Have you ever spent too much time walking down store aisles, searching for hair care products that are natural, healthy and promote thick, luscious locks? While there are many types of oils available on shelves, like argan oil and almond oil, black seed oil has been used for centuries for its many benefits including scalp and hair health. Don’t just take our word for it, Cleopatra and Nefertiti used black seed oil in their beauty and hair regimens! In fact, black cumin oil was so revered in Ancient Egypt that it was often buried with their dead.
In Arabic culture, black seeds are called “Habbat el Baraka” which translates to “seeds of blessing”, and what a blessing they are! Black seeds grow on a small flowering plant named Nigella sativa. This plant grows in Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Southern Europe and Northern Africa. The shrubs produce fruit with tiny black seeds and these seeds have quite a few different names, including: black cumin, black caraway, fennel flower, nigella and Roman coriander. Once oil is extracted from the seeds, it can be used in a variety of ways. Black cumin is high in antioxidants and may help treat asthma by decreasing inflammation. It also helps to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates suggested black seeds as a remedy for a bevy of problems, including digestive help.
While there have been no clinical studies to support the claim that black seed oil helps with hair growth, using it topically has many added benefits. The main reason for this is that black seed oil contains thymoquinone. Thymoquinone is a chemical component that helps with inflammation and has antioxidant properties. It’s an antihistamine which has been known to help promote new hair growth or regrowth where hair has been lost. The fatty acids in black seed oil help to improve circulation, which is critical for hair growth. These fatty acids can hydrate and strengthen hair while the anti-inflammatory properties help to recover scalp health and minimize dandruff. That being said, black seed oil works well as a pre-shampoo moisturizing oil if applied to dry hair before washing. Oil can also be applied to split ends to help restore and soften your hair while also eliminating frizz. Consider adding Foods Alive cold-pressed black seed oil to your beauty routine; your hair will thank you!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-seed-oil#benefits
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/black-seed-oil-for-hair-growth-does-it-work
https://www.naturesblends.com/en-us/blogs/news/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-black-cumin-seed-oil
