Do you know the very aromatic Nigella Vegetable Oil also called “black cumin”? This Mediterranean pearl with a pronounced smell is as good for health as it is for beauty! Want to know more ? We explain everything to you in this article!
Nigella Vegetable Oil
Where does our Nigella vegetable oil come from?
Nigella Vegetable Oil , in Latin “ Nigella sativa ”, is part of the Ranunculaceae family. It is often confused with meadow cumin or cumin from the Apiaceae family. Nigella has a fairly long history, dating back several thousand years. The plant has small purple flowers and very small black seeds. It is mainly grown in Western Asia and the Middle East, territories where climatic conditions are favorable.
Its flowering occurs between June and July each year.
In Arabic, nigella is called Habbatul baraka” , which means “seeds of blessing”. Mohammed is said to have said of her: “ Black cumin oil cures all illnesses except death . » In Sanskrit, this oil is called KALINJI = oil of the pharaohs, it also bears the name “hair of Venus”, “pepperette”, or “four spices”. Finally, this oil was used by Queen Nefertiti for her complexion, described as exquisite.
How to get it?
To produce black seed oil you first need black cumin. This oil is produced by cold pressing the nigella seeds using giant presses. In this way, we obtain 100% pure virgin black seed oil. Indeed, the oil processing process is a key factor in determining product quality. Cold pressing is particularly recommended in order to obtain a quality product.
What is Nigella Vegetable Oil used for?
This vegetable oil is extraordinarily rich in different components and that makes it particularly interesting! In fact, it contains a fifth of monounsaturated fatty acids (omega 9). Nearly two thirds of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6). Numerous cleansing, immunostimulating, healing and/or antioxidant active ingredients: essential oil of black seed, nigelline, nigellone, thimoquinone, essential vitamins, minerals. It also contains 0.2% essential oil, which will give it its flavor (spicy and aromatic). All its compounds make it particularly active and yet very well tolerated.
It therefore has many benefits:
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Revitalizing, anti-inflammatory, softening and toning action for the skin. It is used against problems such as: acne, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, light burns, wrinkles, irritations, etc.
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Toning and revitalizing action for hair. It will be recommended in cases of: slight hair loss, dandruff, irritated scalp.
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Internally, it is also used in complementary care protocols in cardio-, dermato- and oncology or as a treatment to boost immunity, particularly because of its vitamin content. As well as to promote the digestive system.
The different uses of Nigella Vegetable Oil
For the skin
Nigella vegetable oil is composed of a small part of essential oil, which itself contains a unique compound: thymoquinone. This molecule has powerful anti-infectious properties to act against bacteria and fungi. It therefore helps to cleanse the skin. Much research has been carried out on the properties of Nigella against acne. They have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties to calm damaged skin and healing properties to improve its appearance. According to a study conducted in 2010, the simple addition of 20% black seed oil to a classic lotion is more effective in fighting acne than a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide (a classic treatment).
Purifying anti-acne synergy
Add to a 10 ml roll-on container:
- Nigella vegetable oil : 9.5 ml;
- Palmarosa or Rosemary essential oil with verbenone : 3 drops;
- Cistus essential oil : 1 drop
Apply this mixture directly to acne spots.
Synergy purifying facial treatment
Only with vegetable oils:
- Nigella oil : 1 teaspoon;
- Jojoba oil : 1 teaspoon;
- Organic honey: 1 teaspoon.
Apply to your face and leave on for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
For hair
Black seed oil soothes itchy scalp. It also strengthens the hair fiber and leaves hair supple and shiny. It is used for dull, dry and brittle hair. By strengthening the follicles, it helps slow hair loss. It can be used alone or in synergy with an essential oil or another vegetable oil.
Synergy for dry/damaged hair
- Nigella vegetable oil : 1 tablespoon;
- Argan vegetable oil : 1 tablespoon;
- Ylang-Ylang essential oil : 3 drops.
Apply to the entire hair and massage for a few moments. Wrap in a towel and leave for at least 1 hour before rinsing with a mild shampoo. Repeat 1 to 2 times per week, as needed.
Pour the drops of essential oil and vegetable oils, always starting with the smallest quantity.
Hair loss synergy (mild)
- Nigella vegetable oil : 3 to 5 drops;
- Ylang-Ylang or Scots Pine essential oil a choice ;
- Add this mixture to your shampoo dose.
To complete the "treatment" shampoos, first massage your scalp with a few drops of the mixture: Nigella vegetable oil (15ml) and Wheat germ vegetable oil (5ml).
Leave the oil on for 40 minutes before shampooing as described above.
To boost immunity
Nigella vegetable oil would reduce the humoral response and stimulate the cellular immune response. During this delicate period, why not boost your immune defenses by combining 1 teaspoon of Nigella oil to swallow in the morning Avoid the eye and mouth area : when applying to the skin, it is preferable to avoid apply black seed oil around the eyes and mouth. Precautions must be taken as it could potentially attack the mucous membranes. and in the evening with an essential oil with immunostimulating properties (Ravintsara for skin use for example).
Good to know: Nigella vegetable oil also exists in capsule format for easier grip.
What precautions should be taken when using Nigella Vegetable Oil?
Nigella vegetable oil, recognized for its beneficial properties, requires certain precautions to ensure optimal use. Although its use is generally safe, it is important to take the following into account:
- Avoid intense heat : Black seed oil is sensitive to high heat. It is recommended not to heat the oil directly, as this could alter its valuable properties;
- Perform a skin test: Although skin reactions are rare, it is wise to perform a skin test first before using black seed oil on a larger area of the body or on sensitive areas like the face. This ensures the compatibility of the oil with your skin;
- Avoid the eye and mouth area: when applying to the skin, it is preferable to avoid applying black seed oil around the eyes and mouth. Precautions must be taken as it could potentially attack the mucous membranes.
Black seed oil offers soothing, restorative, antioxidant and nourishing properties, which are ideal for skin care and can be safely incorporated into your beauty rituals provided that the previous precautions are followed.
References :
- http://bouddhisme-universite.org/huile-nigelle-cheveux-peau/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtm/2017/7092514/
- https://www.naturaforce.com/bienfaits-complements/huile-de-nigelle/?cn-reloaded=1
- https://www.aroma-essentiel.fr/blog/46_lexique-therapeutique-huiles-vegetales
