Nigella seeds, also called black cumin, come from a fragrant plant of the ranunculaceae family.
These seeds have been known and used since the dawn of time as a real natural remedy against all diseases.
In ancient times, Nigella seeds were used as a beauty treatment as well as for medical care.
The use that makes of it today does not differ that much.
Let’s see together the benefits that Nigella seeds provide on the hair (but not only!).
Nigella seeds
Native to the Mediterranean region, Nigella ( Nigella sativa ) is a plant of the Ranunculaceae family that grows up to 50 centimeters in height.
Also known as black cumin , pepper , spice grass , or Venus hair , it grows easily in West Asia, North Africa, and Southern Europe on sunny, well-drained soils.
Its green, erect stem bears short, very thin leaves.
In June appear white, pink or blue flowers with 6 petals which will give capsules containing many small black seeds.
The latter, with its very particular aromatic flavor and numerous medicinal virtues , is used in cooking and in herbal medicine, either raw or cold-pressed in the form of oil.
The composition of Nigella seeds
Nigella brings together several active ingredients, the main ones being:
- Essential fatty acids.
- Amino acids.
- Flavonoids and polyphenols.
- Saponins.
- Tannins.
- Essential oils ( including thymol).
- Active compounds (nigelline, carvone).
- Alkaloids.
- Minerals and trace elements (calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, sodium).
- Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 C, E, K1).
- Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol).
The benefits of the internal use of Nigella
1 – Its digestive powers
Nigella seeds facilitate digestion and the expulsion of intestinal gas , fight against bloating, gastric and intestinal spasms and protect the digestive mucous membranes.
They are also effective against intestinal worms, as antifungal and antibacterial, against certain fungi and the excess of certain bacteria in the digestive system.
2 – A super antioxidant
Its richness in flavonoids and polyphenols gives black cumin oil real antioxidant and protective powers for the liver and heart.
More generally, it prevents premature aging of body cells.
3 – A powerful anti-inflammatory
Thanks to its richness in essential fatty acids, nigella is a real anti-inflammatory ally and is used in the event of joint inflammation (osteoarthritis , rheumatoid arthritis , arthritis , rheumatism , etc.) or muscle.
4 – Its immuno-stimulating power
Thanks to the synergy of its precious components, nigella helps to stimulate the immune system and prevent infections. It is useful as a cure during the change of seasons.
It is also useful as a natural antihistamine against pollen allergies, spring hay fever and in case of respiratory spasms such as asthma.
The benefits of the external use of Nigella
Black cumin seed oil is a true broad-spectrum remedy for skin problems.
It acts against eczema, acne, psoriasis, burns, cracks, cracks, irritations, etc. Nigella is an ally of the skin, nails and hair.
It helps soften and nourish, protect, strengthen and heal, fight aging and dryness, hair loss and dandruff , soften and purify skin, and more.
Nigella oil helps soothe inflammation from the outside, joints or skin.
It can be combined with arnica oil or a few drops of wintergreen essential oil, for example.
Possible uses of Nigella seeds
Organic nigella seeds
Oil, capsules: Nigella seed oil can be taken orally (2.5 to 4 g per day) as a cure for several weeks.
It is very important to choose an organic oil extracted with cold pressing.
It can be mixed in a spoonful of organic honey, fruit juice, raw vegetables, etc. It is also available in capsule form.
Ground seeds: organic Nigella seeds can also be finely ground and added to raw vegetables, in juices, etc.
Raw seeds: organic Nigella seeds can be eaten raw, provided they are chewed well for a long time to optimize the assimilation of the ingredients during digestion.
Black cumin seed oil is used topically on the skin, nails and hair.
Massage thoroughly for absorption. Ground seeds can be applied to the skin as a poultice.
Care recipes with Nigella seed oil
The oil extracted from Nigella seeds has several cosmetic applications including hair care.
Due to its high essential oil content and powerful synergistic effects, black cumin oil is best used in combination with other carrier oils rather than alone.
Whenever possible, we choose organic oils, that is to say cold pressed oils, in order to preserve their quality as much as possible.
Note that there are also food supplements based on Nigella powder on the market.
The cure is an interesting solution that allows the whole body to benefit from the benefits of this plant.
Of course, if you choose the oral route, you must strictly observe the maximum dose and a limited duration (no more than ten weeks per year).
Recipe n° 1: Oil bath for the hair
You will need :
- Nigella oil.
- Of honey.
- Coconut oil.
- A bowl.
- Castor oil.
- A little whip.
Preparation :
- Take one tablespoon of each oil if the hair is short, or two tablespoons if the hair is long.
- Add a teaspoon of honey.
- Mix everything vigorously in the bowl using a mixer to homogenize the mixture.
Recipe n° 2: Hair mask
Necessary for the preparation:
- 1 tablespoon of Nigella seed oil.
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil.
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
Preparation :
- Mix all the ingredients and apply the mask to the hair and scalp .
- Let stand 30 minutes. We advise you to put a charlotte in your hair.
- Do this once in a while, once a month, or whenever you feel your hair needs strengthening .
Nigella seeds have many virtues. These promote medical and cosmetic applications.
Nigella seeds can be consumed in various ways and in various forms.
The oil extracted from these seeds is widely used in hair care preparations, but it is not the only choice.
The nigella is the natural remedy for many ailments.
