UK Mums are swearing by this ancient oil for everything! And they are right to do so!
Why is it that most muslim families have a bottle in their homes. Due to the saying of the Holy Prophet that this is a remedy for everything except death. It is an incredible addition for any family solving most accidents such as burns, stings, digestive issues, headaches, colds, bumps. The list is absolutely endless and it works almost miraculously.
Not only were the seeds of this plant mentioned in ancient texts, but they have even been found in the tomb of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh! And the name of this wonder plant and its oil? Black Seed Oil, which is made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant.
So why are UK Mums so worked up about Black Seed Oil? What do they know that the rest of us do not?
Answering this question requires us to briefly revisit history.
The History Of Nigella Sativa and Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil is made by compressing the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. The best oils are made using the cold-press method. And the use of these seeds and oil spans centuries.
Traditionally, the seeds have been a staple in Middle Eastern cooking. As a seasoning, they provide food with a nutty, slightly bitter yet onion-like flavour. The seeds are often sprinkled over breads and flatbreads before baking. They are also added to curries, lentil dishes, roasted vegetables, and many more culinary delights.
The oil and seeds have also been a staple in traditional medicine. The Prophet Mohammed was said to mention Nigella sativa, calling it the ‘cure to everything except death’.
Traditional medicine did and still does use the seed and oil to address numerous ailments, including coughs, flu, fever, headaches, and even gastrointestinal issues. The oil is also used topically to help address certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
On a more recent note, Black Seed Oil has taken the world by storm. This is especially the case after extensive research into the different properties of the oil has increasingly determined that the ancients were right. Black Seed Oil effectively treats traditional conditions and has additional benefits. And research resoundingly backs these benefits.
This brings us back to the question: Why do UK Mums swear by this ancient oil?
The Reasons UK Mums Swear By Black Seed Oil
The ongoing research into the many benefits of Black Seed Oil has reached the ears of UK Mums. And they are increasingly using it both for their own and their family’s health and well-being.
The reasons for this are as follows:
1. Black Seed Oil Promotes Milk Production
Black Seed Oil contains galactogogues. Galactogogues are substances that promote the production of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production.
Many new mothers struggle with breastfeeding, especially initially when they experience a shortfall in their body’s natural milk supply. By using Black Seed Oil, they may see an increase in prolactin production and thus an increased milk supply to feed their babies.
Using Black Seed Oil may also help with postpartum inflammation and bloating, issues often experienced after childbirth.
2. Black Seed Oil Addresses Cradle Cap
Many babies develop cradle cap through no fault of their mother. The term cradle cap refers to a condition known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap may develop on the head, eyebrows, behind the ears, forehead, and even the baby’s diaper area. It is characterised by thick oily yellow or reddish scaly patches that appear either greasy or flaky.
The topical application of Black Seed Oil may help address cradle cap. The condition is caused by hormones passed from mother to baby that stimulate excessive oil production on the scalp, resulting in dead skin in the area. The dead skin trapped in the oily area forms scaly patches. It may also result from a type of yeast infection.
Applying Black Seed Oil to the scalp will deal with any yeast infection because of its antifungal properties. The oil will also soften the scaly patches and make washing them away easier.
For this purpose, simply add a few drops of the oil to your baby’s scalp and gently rub it into the affected area. Leave it in for about 15 minutes and gently wash it out using your baby’s shampoo.
You should soon see an improvement in your baby’s scalp health.
3. The Oil Supports Your Toddler’s Immune System
You can give children over one year of age a drop of Black Seed Oil Daily. Doing so may support the immune system and help with digestive issues. It may also help with some allergies. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the oil may also help address symptoms associated with respiratory conditions.
You can add the oil to yoghurt or a drink.
Black Seed Oil is not recommended for children under one year of age because of their extremely sensitive digestive systems.
4. Black Seed Oil And ADHD
Black Seed Oil shows promise in addressing the symptoms associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This condition is usually characterised by an inability to pay attention and/or hyperactivity.
Studies suggest that the oil may improve attention span, memory, and cognitive function while reducing hyperactivity. It works by having a beneficial effect on neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine. It also decreases oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
5. Benefits Of The Topical Use Of Black Seed Oil
Black Seed Oil has many topical benefits. This is because of the oil’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties. What is more, the oil also promotes collagen. This helps speed up tissue repair.
Topically, the oil is beneficial for addressing:
- Acne and to help fade acne scars.
- Eczema and psoriasis by calming the skin and reducing the redness and itching associated with these conditions.
- Muscle pain when massaged into the affected muscles.
Black Seed Dosages For Children
The dosage depends on the child’s age.
For toddlers over the age of a year and young children, a drop per day should prove sufficient. Usually, dosage is age and weight-dependent.
| Age | Weight | Dosage |
| 6-9 years | 20-30 kg | 1.25 mil twice daily |
| 9-12 years | 30-40 kg | 2.25 ml twice daily |
| 12-18 years | Over 40 kg | 5 ml twice daily |
For adults, the recommended dosage is between 1.5ml and 3ml twice daily.
When starting with Black Seed Oil, use a smaller dosage initially and gradually build up your dosage. This will allow your body to adjust to the actions of the beneficial compounds in the oil.
Precautions When Using Black Seed Oil
Some people have a sensitivity to Black Seed Oil when you use it on the skin. You should thus do a skin patch test before using the oil for any topical applications.
Black Seed Oil also has a blood-thinning benefit that makes it great for someone who suffers from low blood pressure.
People who take blood pressure medications that thin the blood, or who suffer from haemophilia, should please talk to their healthcare provider before starting this supplement.
Healthy adults and children should have no problems when taking Black Seed Oil both topically and internally. The oil can only improve their health while addressing myriad symptoms associated with a variety of health issues, while providing immune system support at the same time.
