From hair fall, headaches and skin problems to asthma and liver disorders, kalonji oil or onion seed oil treats them all.
Kalonji oil or black seed oil is extracted from the black seeds of the N. sativa plant (also called kalonji or black seeds or nigella seeds).
Found more commonly in the south and southwest Asian regions, the black onion seeds are often confused with Kala Jeera (Black Cumin) because their names sound similar.
Kalonji seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant and they are also known as black caraway seeds and black onion seeds.
The Nigella plant blooms with white and blue flowers and its fruits are filled with its seeds.
The oil extracted from these seeds has been known to possess several health benefits and is hence traditionally used in the preparation of medicines.
They are also rich in crude fibres, amino acids, iron, sodium, calcium, potassium and Vitamins A, B, B12, Niacin and C.
The ancient Egyptians considered these seeds to be a treasure. They were found buried in Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt. Indians use kalonji seeds as a spice in curries, sweets and other culinary recipes.
10 Health Benefits of Kalonji Oil:
Kalonji oil has many medicinal benefits including boosting your metabolism, cholesterol control, & stomach, liver, eyes and heart issues.
1. Fights inflammation
Thymoquinone in Kalonji oil is highly anti-inflammatory. It helps with the management of symptoms in chronic inflammatory conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis.
Thymoquinone is a phytochemical compound that is found in the seeds of Nigella sativa that is responsible for the strong anti-inflammatory effects of the kalonji oil extracted from the black seeds of this plant.
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2. Improves reproductive health
Kalonji oil is highly anti-inflammatory which helps with menstrual cramps. The oil also has constituents like Thymoquinone, flavonoids and alkaloids that help in regulating ovulation in women.
Women with conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and dysmenorrhea also benefit from using this oil as it balances the body’s oestrogen levels.
Kalonji has a beneficial impact not only on the fertility issues of women but also on men. It balances male hormone levels and helps with fertility-related problems such as a reduction in sperm count, motility or quality.
3. Strengthens immunity
Kalonji oil mixed with lemon or honey, when consumed regularly, is believed to improve the body’s immunity against infections.
Thymoquinone is a renowned anti-oxidant in this oil that helps protect against viral or bacterial infections, especially those resulting in cold and flu.
Along with its anti-inflammatory effect on tissues, it also has a preventive effect against fibrosis, thus leading to an improved state of health.
4. Improves vision
Kalonji oil is used in Ayurveda to treat inflammation in the eyes. It helps cleanse the eyes and contributes to the prevention of blurriness and even cataracts.
It can only be used for eye problems only on the advice of the doctors. Get to know the full application procedure of this oil for use around the eyes as in certain cases it often worsens the condition if applied inappropriately.
5. Helps manage asthma
A regular supplement of Kalonji oil in asthmatic patients helps them prevent sudden attacks and in treating the symptoms regularly.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is the third leading cause of mortality all over the world.
Studies have reported that black seed oil or Kalonji oiisas an adjunct therapy that helps maintain the oxidant-antioxidant balance, reduces inflammation and improves lung functions significantly in patients suffering from asthma.
6. Regulates blood sugar
Kalonji oil has an immediate effect on blood sugar levels. It reduces the sugar level immediately in patients with unstable diabetes.
It should also be kept in mind that kalonji supplements help treat insulin resistance on prolonged or regular intake.
Kalonji oil for sugar control is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
7. Promotes Liver & Kidney Health
Kalonji oil possesses anti-oxidant properties that shield against oxidative stress which is the primary cause of many liver diseases.
Kalonji oil intake regularly reduces toxicity to the liver and kidneys and helps enhance their vitality and functions.
It prevents cirrhosis, and damage from diseases such as hepatitis, chronic kidney diseases, kidney stones and other infections.
8. Fights skin problems
This wonder oil helps in treating fungal infections on the skin and its regular application helps heal wounds faster. Research suggests that it can even be used in the management of certain cases of skin cancers.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition which causes red scaly skin patches that are treated using this oil by ayurvedic experts.
Kalonji oil mixed with olive oil, tea tree oil, cocoa butter and vitamins has been proven to work effectively in reducing up to 75% of psoriasis lesions.
9. Boosts memory function
Kalonji oil seems to have an especially beneficial effect on the brain and its memory.
The oil is mixed with mint leaves before consumption as a precaution against memory-related conditions. It also helps enhance brain functions in general.
Ayurveda treats dementia or memory loss due to age seen in the elderly with kalonji oil. It is also used as an effective adjunct therapy for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Prevents hypertension
Kalonji supplements have been proven to have the effect of reducing blood pressure to varying levels.
In some cases, the reduction in blood pressure is pretty significant whereas it cannot be said the same for others.
However, hypertensive patients should consume Kalonji supplements regularly only on a prescription from a doctor.
Beauty Benefits of Kalonji Oil
Kalonji oil has a significant effect on body weight. It helps reduce insulin resistance, BMI and fat from the waist. It is an excellent substitute for fad diets for people who are in the process of weight loss.
The oil acts as a moisturiser for the skin and has a hydrating effect on hair. Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, redness, pimples, blackheads or psoriasis can be managed with the help of the application of Kalonji oil.
It stimulates circulation to boost cell regeneration and has anti-inflammatory properties that prove very helpful in all types of skin conditions.
For hair loss, thinning hair and receding hairlines, onion seed oil is a miracle remedy that stimulates the scalp and improves hair density, when used consistently.
How to use Kalonji Oil?
Kalonji oil is usually taken orally mixed with lemon juice and honey or as a capsule. Kalonji supplements are also available as pills to consume and the oil can be applied directly to the skin and hair.
For face:
Kalonji oil is mixed with olive oil and applied to the face to heal inflammation and acne. It can be washed off within 15 minutes. It also helps promote skin elasticity as it is rich in antioxidants.
For the whole body:
Kalonji oil is mixed with orange juice and taken before food on an empty stomach. The drink acts as a detoxifying agent and it flushes out the toxins accumulated in the body.
For hair:
Kalonji oil is great for healthy hair. It works wonders on the growth, texture and volume of hair on regular use.
This oil can be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the hair and scalp for 30 minutes.
It can be washed off easily with normal shampoos and the components in the oil moisturise and strengthen the hair follicles.
Summary:
Known by different names in different regions of the world, Kalonji seeds serve as a spice. Grown widely in the southern parts of the Asian continent, the seeds have various components such as Thymoquinone, flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins, etc., which are very useful in various aspects.
For thousands of years, kalonji seeds have been a part of Asian and Indian cuisine and are also an essential ingredient in herbal medicines. Commonly considered a home remedy, Kalonji oil has wonderful effects on the skin and hair.
The health benefits, however, are varied. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and regenerative properties. It has a beneficial influence on hormone levels in both men and women.
With such an incredible set of benefits, kalonji oil sure deserves a space in your daily life as a trusted health and beauty potion.
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