Black Seed Oil – Organic

Black Seed Oil (Nigella Sativa)

Black seed oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant. Native to regions of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, this distinctive oil has been valued for centuries as a flavorful addition to traditional cuisine.

With its rich, earthy taste, black seed oil can be used in dressings, smoothies, and culinary creations, or as a unique ingredient in your pantry. Its long history and distinctive flavor profile make it a versatile staple that continues to be enjoyed worldwide.

 

Organic Black Seed Oil

Z Natural Foods takes pride in bringing our customers a wide range of foods and herbs from around the globe in their most versatile forms, and our organic black seed oil is no exception. While black seed oil has an acquired flavor profile, its versatility and benefits stand toe-to-toe with some of the most potent foods and compounds in the world of plant medicines. 

Our organic black seed oil has a wide range of uses and endless potential for creativity. Indeed, we are all fortunate to have modern extraction techniques that provide us with a wide range of highly concentrated and effective herbal products. However, the history and story behind black seeds and their potent oil are equally impressive.

Occasionally, we come across a food with a remarkable history that is often underrated for its unique qualities. Black seed oil is one of those foods. With a mild flavor and earthy, bitter, and peppery undertones, black seed oil exhibits excellent potential for a wide range of production and medicinal applications. Our mission is to provide customers with great-tasting (most of the time) and highly functional foods that have endless applications in their most versatile form, supporting a variety of lifestyles. We proudly introduce this fantastic member of our diverse line of functional foods: Z Natural Foods Organic Black Seed Oil.

Interesting and unique facts about black seed oil

• Black seed has a history stretching over 2500 years and is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine.
• Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the black cumin plant.
• Black seed is an annual plant in the buttercup family.
• Often mistaken for black seeds, black cumin and caraway seeds are actually from the carrot family.
• Black seed plants thrive in areas with extreme temperatures and high sun exposure, such as Africa, Turkey, and the Middle East.
• Despite being completely different in appearance and flavor, black and cumin seeds are often discussed interchangeably. However, they are entirely different species.  
• While hundreds of active constituents are found in black seed oil, thymoquinone (TQ), dithymoquinone, thymol, and thymohydroquinone appear to be the most active and medicinal.
• Black and cumin seeds are known as Nigella sativa. However, black seeds are also known by the names kalaungi and cumin seed, derived from Bunium bulbocastanum.
• Due to its prevalent use in ancient Egypt, black seed is known as the “Secret of the pharaohs.
• Cleopatra and King Tut are said to have used black seed oil. In fact, black seed oil was found in King Tut’s tomb, accompanied by a note stating that it cures all diseases. 
• Black seed oil is one of the most sought-after ingredients in the skin care industry. While most oils are known to clog pores, black seed is said by dermatologists to clear symptoms associated with clogged pores. 

Black Seed Oil: An Ayurveda Perspective

Black seed oil is considered one of Ayurvedic medicine’s great marvels. Ayurvedic medicine works on three primary doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), comprising elements(water, earth, air, fire, and ether). Doshas are believed to be the energies that circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. Simply, they shape the physical body according to a natural constitution at birth. 

• Vata is the movement of blood, oxygen, and neurotransmitters. It governs the movement of thoughts, emotions, and bodily functions.
• Pitta comprises fire and water elements. It governs metabolism, transforming food into energy. Pitta is the fire that deals with physical digestion and mentally digesting life experiences.
• Kapha: The structure of grounding and stability governing nourishment and growth. It governs stability, strength, and lubrication in the body. It is important to note that excess Kapha can lead to lethargy, weight gain, and congestion.

“One of the unique principles of Ayurveda is the understanding of health as a result of the coordinated functioning of the soul, mind, and body in an intimate relationship with everything else in the cosmos- material and non­material. It believes the constituent factors of the human body and the cosmos are the same.”

According to Ayurveda, black seed oil is called kalonji, known for its ability to support healthy digestion, immune responses, and inflammation.

• Black seed oils’ warm, dry, and potent qualities are used to balance out the Dasha’s.
• They are often recommended for balancing Vata and Kapha energies, which are naturally cooling and moist in nature.
• Ayurveda believes that black seed oil helps prevent the formation of gas or aids in expelling already formed gas in the digestive system.
• Ayurveda also believes that black seed has immune-modulating properties and is known as a “booster of Ojas.” Ojas is the concept of strengthening the body’s internal defense mechanisms, making the body more resilient.
• Ayurveda uses Black seed oil for its general energy harmonizing effects. It has warming and drying properties that help calm excess kapha, which is associated with coldness, heaviness, and congestion. Also well known for balancing Vata, which, when aggravated, causes digestive disturbances.

Ayurvedic qualities of Black Seed Oil

Rasa (Taste): Bitter and pungent

Guna (Qualities): dry and light to digest

Vipaka (Third level of digesting, deep level of taste), Pungent taste after digestion

Veerya (Potency): Hot

Effects on Tridosha (The influence of movement, transformation, and sensory functions): Calms kapha and Vata, and increases pitta.

The Fatty Acid Profile of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is an outstanding source of essential fatty acids and is said to have a unique fatty acid profile for a seed. There are two primary types of fats: saturated and unsaturated. Structurally speaking, saturated fats have no double bonds, whereas unsaturated fats have one or more of these bonds. A fat with one double bond is considered monounsaturated, whereas if it has more than one, it is polyunsaturated.

Polyunsaturated fats are broken down into two classes: Omega-3 and six fatty acids. A key point to note is that while certain foods may be higher in a specific type of fat, all foods contain a combination of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. Black seed oil is an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the most abundant one being omega-6 linoleic acid. One teaspoon of black seed oil contains 5 grams of fat, with a total of 26 fatty acids present. Here is the approximate breakdown of fatty acids in black seed oil.

• 8.5% palmitic acid 
• 43% linoleic acid 
• 15.5% oleic acid 
• 6% EPA  
• 3% DHA 
• 4.7% Eicosatrienoic acid

The vast majority of black seed oil’s fatty acid profile comes from the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. Notably, most plant-based fatty acid profiles are rich in the omega-6 fatty acid Alpha linoleic acid that converts into the omega-3 fatty acid EPA. However, the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid converts into arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid in the phospholipid membrane of the body’s cells, most abundantly in the brain, liver, and muscles. Arachidonic acid contributes to cell membrane structure, aiding muscle growth and repair. Furthermore, it supports brain development and has a crucial role in the production of eicosanoids (vital signaling molecules) involved in inflammation and immune responses. 

Black Seed Oil: A Western Medicine Perspective

For thousands of years, black seed oil has been described as a panacea. A panacea is defined as a general solution for all difficulties. This term has historically been used to describe a compound that affects the outcome of a wide range of conditions and is also commonly applied to comfort foods like Mom’s chicken soup and the principle of love, because they are said to “cure all that ails you.” However, until recently, it was never understood why.

Due to advancements in research and technology, we now have a clearer understanding of the intrinsic details that demonstrate a single plant medicine can have multiple mechanisms of action, thereby broadening its potential to support the improvement of various conditions via modulating numerous pathways. These conditions include but are not limited to the following: immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, and antioxidant properties.

Western herbalism considers black seed oil a foundational herb due to its ability to provide strong supportive qualities. It’s believed that many of the benefits of black seed oil are attributed to the following mechanisms of action.

• The inhibition of growth factors, biochemical, and oxidative stress markers
• The regulation of gene expression
• Improving mitochondrial functions, including ATP production.
• Enhances the health of the microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
• Supports insulin sensitivity through enhancing GLP-1 secretion and activating APM-Kinase.

Full-spectrum black seed oil, with standardized levels of 3% thymoquinone and a concentration of free fatty acids less than 2%, has been shown to potentiate its synergistic effects with other potent compounds and their response to the inflammation process.

• Combined with astaxanthin, there is a 2X increase in the anti-inflammatory effects.
• Combined with lutein, there is a 3.3X increase in the anti-inflammatory effects..
• Combined with Vitamin D, there is a 6X increase in the anti-inflammatory effects.
• Combined with pygnogenol, there is a 21X increase in the anti-inflammatory effects.

The following was concluded in a 4-week study on marathon runners using a full-spectrum black seed oil, evaluating its effect on respiratory tract infections.

• The runners received either 500 milligrams of black seed oil (Thymoquin) or a placebo.
• The runners who supplemented with ThymoQuin reported significantly fewer upper-respiratory tract complaints (-62%), better overall health, and a more positive mood (+11%) compared to the placebo group.

Furthermore, the supplemented runners showed higher levels of Streptococcus thermophilus (+66%) (a beneficial bacteria shown to improve digestion and immune function) and lower stress hormone expression (cortisol, -44%), both of which are associated with immune vigilance and psychological mood state.

The following was stated in another study evaluating the effects of black seed oil on blood pressure and vascular health.

• Healthy subjects treated with ThymoQuin for 42 days showed a significant reduction in overall blood pressure (BP) and an increase in heart rate.
• This effect was enhanced in subjects who did not take additional drugs during the trial period and resulted in a reduction from 140/90 to 120/80 on average. Taking all subjects into account, an initial significant decline in blood pressure (BP) was also measured after two days of treatment, exhibiting the rapid effect of ThymoQuin.
• A return to baseline levels of blood pressure (BP) was observed once treatment with ThymoQuin was halted and a placebo was administered instead.

Therefore, it was concluded that ThymoQuin is an effective treatment for lowering blood pressure.

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods handpicks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best possible quality product, supporting optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in human

Important summary points

• Black seed oil contains many active compounds, with thymoquinone and related substances being the most powerful.
• In Ayurveda, it’s known as kalonji and used to support digestion, immunity, and reduce inflammation.
• It’s rich in healthy fats, especially omega-6 (linoleic acid); one teaspoon has 5 grams of fat and 26 fatty acids.
• Linoleic acid turns into arachidonic acid, which helps build cell membranes, supports brain and muscle health, and plays a role in inflammation and immune responses.
• Its benefits come from actions like reducing oxidative stress, improving energy production in cells, balancing gut bacteria, and helping with blood sugar control.

Some research suggests that Organic Black Seed Oil may contain the following constituents:

• Tricyclene, Camphene, β-Pinene, 2,4, nigellone, Dithymoquinone, Sabinene, β-Myrcene, 1,8-Cineole, α-Terpinene, Limonene, γ-Terpinene, cis-Sabinene hydrate, allo-Ocimenol, Linalool, Terpinolene, trans-Sabinene hydrate, Terpinene-1-ol, 1,5,8-p-Menthatriene, Nonane, Borneol, RI, MS, Pinocarvone, trans-Dihydrocarvone, Dihydrocarvone, Ocimenone (E), Thymoquinone, Thymol, Carvacrol, 2-Undecanone, n-Octyl isobutyrate, α-Longipinene, Citronellyl acetate, Thymohydroquinone methyl ether, Cyclosativene, tanethole, α-Longicyclene, 4-terpineol, beta-sitosterol, (10)-Thujadiene, myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, Oxygenated monoterpenes, Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, Oxygenated sesquiterpenes, Diterpenes, Alkane, Alkenes
• Fatty acids, Fatty acid esters, arachidonic acid
• Protein
• Vitamins: Vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, folic acid
• Minerals: Calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorous
• Epa, Dha, α-Copaene, α-Longifolene, (Z)-Caryophyllene, β-Caryophyllene, Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, RI, MS, Aromadendrene, Thymohydroquinone, Davanone, 8-Heptadecene, Dihydrofarnesyl acetate, Pimaradiene, Palmitic acid, Pimara-8(14),15-diene, Octadecanoic acid, Quinones, Monoterpene

Suggested Use: 

• For internal use, mix one teaspoon (5 ml) with honey, cold or warm dishes, or pure before meals.
• For external use, apply to dry skin, acne, eczema, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, minor wounds, rashes, bedsores, and other minor skin irritations.

Mixing Suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our organic turmeric root powder and piperine extract powder.

Miscellaneous Facts about our Organic Black Seed oil

Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.

Ingredients: Raw Black Seed Oil.

Parts Used: Black Seed (oil only).

Typical smell and flavor profile: Smoky and earthy flavor.

Common appearance and texture: Black oil.

Botanical Name: Nigella sativa L.

Other Names: Nigella seed, Great pignut, Kalaunji, upakunchika, nigella, Kalonji, Black cumin seeds, kala jeera, Susavi, Sthulajiraka, Blackseed, Upakunci, Black Cumin, Nigella seed, fennel flower, black caraway, nutmeg flower, black seeds, haba barakah, Roman coriander, Black caraway seeds.

Origin: Grown and cold pressed in Turkey. They were packaged with care in Florida, USA.