Black seeds have been used since ancient times for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits. In this article, we shall look at how to use black seed oil for inflammation. 

Black seed oil is extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, also called black caraway/black cumin seeds. These seeds are popularly used in Middle Eastern/South East Asian cuisine to flavour curries, pickles and breads. They have also been used for their medicinal properties in the Middle East.

Recently, a lot of studies have shown that black seed oil offers many health benefits including promoting weight loss, improving skin conditions, solving female reproductive issues, treating cancer & diabetes and overall, reducing inflammation in the body.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a complex body response to harmful stimuli such as irritants, pathogens and damaged body cells. The five the main symptoms of inflammation include: heat, pain, swelling, redness and loss of function. 

There are two categories of inflammation: acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. 

Acute inflammation is the body’s first response to harmful stimuli. It is needed for the body to protect itself from harm. 

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is when there is prolonged inflammation in the body that is not healing. It eventually leads to disease, whether it is an infection or something serious such as cancer. 

Reducing inflammation helps heal many disorders and create optimal health in the body again. 

Benefits of Black Seed Oil 

The most abundant and active component in black seed oil is thymoquinone, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. 

Black seed oil also has the following chemical components: crystalline, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, proteins, vitamin B1, B2 and B3, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, folic acid, phosphorous, omega-6 fatty acid omega-3 fatty acid.

All the above nutrients give black seed oil the following medicinal properties: antioxidant, anti-microbial, analgesic, bronchodilator, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hypotensive, anti-ulcer, renoprotective, anti-hypertensive, anti-fungal, anti-cholinergic, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, immunomodulatory, gastro-protective, nephroprotective, anticonvulsant and anti-asthmatic. 

Let us see how to use black seed oil for inflammation below:

How to Use Black Seed Oil for Inflammation 

Black seed oil can be used internally and externally. Here are three great ways to use black seed oil for inflammation.

1.    Consuming Black Seed Oil

If you’re suffering from chronic inflammation, it’s time to start taking black seed oil internally. Of course, please consult your doctor first especially if you have a serious health condition and you are taking conventional treatment. 

Black seed oil should be consumed daily to see results. The dosage for black seed oil is 1 to 3 teaspoons daily. 

Start by taking one teaspoon of black seed oil a day after meals. 

Taking black seed oil on its own may be harsh because it is peppery and can cause burning sensations in your throat. So, follow it up with a glass of milk or orange juice. You can also take it with a teaspoon or raw honey, or a warm cup of herbal tea such as green tea or chamomile tea. 

2.   Black Seed Oil Pack 

If you’ve heard of castor oil packs, then you should know that black seed oil packs work the same way, only instead of using castor oil we shall be using black seed oil. Here’s how to make a black seed oil pack. 

• Step One: Get a bowl and pour in ¼ cup of black seed oil. 

• Step Two: Now soak a cotton or wool flannel into the oil till saturated then squeeze out any excess oil. 

• Step Three: Lie down and place/tie the flannel on the area of inflammation. If it’s on your lower abdomen then lie down first. If it’s on your lower back, lie stomach down. 

• Step Four: You can now place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the flannel to help the oil to absorb deeper.

• Step Five: Allow the oil to sink deeper for an hour or overnight. If using overnight, then do not use a heating pad. 

You can use black seed oil packs every single day or three times a week. 

3.   Black Seed Oil + Essential Oils 

You can mix black seed oil with essential oils to create a powerful anti-inflammatory blend! Some of the best anti-inflammatory essential oils include eucalyptus, lavender, frankincense and marjoram. 

Essential oils should not be used on their own because they are so potent that they can leave your skin with burning sensations. Always mix essential oils in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc. In this case, black seed oil will be your carrier oil. 

Remember that when it comes to essential oils, a little goes a long way. You only need a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil. The standard dilution rate for adults 2% which means 2 drops of essential oil in 1 tsp of carrier oil. So if you are blending black seed oil with eucalyptus oil, then mix 2 drops of eucalyptus oil with 1 tsp of black seed oil. If you need a higher dilution rate for acute pain, then use a 3% dilution rate which is 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in 1 tsp of black seed oil. 

Here’s a potent blend of black seed oil + essential oils for inflammation:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz black seed oil
• 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops marjoram essential oil
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 4 drops roman chamomile essential oil

Directions: 

1. Drip all the essential oils, drop by drop, into an amber glass dropper bottle. 
2. Next, fill up the bottle with 2 oz black seed oil. 
3. Put on the cap and shake gently to combine. 
4. Apply externally on the areas of inflammation 1-2 times a day. You can place a hot water bottle over the oiled area for the oil to absorb deeper.