People suffering from arthritis often have different treatment options. Healthcare practitioners have started focusing their attention on a natural alternative, which many refer to as the world’s most powerful anti-inflammatory food. Many of them consider it far superior to ibuprofen. This powerful natural alternative is none other than black seed oil.
One of the main characteristics associated with arthritis is that it can lead to chronic joint inflammation. This results in not only debilitating pain, but also stiffness in the joints affected. According to a UK-based charity that focuses on this issue, i.e., Arthritis Action, approximately 10 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from some form of arthritis. This makes up a sizeable portion of the country’s population.
Although arthritis has many symptoms, treatment commonly focuses on reducing joint inflammation. In order to do so, medical practitioners usually suggest the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Ibuprofen is one of the go-to medications used in this regard. Making changes to your diet can also have a beneficial effect. This means cutting down on certain foods and incorporating more of others into your diet.
Many people may have heard of the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, or even blueberries. Interestingly, some social media influencers have also, like numerous people in the healthcare industry, started to mention black seed oil as their anti-inflammatory food of choice to help with joint inflammation. Apparently, a small teaspoon lowers joint inflammation more effectively than ibuprofen.
Black Seed Oil – Benefits
Black seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. People also refer to these seeds as kalonji, black cumin, nutmeg flower seeds, Roman coriander, and black caraway seeds. In shops, cold-pressed black seed oil is available in both bottles and capsule form.
Thymoquinone is the main beneficial compound found in black seed oil. The compound has anti-inflammatory effects akin to common pain medications. Certain journals highlight that thymoquinone not only has strong anti-inflammatory properties but also strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. As a result, the compound may assist with blood pressure regulation when taken internally and promote wound healing if applied topically.
Recent research, including a study published in Science Direct in 2021, supports thymoquinone’s extraordinary ability to help combat numerous health issues. Those mentioned include chronic inflammation, asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This does not include the many benefits derived from thymoquinone in black seed oil when directly applied to the skin. These include faster wound healing times, protection from free radicals, addressing atopic dermatitis, and many more.
In Closing
While our focus is on the benefits of black seed oil, including ginger and turmeric in your diet may also have health benefits. Ginger, for example, contains certain beneficial bioactive compounds. One of these, gingerol, may also help address the inflammation, pain, and swelling that arise from various health issues, including arthritis. While studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric continue, and some research indicates it may also help reduce pain and inflammation, more investigation is needed before one can confirm these findings completely. Black seed oil, however, has undergone numerous studies that seem to conclusively indicate its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory that rivals ibuprofen and other conventional anti-inflammatory medications.
