Black Seed Oil has a fascinating history. The ancient wisdom from the traditional uses of this plant-based product has since been tapped into and today we are able to reap its many benefits. A hero ingredient in our Scalp Oil, Black Seed Oil is perfect for revitalising hair and promoting hair growth…
WHAT IS BLACK SEED OIL?
Black Seed Oil – also known as Black Cumin, Black Caraway, Shonaiz, Kalajira, Kalonji and more – is cold-pressed from the seed contained within the annual pale blue and white flowering Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) plant. Part of the Ranunculus family, it is abundantly grown in the Middle East and Asia but can also be found in other regions globally. The seed – which is also used as a popular spice in these cuisines as it’s very aromatic and flavourful – has been cultivated for centuries and is believed to have been used for over 4,000 years as a natural remedy for many medicinal purposes before today being used in skin and hair care products, and as a therapeutic remedy for modern-day illnesses.
Some of the origins of Black Seed Oil include:
- Being mentioned in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible
- Labelled as the “Secret of the Pharaohs” or “Pharaohs Oil”, it was used by Queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra and was even found in Tutankhamen’s tomb – showing the importance that the Egyptians placed on it for everything from keeping skin healthy to digestive issues to rashes and bites.
- Ancient Greek Physician, Hippocrates and Roman Philosopher, Pliny the Elder used it to treat headaches, toothache, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis and pain.
- Pharmacologist and Botanist, Pedanius Dioscorides included it in his herbal medicine encyclopedia that has been used for over 1,500 years.
- Revered in the Quran, in the 6th century, Prophet Muhammad also described it as “a herb of blessing which can cure everything other than death”.
- Persian Physician, Avicenna discovered it had an anti-fungal agent which led to it being used for more inflammatory conditions. He also included it in his Canon of Medicine, written in 1025 A.D that it supports physical vigour, aids recuperation from exhaustion and boosts the immune system.
- In India it was and still is used as an Ayurvedic treatment which is an alternative medicinal system combining (mainly) plant-based products with diet, herbal medicines, exercise and meditation for a holistic approach to cleansing and restoring balance to the body, mind and spirit, to enhance longevity and metabolism.
KEY BENEFITS OF BLACK SEED OIL FOR HAIR AND SCALP
- Black Seed Oil is a super seed – it contains proteins and is a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, folic acid, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus and omega 6 + 9 – all of which help to nourish and strengthen the hair follicles, soften strands and support healthy hair growth by increasing hydration and locking in moisture.
- It also has a high amount of antioxidants, particularly from the active compounds Thymoquinone, Thymohydroquinone, Carvacrol and T-Anethole, which play an important role in neutralising harmful free radicals which can ultimately damage the skin barrier and our DNA. When the structures of the cell membranes become damaged by free radicals, so do the lipids and proteins (keratin, elastin and collagen) which help to keep our hair strong and our scalp hydrated and free from irritation.
- Nigellone – a polymer of Thymoquinone – is an antihistamine which not only boosts the immune system but has also been found to result in hair regrowth and reduced hair thinning.
- It is antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory which prevents hair loss, combats dandruff, soothes the scalp and aids the healing of any fungal infections (which is often the cause of balding), allowing hair to grow naturally. We know that inflammation comes as a result of environmental, lifestyle and dietary factors and can present itself in several ways including dryness, irritation and exacerbation of skin conditions, all of which can prevent healthy hair.
- Black Seed Oil may also help against the premature appearance of grey hair by stimulating the hair cells responsible for the production of hair pigment. It has also been shown to protect the skin barrier (thanks to its abundance of nutrients) and stimulate the natural melanin pigment production which keeps the scalp healthy.
- Some studies have shown that combined with coconut oil, Black Seed Oil further promotes hair growth. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of each and then heat until lukewarm. Apply the oil to your hair and scalp, massage gently in a circular motion for 10 minutes. Once done, leave on for another 30 minutes before shampooing and rinsing out.
You might also like to read:
Give Hair Life With Baobab Seed Oil
Common Causes Of An Itchy Scalp & Ways To Prevent/Treat It
A Healthy Scalp Is Skincare For Heads
HAVE YOU HEARD OF OR TRIED BLACK SEED OIL?
We’d love for you to tell us in a comment below!
Sources:
The Effectiveness Of Coconut Oil Mixed With Herbs To Promote Hair Growth, International Journal Of Ethics In Engineering & Management Education. 2014
Formulation And Finding Out The Efficacy Of The Herbal Hair Oil Over Simple Coconut Oil (Purified), International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research. 2019
This Natural Oil Makes Your Hair Insanely Shiny And Your Body Less Bloated, Byrdie. 2020
Nigella Sativa Seed, A Novel Beauty Care Ingredient, International Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Research. 2016
