As you’re about to see, one of the most super of all of nature’s “superfoods” is Black Cumin Seed Oil…

Now, black cumin seed is completely different than the cumin you may be familiar with (and completely different than turmeric/curcumin, for that matter).

As it’s nickname implies, it has long been revered by ancient cultures for its healing properties…

And, as you’re about to see, modern science is again confirming that the ancients really “knew their stuff”!

The term “superfood” is thrown around rather casually these days.

However, there’s one natural ingredient that certainly merits the term and your close attention: black cumin seed oil. (Also known as black seed oil.)

Read on more to discover why the likes of modern scientists, Egyptian queens, Ayurvedic doctors, and health enthusiasts love the universally helpful seed that is black cumin seed oil. 

What is Black Cumin?

Scientifically speaking, black cumin is called “Nigella Sativa,” which comes from a lovely purple flowering plant, also known as “Fennel Flower” or “Roman Coriander.”

(Because there is often confusion, black cumin and turmeric/curcumin are different and come from different plants.)

Black cumin has been hailed as a powerful medicinal plant in ancient cultures for eons. This spice was coined the “oil of the Pharaohs” due to the seeds apparently being found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. 

For centuries black cumin has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, eczema and respiratory issues like bronchitis. Earliest records of using this seed in more “modern” medicine dates all the way back to the 1600’s. It’s since won the approval and interest of health and medical experts alike.

For those new to black cumin or wanting to know more about it, here are 7 science-backed secrets of this impressive little seed. 

Black Cumin Lowers Inflammation

Black cumin seed oil is loaded with antioxidants making it an excellent addition to any healthy lifestyle. As we know, an antioxidant rich diet is thought to help prevent a variety of illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and has shown promise to be extremely helpful with cancer prevention.¹

Several studies have indicated that black cumin seed oil may improve symptoms for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).² 

At least one clinical study reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who supplemented with black cumin seed oil demonstrated significantly lower levels of joint inflammation and oxidative stress compared to those who didn’t supplement with the oil.²

Keep inflammation at bay by consuming this seed regularly.

Pro tip: It can help with external inflammatory issues too such as acne, too!

Black Cumin promotes Healthier Skin

Black cumin seed oil was rumoured to be the beautify oil of choice for both Cleopatra and Nefertiti, the ancient Egyptian queens.

And, as mentioned, Egyptian Pharaohs have been found buried with them in their tombs — clearly these precious seeds were considered worthy of taking into the afterlife.

Highly moisturizing and full of nourishing vitamins, minerals and omega fatty acids, using black cumin seed oil as part of a skincare routine may help minimize acne, heal and retain your skins moisture barrier, promote softness and radiance, and help issues related to dry skin such as eczema and fine lines.

Black Cumin aids in Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Healthy cholesterol levels are always a significant health marker for people of all ages. With heart disease being a leading cause of death worldwide, anything that promotes a healthy ticker always sparks interest. 

Results from a study done by the National Library of Medicine found that black cumin seed may be particularly effective at lowering total cholesterol levels while simultaneously decreasing LDL (“bad”) ³ cholesterol and increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. ⁴

Studies indicate that black cumin demonstrates notable potential to lower and maintain healthy cholesterol levels overall.

So, while science is figuring out the best dosage and form to use this healthy ingredient for heart health, you can use it generously in the kitchen to reap heart-healthy benefits. 

Black Cumin Promotes Weight Loss

Clinical studies using black cumin seed oil for weight loss found that it promotes it on three fronts:

It may increase fat loss: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study published results showing that out of 20 sedentary, overweight females, the control group that supplemented with black seed oil while on an aerobics program lost more fat and had a greater reduction in BMI than the other group. The second control group   did the same aerobics program but didn’t supplement with black cumin seed oil. ⁵

Supports Balanced Blood Sugar: One study found that consumption of black cumin seed oil appeared to decrease  blood sugar levels, increase insulin production, and decreased insulin resistance.⁶ This is promising for weight loss considering that excess amounts of insulin produced due to insulin resistance is one the  reasons behind a sluggish metabolism and unnecessary fat storage.

May Reduce Inflammation: As touched on earlier, the antioxidant profile of black cumin seed provides distinct anti-inflammatory benefits. Excess fat isn’t the only thing to blame for excessive weight. Inflammation is a key culprit to pushing up the numbers on the scale. Black cumin seed oil’s ability to combat inflammation in the body may make it an ideal supplement to incorporate for overall weight loss!

Yours in Health

Prof Sundardas D Annamalay

https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/gutbrainhealing

Book a private consultation today and take control of your own health.

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Bibliography

1.Khan MA, Chen HC, Tania M, Zhang DZ. Anticancer activities of Nigella sativa (black cumin). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754079/

2.Nigella Sativa. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/nigella-sativa

3.Supplementation of Powdered Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Seeds Reduces the Risk of Hypercholesterolemia | Sultan | Functional Foods in Health and Disease (ffhdj.com)

4. Sahebkar A, Beccuti G, Simental-Mendía LE, Nobili V, Bo S. Nigella sativa (black seed) effects on plasma lipid concentrations in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26875640/

5.Farzaneh E, Nia FR, Mehrtash M, Mirmoeini FS, Jalilvand M. The Effects of 8-week Nigella sativa Supplementation and Aerobic Training on Lipid Profile and VO2 max in Sedentary Overweight Females. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24627749/

6. The efficacy of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) oil and hypoglycemic drug combination to reduce HbA1c level in patients with metabolic syndrome risk https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/259/1/012018/pdf

With various root causes, types, and degrees of intensity, anxiety is a complex mental health condition. And, when left untreated, anxiety can produce a plethora of negative effects—everything from trouble sleeping or concentrating to panic attacks and depression.

Anyone who has felt the onset of anxiety knows that it can quickly feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. But there’s good news, too: Anxiety can be reduced through a variety of treatments—both ongoing efforts, like professional therapy, and on-the-spot calming practices, such as breathing and journaling.

Anxiety can be reduced through a variety of treatments—both ongoing efforts, like professional therapy, and on-the-spot calming practices, such as breathing and journaling.

Here are 7 essential strategies to help manage this common condition.

1. Psychotherapy

Anxiety may stem from a variety of sources, from the biological (such as head injuries, addiction, or genetics) to psychological (like past trauma) and social (for example, stress at work). To pinpoint the causes, as well as potential methods of addressing the issue, it’s helpful to employ psychotherapy. A variety of therapeutic approaches can produce positive effects on anxiety: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), hypnotherapy, couples or individual therapy, and more. These modalities offer multiple benefits, including strategies to cope with anxiety, a reduction in symptoms, and improved well-being and social relationships.

2. Killing the ANTs

Automatic negative thoughts, or ANTs, can creep in and drive anxiety levels higher. ANTs can take many forms, including all-or-nothing thinking, blaming others, and focusing on imagined doomsday scenarios. These negative thoughts rob you of joy in the present moment, but that’s not all. Research shows that repetitive negative thinking over time can increase the risk of long-term conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Eliminating these thoughts involves employing techniques inspired by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: writing down the negative thought, asking if the thought is completely true, and imagining yourself without the thought. Over time and with consistent practice, killing those ANTs helps reshape thought processes and diminishes anxiety.

3. Diaphragmatic Breathing

When anxiety or a panic attack strikes, there’s a simple way to soothe the system in as little as 2 minutes, using the skill of diaphragmatic breathing. In times of anxiety, breathing may naturally become erratic, fast, or shallow, but diaphragmatic breathing teaches us how to breathe deeper, doubling lung capacity and feeding more oxygen to the brain. To practice this technique, lie down on your back and place a book or other light object on the stomach (the belly, not the chest, should rise and fall with the breath). Take in a slow, deep breath for 4 seconds, hold for a second, and breathe out for 8 seconds. Practice this twice daily so it feels natural when it’s needed most—i.e., when anxiety surfaces in response to a sudden stressor.

4. Mindfulness

Breathing techniques can be combined with meditation practices for improved results in lowering anxiety. For example, mindfulness meditation, a form of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), has been shown in one study to lower symptoms of anxiety and even improve cardiovascular health by lowering pressure on the arteries. The American Psychological Association reports that mindfulness—which involves paying attention to the present moment without passing judgment—reduces stress and anxiety, improves physical health, and may even boost the immune system. Ultimately, mindfulness practitioners learn, over time, how to face stressful situations with fewer reactive negative thoughts and emotions.

5. Learning to Say No

Find yourself overextended and exhausted because you just can’t say no? Taking on more than you can handle may seem like a selfless impulse, but in reality, it creates an anxiety-producing stream of overwhelm, leading to long-term resentments and chronic stress. This habit is often spurred on by anxiety and low self-worth, as those who practice it falsely believe their willingness to help will earn them approval. Furthermore, saying yes to too much can occur without thought; this habit is associated with low activity in the prefrontal cortex, which leads to less ability to think ahead or consider consequences. Hence, one way to battle the habit is to pause. Instead of automatically saying yes, say, “I’ll have to think about that,” and honestly evaluate whether you have time. If not, politely but firmly decline. Luckily, learning to say no—a skill often learned in Dialectical Behavior Therapy—feels easier and more natural with practice.

6. Knowing your Values and Purpose

A form of acceptance and commitment therapy, defining core values—and allowing those to drive your actions—helps create a happier, lower-anxiety life. Researchers have found that living in a purposeful way is associated with less depression, higher levels of satisfaction, better sleep, improved mental health, greater self-acceptance, and more. To determine core values, outline your most important 1 or 2 characteristics or traits in 4 categories (biological, psychological, social, and spiritual), and consider the values that draw you to your most influential heroes. Then, to find your purpose, examine what you love to do, how it can connect to and help others, and how you’d like to be remembered in years to come. A sense of values and purpose helps foster personal growth, gives back to others, and can even increase life longevity.

7. Journaling

Starting a practice of journaling was shown in one study to positively impact participants who otherwise experienced increased psychological distress. But one approach in particular, gratitude journaling, offers a bevy of benefits for those with anxiety by shifting the focus from the negative to the positive. Specifically, gratitude practitioners activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce inflammatory markers, experience less depression and stress, and increase overall happiness. Particular subsets of the population have also been shown to benefit—think boosted life satisfaction in the elderly and less stress among healthcare practitioners. To practice, simply write down 3 things to be grateful for on a regular basis. Over time, gratitude will become ingrained, so looking for the positives in life will start to feel like second nature.

Yours in Health,

Prof Sundardas D Annamalay

https://www.sundardasnaturopathy.com/gutbrainhealing

Book a private consultation today and take control of your own health.

Simply email us at   admin@naturaltherapies.com to make an appointment

Or call +65 63236652

We are pleased to offer consultations via Zoom for online coaching clients.

You can sign up for my 14 Module program called “Vibrant Living”

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“Psychosomatic experiencing is about working directly with your nervous system. You are about to become intimately familiar and comfortable with your inner survival system. You will learn how to shift the different emotional states to a manageable level within a few minutes. 

When our emotions are running our lives, we are not in a state of calm aliveness. Rather, there are imbalances in the nervous system that cause problems. It causes imbalances in other systems and organs in our body. Not to mention how these imbalances influence our thoughts, feelings and behaviours towards ourselves and others.”

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