Civilizations have been singing the praises of Nigella sativa for centuries, and for good reason. Its unique blend of active ingredients and pungent, peppery taste has made it a staple of pantries and drug stores alike. It is the go-to elixir for dealing with tiredness, cancer, and everything in between.
On the other hand, black seed oil packs quite a punch and might come off a bit harsh to the untrained palate. That’s why beginners should start with a mild blend. That said, if you can stomach strong black seed oil, it can be much more than a delicacy added to smoothies and salads. Let’s have a look at what this potent drink has to offer.
Thymoquinone: The Central Ingredient
The main active ingredient in black cumin seed oil is a compound known as thymoquinone, or TQ for short. TQ is responsible for the distinct, intense taste and aroma of black seed oil. But more importantly, it is the centre of the oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Black cumin has enjoyed a centuries-long reputation as a remedy against virtually all illnesses [1]. Impressively, according to current research, the ancient claims are not an exaggeration.
While it is rich in several essential oils and nutrients, thymoquinone is the star player in this roster of chemicals. Higher TQ levels mean stronger black seed oil potency.
What Qualifies as “Strong” Black Seed Oil?
Commercial black seed products usually come labelled in different strengths, or “potencies”, based on thymoquinone content. Sellers such as The Blessed Seed typically offer oils in mild, strong, or original potencies.
Generally, products with close to 2.78% thymoquinone are best described as containing strong oils. “Extra strong” oil has a minimum TQ content of 3.29 percent [2].
Cold-pressing is the method of choice for producing black cumin seed oil. A mechanical press helps coerce the oil content from high-quality Nigella seeds. This technique does not involve heating or solvents and is the only way to guarantee organic blackseed oil. The result is a pure extract with an unaltered taste and maximum healing effects.
5 Benefits of Using Strong Black Seed Oil
- Works Against Skin Infections
Bacteria and fungi can cause skin conditions like acne, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and candidiasis. While not life-threatening, they can be severely irritating and trigger stress and anxiety. And if the microbes make their way from the skin to within your body, there can be trouble.
Tests show that oil standardized to 3% thymoquinone has both antibacterial and antifungal effects. It works by breaking down their cells and clearing out skin secretions where they would multiply [3].
It can be useful for fighting microbes like Staphylococcus, Cutibacterium, Malassezia, Candida, and other opportunistic pathogens. Meanwhile, its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe itchy and irritated skin and scalp.
- Relief from Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of autoimmune inflammation of the cells lining our joints. It’s an excruciating condition that tends to get worse with time. Plus, it can lead to cardiovascular and mental health complications.
Research repeatedly supports black seed oil as a viable treatment for arthritis. In human and rat models, thymoquinone targets the key agents behind inflammation. These include inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor, and the toxic by-products of fat metabolism.
Tests show that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects increased at higher dosages of TQ [4]. So, if you have aching joints, switching to strong black cumin seed oil should make a difference.
- Stress Reduction
Cortisol is a hormone our body produces during fight-or-flight situations. It helps us prepare for managing stressful situations with alertness and focus. Like our other hormones, it is only effective when released in controlled amounts.
However, prolonged stress and anxiety due to lifestyle and environmental factors result in chronic cortisol secretion. This makes us restless, sleepless, and fatigued, and can trigger moodiness. If it gets worse, it can spell disaster for our cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems.
Strong black cumin standardized for 3% thymoquinone reportedly has the most promising effects on cortisol levels [5]. As a sleep and stress aid, it works better than oil with lower TQ levels. Its healing effects also affect blood pressure, upper respiratory tract infections, and the gut-immune axis.
These days, chronic illness is more common than ever in the adult population. Stress plays a key role in this situation. With a sustained dose of stronger black seed oil products, you can effectively mitigate stress and the trouble it brings.
- Safer Diabetes Management
Interest in black seed oil capsules in diabetes treatment has grown. Their effects against hyperglycemia have been thoroughly well-researched [6]. In type 1 diabetes, black cumin oil targets the nitric oxide inhibitory pathway. In type 2 patients, thymoquinone helps lower blood sugar levels.
These findings are important, as the accessibility and affordability of diabetes medications are an issue. Plus, some treatment approaches, like using whey protein supplements, can lead to unwanted side effects. Whereas even the strongest black seed oil comes with no such health risks. And in many developing nations, it is already a staple of traditional medicine.
- Defeating Cancer
Our understanding of the bioactive profile of black cumin seed oil has revolutionized cancer treatment. Thymoquinone, being a powerful immunomodulator and anti-oxidant, slows down the progression of tumours. This is where extra strong black seed oil comes in handy, as it is ideal for targeted medical uses such as these.
Depending on the type of cancer, it can hone in on a broad range of carcinogenic pathways. A review found that it helps combat bone, breast, cervical, hepatic, liver, colon, pancreatic, and various other cancers [7]. And it does so without any toxic side effects, unlike radiation and chemotherapy.
Tips For Using Strong Black Seed Oil
Take Things Slow
It’s never wise to start with strong, volatile oils if you have a weak stomach. When making the switch from mild black seed oil, don’t rush immediately to strong. Ease yourself through gradually increasing doses. Instead of taking it as is, you can mix it with honey.
Storage Matters
As a powerful antioxidant, thymoquinone is sensitive to oxygen, light, heat, and moisture [8]. So, when you purchase a bottle of strong oil, keep it in a cool and dry place, tightly shut when not in use. This ensures that its healing effects don’t dull with time.
Try Different Products
If you need the strong oil for medical purposes but cannot bear the taste, consider switching to capsules. Black seed capsules are available in low, moderate, and high strengths. Just make sure to ask your doctor before making that decision.
A Strong Yet Safe Remedy
The strength of pure, cold-pressed Nigella sativa oil reflects its immense healing potential. If you are a candidate for strong black seed oil, now is the time to invest. It will help you maintain your vitality and health without any side effects. Plus, it can upgrade your snacks and smoothies with its unique, undiluted taste.
