Everyone knows the spice called caraway, but not everyone knows that there is also black cumin. These are completely different plants, which apart from the name and some similarities in use have nothing in common. Ordinary caraway seeds belong to the Umbrella family, and black caraway seeds to the Ranunculaceae. Several varieties of the latter are known, of which the main ones: Nigella sativa, Nigella damascena, Nigella arvensis - from the seeds of these plants a very valuable oil is made, which will be discussed in the article.
The vitamin composition of black cumin
A method of squeezing or using cold pressing from nigella (also called black cumin) produces a very healthy oil. It is rightfully considered one of the best, since the seeds of the plant contain up to 40% of the oil fraction.
Its unique composition includes about 100 nutrients:
- fatty acids (8 saturated and 18 unsaturated);
- 15 amino acids (8 of which are essential);
- monosaccharides (xylose and glucose) and polysaccharides;
- essential oils;
- tannins;
- thymoquinone and nigelon;
- phytosterols (stigmasterol, campesterol, etc.);
- flavonoids;
- vitamins (A, E, C, group B, etc.);
- trace elements (Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, etc.);
- alkaloids, enzymes, saponins and much more.
Did you know? Black cumin has a stimulating effect on the thymus gland, which is responsible for immunity, thereby reducing the risk of disease.
This composition guarantees great benefits for the body when using this oil.
Video: cold pressed black cumin
The benefits and harms of black cumin oil for human health
- Taking the drug has a positive effect on the functioning of the whole organism:
- normalizes the acidity of the stomach, activates intestinal motility, eliminates bloating and pathogenic microflora;
- strengthens the protective properties of the body;
- optimizes the functioning of the heart and blood vessels by lowering cholesterol, strengthening blood vessels and normalizing pressure;
- has a preventive effect in the field of oncology;
- necessary in the treatment of the urinary system (nephritis, cystitis, urethritis);
- normalizes metabolic processes;
- has a choleretic and antioxidant effect;
- used in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases;
- improves the central nervous system, activates mental and physical activity;
- strengthens hair and accelerates its growth;
- has a beneficial effect in the treatment of the reproductive system (both male and female);
- treats skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, herpes, etc.);
- enhances lactation.
How to choose black cumin oil
To purchase a quality product, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Country and manufacturer. Egyptian firms have proven themselves well (for example, the El Baraka factory).
- Seeds from which oil is squeezed. The best product is obtained only from environmentally friendly products (Bio or Organic certificates).
- Valuable Essential Oils stored only during cold press (cold press). Seed treatment at temperatures below + 30 ° C makes it possible to preserve all the useful components.
- It is preferable to choose a package of dark glass. Such a container allows you to save the healing properties of the drug. Plastic packaging causes oxidation of the product, which can be hazardous to health.
- Bottle volume should be chosen based on the goals and duration of the reception. It is recommended to take about 5 ml per day. The course can be of different durations (to strengthen immunity - about 3 months).
- Quality oil cannot be cheap. Prices can be different - from 175 UAH per 125 ml to 480 UAH per 0.5 liter.
Video: How to choose black cumin oil
Norms and basic rules for the use of black cumin oil to enhance immunity
Black caraway seed oil is of the greatest importance for raising the body's immune properties. This is achieved through the formation of immune cells and interferon. The product also has a beneficial effect on the liver (filtration system). Therefore, its reception significantly improves the well-being of even a relatively healthy person. Let’s clarify how and how much to drink this oil.
Important! When pressed cold, light oil is obtained. If the product is dark, then the seeds are heated during processing.
Adults
When applying oil, you need to adhere to some rules:
- the dose is 2 teaspoons per day (1 tsp in the morning and evening);
- not earlier than 20-30 minutes before eating;
- drink water (you can add honey to improve the taste);
- the course is about 3 months. Then they take a break of 2 months and re-conduct the course in 3-4 months.
Children
Babies up to 6 years of age are not recommended to take caraway seed oil inside. And for children over 6 years of age, the dose is 1 hour per day once. The rest of the rules are the same as for adults.
Without restrictions, you can use the product externally:
Take a closer look
- with skin rashes or sweating, the product is mixed in equal proportions with olive oil and applied to the skin for 60 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water;
- with colds and cough, the oil is mixed with olive in a ratio of 1: 5 and applied by massage movements to the chest;
- Before treatment, you need to make sure that there is no allergy. To do this, a small dose of oil is applied to the wrist and left for 5 minutes, and then removed with a cotton pad. If a negative reaction in the form of redness, itching or rash does not appear in the next day, then the drug can be used.
Pregnant women
During pregnancy, caraway oil cannot be taken, as it contains substances that increase the tone of the uterus, and can cause premature birth.
Those on a diet
Due to the decrease in appetite, the removal of toxins and the optimization of the gastrointestinal tract, a product from nigella is useful to use when losing weight. For this purpose, the drug is used according to the scheme, as well as combined with a diet with a predominance of fruits and lean meat. Adding to cellulite control products will speed up the result.
Scheme of admission - the first month:
- drink 5 ml a week 30 minutes before breakfast (drink water);
- 7 days to drink the same morning and evening (30 minutes before dinner);
- at 3 weeks, take 1 time in 10 ml before breakfast (drink 200 ml of water);
- 7 days to drink the same as in the first week.
Did you know? A bottle of nigella oil was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, which indicates its great value. And Nefertiti used this skin care product, preserving youth and beauty.
Reception - second month:
- 1 week - on an empty stomach, 10 ml 30 minutes before meals, without drinking;
- 2 weeks - the same for 20 ml;
- 3 weeks - twice (10 ml half an hour before breakfast and dinner). You can drink it;
- 4 weeks - only 5 ml in the morning, drink with water.
Possible contraindications and side effects
- Do not use a product from nigella in such cases:
- during pregnancy (may provoke a miscarriage);
- during an organ transplant (will cause rejection);
- with gastritis and gallstone disease;
- children under 6 years old;
- with intolerance and allergic reactions;
- together with drugs that lower blood glucose (risk of hypoglycemia);
- with hypotension (the drug helps lower blood pressure);
- during the passage of radiation or chemotherapy (the drug protects against the effects of chemistry and negates all treatment). However, at the end - you even need to take it.
Before starting treatment with nigella oil, it is best to consult a specialist to avoid side effects in the form of edema, breathing problems, diarrhea or headache.
Important! The therapeutic dose should not exceed 5 tbsp for adults. per day. Children's dose — no more than 3 hours a day.
How to store at home
When storing oil from nigella, you must adhere to these rules:
- the presence of dark glass packaging;
- the place should be dark and cool (not higher than + 25 ° C);
- ensure tightness, as with the access of air, healing properties sharply decrease;
- store no more than a year.
The use of preparations from black caraway seeds will help make your health stronger while observing the necessary rules and nuances.