In light of the recent events, many people are now in search of ways to stay healthy and boost their immune system naturally. Although I’m no doctor, nutritionist or, anything in between, I have researched and incorporated a couple of natural must-haves into my life which was recommended by a friend of mine and, I wanted to share one of them with whoever comes across my space.
[ This post is not sponsered however, it does include an affiliate link for the product ]
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil has been around since the beginning of recorded humanity and was referred to as panacea in ancient times which meant universal healer or, ‘a solution for all difficulties or diseases‘. To be completely honest, I call it Nanny McPhee medicine which is probably not the best analogy but, for some reason it just reminds me of that movie!
It comes from the Nigella Sativa (N. Sativa) flowering plant that grows predominantly in Southern Europe, South West Asia and, the Middle East. The plant produces tiny black seeds which can be known by a variety of names such as black cumin, kalonji, black caraway or, Nigella fennel flower. The oil is extracted from the black seeds to then create black seed oil which can be digested using different methods depending on personal preference.
Black Seed Antioxidants
Black seed oil is known for containing high levels of antioxidants which can protect cells against damage. The main compound found in the black seeds is Thymoquinone (a fancy-smancy science word for a type of antioxidant), which attracted healers across ancient civilisations as well as modern day researchers. Thymoquinone can be used to treat a range of problems such as hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, coughs and bronchitis, headaches, eczema, fever, dizziness and, influenza.
What I’m curious about is why more doctor’s do not suggest these sorts of methods to patients given the proven benefits.
You can purchase black seed oil at a bunch of different places however, I have been using the brand Epic Nature as they are a small UK business with good quality black seed oil at an affordable price. They even offer you a discount code off your next purchase, and who doesn’t love a good discount code!
Black Seed Benefits
- Acne: the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects help reduce the appearence of acne and help to prevent break-outs.
- Eczema: helps to reduce the sensitivity and appearence on the skin.
- Skin & Hair: its antibacterial properties help with the skins appearence and have also been used to promote the healing of wounds. It can be used to hydrate the hair and act as a moisturiser.
- Brain Health: due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can help prevent the development of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Cancerous Cells: some studies suggest it helps prevent and treat various cancerous diseases that commonly occur within the human body.
- Respiratory: it helps to relax the muscle airways by reducing inflammation.
- Anti-Fungal: it can be effective against other yeasts, molds, and fungi.
- Diabetes: it can help to balance and improve blood sugar levels.
Please research the dosage before consuming, I tend to take 1 – 2 teaspoons a day however, it can vary from person-to-person.
My Experience
Due to being a slightly fussy human, I do struggle when it comes to options with food, drinks or supplements but, that’s a whole different story for another time. Despite the taste and aroma of black seed oil I have generally got on well with it and have been taking it for over a year now, I did not want to write about anything until I have tried it fully myself.
When taking a teaspoon in the morning I like to follow it with a glass of pure orange juice, I found this helps to reduce the lingering taste of the black seed oil. I do try to take it as ritually as possible however, I am only human and I have forgotten sometimes. Although I have never being one to get sick or unwell often, in my experience and opinion, I haven’t really been sick or unwell in approximately a year and a half which is fortunate. Though I cannot put it souly down to the black seed oil, it is one element that I have change/incorporated in my routine and I personally feel like it has made a difference.
I introduced it to my mum, who is far from fussy, and absolutely loves it. We received a sample of black seed soap from one of our Epic Nature orders, which was super sweet and actually lead to us purchasing more! My mum suffers with eczema, mainly around her feet, on her arms, and on her palms. Like many who suffer with eczema, she had tried all the different products and creams which never seemed to completely work however, when she tried the sample of the black seed soap (I never got a look in) it reduced her eczema almost instantly. So, like the lovely daughter I am, I ordered her some more and now it is a massive part of her routine. It completely keeps her eczema at bay and its leaves the skin feeling nice and soft, especially after exfoliating (yes I finally got to try it out)!
I would recommend anyone and everyone look into incorporating black seed oil into their routines and I couldn’t recommend Epic Nature enough as they are super lovely and friendly, they are always happy to answer any questions I have had and provide information, defo check them out!
You can get 20% off your Epic Nature order with a minimum spend of £15 by using my referral link – you can click here or click any of the Epic Nature links throughout this post.
If you decide to try it out I would love to hear your thoughts on it, and I would love to know what those who already use it think and their methods and usage, leave a comment below or message me on my Instagram.
Life In Her Soul 