Black seed oil is considered a valuable supplement, mainly in South West Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa, and has been used for medicine, food and even cosmetics. Today, black seed oil has gained popularity across the world, for its impressive health benefits, especially for joint pain .
It has been rumoured that black seed oil can do wonders for people with joint pain, especially knee pain, and even for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Although the research on the authenticity of the supposed health effects of the supplement is fairly limited, there are some scientific studies that suggest that black seed oil may be able to help cure joint pain.
What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil has been used for centuries, dating back over 2000 years. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant and is also used as a flavouring and ingredient in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
Now that the supplement has spread across the western countries as well, it is used for weight loss, hair and skin health, and even to help treat nasal inflammation, the common cold as well as maintain blood pressure levels.
Black seed oil is packed with nutrients, containing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, thymoquinone. Moreover, it also contains rich levels of protein, calcium, iron as well as several vitamins and minerals, offering a punch of fantastic health benefits.
What Can Black Seed Oil Do for Joint Pain?
Knowing its powerful properties, it is no surprise that black seed oil could boost your health, and there has even been evidence that it may be able to help treat joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that can swell your joints and wear down your bones. Taking oral black seed oil or applying the oil to the affected area may help to reduce the pain.
A recent study carried out an investigation on the effects of black seed oil on individuals with knee pain. As a result of the study, those who applied the oil by rubbing their affected knee three times a week for one month experienced a drastic decrease in pain than those who continued their routine prescription.
A 2016 study, published by Immunological Investigations, found evidence that black seed oil could aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. For the study, 43 women who were experiencing mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis took black seed oil in capsule and liquid form every day for one month.
According to study results, using black seed oil helped reduce arthritis symptoms as well as decreased blood levels of inflammatory markers.
Add Black Seed Oil to Your Diet
While scientific studies have proven success in the treatment of joint pain with black seed oil, it is never safe to say that the supplement can reduce pains and illnesses on its own. Superfoods should be seen as great additions to your diet that can give your health a boost and fuel your body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs, but not as the secret ingredient to treat a more serious disorder.
With that being said, include black seed oil into your lifestyle to make the most of its all-round health benefits. You can consume the supplement in the form of capsules, raw in one tablespoon, or mix it with raw honey.
Black seed oil is also a great spice to add to your savoury dishes as well as your favourite dessert treats or beverages. Feel free to continue to apply the oil to any area you can make use of its benefits, including your knees, ankles and shoulders.
