime, but toning can have major benefits for your skin. Toners help soothe and tighten the skin and close open pores so that dirt and grime cannot enter. This cucumber-based toner is great at calming and tightening your skin, especially as you get older. Simply use:
•   ½ a chopped cucumber, with the skin
•   3 tablespoons of witch hazel
•   2 tablespoons of distilled water
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture through a sieve to remove any remaining solids and then transfer the toner to a clean container with an air-tight lid. The mixture will last for several weeks, and you can apply it to your skin daily using cotton balls or pads. 
3. Oily Skin Remedy

If you suffer from oily skin, you may well find yourself prone to blemishes and spots. This mixture uses a few natural ingredients to create an oil-eliminating mask. You will need:
•   Equal parts turmeric and cucumber juice
•   A couple of squeezes of lemon
Mix the ingredients together and then apply directly to the face. Leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat as regularly as necessary.  

4. A Cucumber Rejuvenator
Cucumber is fantastic at rejuvenating tired skin and improving a damaged complexion. In many ways, this is the very best use of cucumber as a skin care product. This mixture could not be simpler. You will need:
•   The juice of one whole cucumber (blended or processed)
•   A few drops of lemon juice
Apply the mixture directly to your face and try to leave it there for a good amount of time before washing off.  You should find that you have a smoother complexion and added glow. Repeat regularly for best results.

5. Refreshing Cucumber Skin Tonic

Cucumbers contain numerous properties that can help give your skin a lift when it is feeling lifeless, or increasingly damaged by the rigors of the modern day world. This remedy provides an instant tonic for your skin:
•   Chop one cucumber and puree it in a blender with 4 tablespoons of mint
•   Strain and sieve out the juice, and place it in a clean, sealed container
•   Apply to the skin as soon as the mixture is cool
•   The remedy will stay fresh for up to 24 hours

6. Cucumber Cellulite Fighting Scrub
Cucumber mixed with a natural, mild abrasive and a gentler, soothing product can help strengthen areas of skin prone to cellulite build-up. That's why this recipe works so well:
•   Juice a whole cucumber and strain away most of the remaining solids
•   Mix with coffee granules and honey to create the scrub
•   Scrub cellulite prone areas thoroughly, rinse off after use and moisturize

7. Cooling Summer Bath Oil

During warmer months, you might not fancy a piping hot, steamy bath. But your skin will definitely need to be revitalized after spending so much time in the heat of the sun. This mixture is just what the doctor ordered:
•   Fill a bath with warm water (not too hot)
•   Add 2 cucumber (sliced), 5 sprigs of peppermint and 2 cups of Epsom Salt
•   Get in, soak and relax
•   As an added bonus, aromas released by the mint and cucumber will also help you de-stress after a hard day

8. Cucumber Hair Conditioner
If you enjoy swimming, you will be aware of the damaging effects that chlorine can have on your hair over time. You should also know that cucumber has widely accepted powers that work wonders to re-condition damaged hair. You will need: 
•   ¼ cucumber (peeled)
•   1 tablespoon olive oil
•   1 egg
Don't juice the cucumber this time, pop it in the blender with the egg and olive oil and give it a blast until it turns into a thin paste. Spread the resulting mixture evenly and smoothly throughout the damaged hair and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly before drying. If you are a regular swimmer, repeat this treatment at least once a month.  

9. Cucumber-Avocado Moisturizing Face Mask

There are good reasons why both cucumbers and avocados are used in a variety of skin care products. This face mask allows you to harness the power of both ingredients for fantastic results! You will need:
•   ½ cup chopped cucumber
•   ½ cup chopped avocado
•   1 egg white
•   2 teaspoons of powdered milk
Whizz all the ingredients through a blender until they take on the consistency of a smooth paste. You can apply the mask immediately but may achieve better results if you put it in the fridge for half an hour before using. Massage the mixture on to your face using smooth circular motions. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, until it dries, and then rinse off.  

10. Cucumber Treatment for Combination Skin
Cucumber combined with plain yogurt provides a great solution for people who have separate patches of dry and oily skin on different parts of their face. It's really easy too, just take:
•   ½ cucumber
•   1 tablespoon of plain natural yogurt
Puree the cucumber in a blender and then mix in the yogurt. Massage onto the face and neck, and leave the mixture on for 20 minutes while relaxing. Rinse off with warm water, before splashing yourself with cold water. Your skin will feel smooth and replenished.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
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Amazing uses of Castor oil

Castor oil reminds me of my younger days, when we visited our uncle's place near Ajmer, in peak summer, every Sunday, she used to make us drink it mixed with tea ! Oh, terrible it was, we'ld not escape, as our aunt would watch us like a hawk ready to catch its prey !

1) Natural laxative- If my father was alive, he'ld vouch for it, as any time stomach problem, he'ld tell my mom to give it !
It’s classified as a stimulant laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels.
Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation.
In fact, several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation.
For example, one study found that when elderly people took castor oil, they experienced decreased symptoms of constipation, including less straining during defecation and lower reported feelings of incomplete bowel movements.

2. Natural Moisturiser

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.
These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin.
Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin .
Castor oil is often used in cosmetics to promote hydration and often added to products like lotions, makeup and cleansers.
You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions.
Plus, castor oil is inexpensive and can be used on the face and body.
Castor oil is thick, so it’s frequently mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive and coconut oil to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.
Though applying castor oil to the skin is considered safe for most, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

3. Promotes wound healing
Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out.
Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon tree.
Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.
It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing Those whose wounds were treated with castor oil experienced higher healing rates and shorter healing times than those treated with other methods

4. Anti-inflammatory

Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
The pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil may be particularly helpful to those with an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

1. Take the piece of fabric and fold it into squares. Soak it in castor oil.

2. Squeeze out excess oil and place the cloth on the affected joint. Take care to cover it with a plastic wrap.

3. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad on this. The plastic will save the bottle from getting oily. Leave it on for an hour.

The anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it ideal for relieving joint pain, nerve inflammation, and sore muscles .

5. Reduces acne

Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples and large, painful bumps on the face and body.
It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem.
Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms.
Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms .
Acne is also associated with an imbalance of certain types of bacteria normally found on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus .
Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.
 Usage- Wash your face with warm water. This will help open your pores.

2. Simply massage your face in a circular motion with the oil.

3. Keep it on overnight and wash your face the next morning with cold water.

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid that fights off the acne-causing bacteria. It effectively penetrates the skin layers, making it an excellent remedy for acne

6. Fight fungus

Candida albicans is a type of fungus that commonly causes dental issues like plaque overgrowth, gum infections and root canal infections .
Castor oil has antifungal properties and may help fight off Candida, keeping the mouth healthy.
One test-tube study found that castor oil eliminated Candida albicans from contaminated human tooth roots .
Castor oil may also help treat denture-related stomatitis, a painful condition thought to be caused by Candida overgrowth. This is a common issue in elderly people who wear dentures.
A study in 30 elderly people with denture-related stomatitis showed that treatment with castor oil led to improvements in the clinical signs of stomatitis, including inflammation.

7. Keeps hair and scalp healthy

Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner.
Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil.
Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage .
Castor oil may benefit those who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head.
Though there are many different causes of dandruff, it has been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp. Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Plus, applying castor oil to the scalp will help moisturize dry, irritated skin and may help reduce flaking.

8. Fights Signs Of Aging

One of the amazing castor oil benefits for skin is that when it is used topically, it can slow down aging.

Castor oil, when applied to the skin, penetrates deeply and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. This, in turn, helps soften and hydrate the skin. It delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and makes the skin smoother, softer, and younger. The fine lines around the eye area can also be treated with its application.

9 Fades Blemishes

Castor oil is often used for fading blemishes and scars. The results won’t be visible overnight. It works slowly in this regard and needs to be used regularly to see prominent results.

Once again, the fatty acids present in castor oil come to the rescue. They penetrate deep inhelps the blemishes fade awato the scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of healthy tissues around it.

10. Prevents Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are usually the result of pregnancy when the skin on the abdomen experiences drastic stretching over a short period. More elastic skin means lesser stretch marks, and this is where castor oil comes into play.
Castor oil is rich in fatty acids. So when it is used topically during the final two months of pregnancy, it can prevent stretch marks.

11. Reduces Pigmentation

Castor oil is extremely good for clearing your skin of spots and marks. It is so effective that dermatologists recommend castor oil to treat uneven skin tone, spots, and marks because of its ability to reduce pigmentation.
Castor oil is crammed with fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s hydrate the skin, while stimulating the growth of healthy tissue, thus giving you a blemish-free and supple skin.

12. Promotes Hair Growth

Castor oil is excellent for hair growth. Massaging your scalp with it can give you thicker and longer hair.

The oil boosts blood circulation to the follicles, leading to faster hair growth. The oil also has omega-9 essential fatty acids that are responsible for healthy hair. It also helps reduce split ends, controls hair breakage, and conditions and moisturizes your hair.

13. Treats Scalp Infections
Scalp infection can cause major hair problems like patches, dandruff, and an itchy scalp. Using castor oil can help get rid of these issues.

Castor oil is anti-fungal and antibacterial. It can fight pathogens and microorganisms causing the infection.

14.. Prevents Premature Graying
If your hair has started showing the first signs of graying, applying castor oil can prevent your hair from losing more pigment.
The application of castor oil is a popular method to prevent premature graying. It helps your hair retain its pigment, and delays your hair turning gray or white.

15. Treats Ringworms

Castor oil effectively treats ringworm, a common and stubborn problem across all age groups.

• 2 teaspoons castor oil
• 4 teaspoons coconut oil

The active compound called undecylenic acid that is found in castor oil helps treat ringworms.

16. Disinfects Wounds

Castor oil works as an excellent disinfectant on cuts and scrapes.
The antimicrobial properties make it effective for treating minor cuts and scratches . And because it has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve the pain.

17. Boosts Immunity

         

Naturopathy practitioners and followers observe that castor oil helps boost immunity. Even when it is used topically, it increases the defense mechanisms of your body.

Castor oil, when used topically, increases the number of T-11 cells, which signals a boost in the defense mechanisms in the body . The T-11 cells form antibodies against pathogens and toxins, which promotes better health.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                
 PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                               
     https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                     
  FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                              https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com