Clearly, we love black seed oil at Nigella Therapy! We love black seed oil for the heritage, the history, and the science behind it. Thousands of years ago, black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa oil, was used by ancient Egyptian royalty like Nefertiti and Cleopatra for medicinal purposes and to keep their skin healthy and beautiful. When something can withstand the test of time and maintain relevancy over thousands of years, that's when you know there is truth to the power.
The History
Nigella sativa is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is cultivated in various parts of the world, especially in Egypt, the southern Mediterranean Basin, and Western Asia. Nigella sativa seeds, also commonly known as black seeds or black cumin seeds, have been used as a natural remedy for over 4,000 years in various parts of the world. The seeds were found in Egyptian Pharoah, King Tut’s Tomb, which reflects the degree of significance the seeds had during the Ancient Egyptian Era. Egyptian Queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra were also known to have used Nigella sativa seeds and the oil extracted from the seeds to keep their skin healthy and beautiful. Additionally, Nigella sativa is mentioned in the Old Testament, Isaiah 28:25,27 and in Islam's Prophetic tradition: “In the black seed there is a cure from every illness except death” (Authentic book of Al-Bukhari; 810-870 AD).
The Science
Modern science has confirmed what tradition has long maintained about the therapeutic benefits of the Nigella sativa seeds. Black seed oil contains the powerful antioxidants thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone that work synergistically to eliminate harmful free radicals from skin cells. This effectively and naturally rejuvenates and revitalizes the skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and eliminating blemishes and dark spots. Black seed oil also contains natural polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (including linoleic, oleic, and palmitic), as well as natural plant sterols, in addition to several other skin enhancing vitamins and minerals (iron and calcium). These components give black seed oil its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties!
Additional resources on Nigella sativa:
- U.S. Patent #7,722,906 on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Fractions of Nigella sativa L. Seeds.
- Elkadi, A., Kandil, O., The Black Seed and Immunity, 1987.
- Al-Ghamdi, M.S., The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of Nigella sativa, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2001.