People all over the world have used nigella sativa in various forms to help them ease their chronic health problems and also to promote general good health and beauty. However, when it comes to pregnancy and black seed oil there are a few things you should be aware of.
It may be tempting to look for the benefits of black seed oil in pregnancy, particularly if you are used to consuming it on a regular basis. However, there can also be side effects and there is evidence to suggest that ingesting black seed oil may be unsafe for pregnant women, so it’s time to find other ways to enjoy its benefits.
What Are the Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil in Pregnancy?
As outlined above, some believe that taking black cumin seed oil is risky during pregnancy. In fact, experts at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in the US claimed that pregnant women should avoid consuming the oil altogether, as one of the side effects is it can have an impact on the muscles of the uterus, preventing contractions from taking place.
However, this is not to say you can’t still consume some amount of ‘black cumin’ or ‘nigella seeds’ as they are often known, as there isn’t any evidence to suggest that small amounts would be harmful. Why not consider sprinkling some seeds on your morning porridge?
If you’re disappointed to learn that it’s not wise to continue putting the oil on bread, in smoothies, in soups or ingesting it on its own, you may be able to find new uses for it in other ways instead.
For Your Skin…
Instead of consuming black seed oil directly, if you’re pregnant, why not switch to using the oil on your skin – it could be a suitable treatment for all kinds of skin conditions.
Pregnancy can do some very strange things to your body. Stretch marks appear and skin can become dry or discoloured. Rubbing small amounts of the oil onto your rough patches can promote healthy, supple skin during pregnancy, and might even help you achieve that elusive pregnancy ‘glow’.
If you suffer from dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, you may really start to feel the effects of black seed oil during pregnancy. Apply the oil to the skin every so often, and notice how your symptoms can start to subside. There are some medicated treatments that are not safe to use during pregnancy, which you may be able to replace with black cumin seed.
A study in 2012 suggested there may be no detrimental effect on the treatment of eczema if sufferers replace medical creams with nigella sativa.
For Your Hair…
Have you ever heard of pregnancy-related hair thinning? Well, it happens. Luckily, there’s a great natural remedy that is thought to help stimulate hair growth. You guessed it, black seed oil! Applying the oil to your hair and scalp can, according to several studies, result in better hair growth and healthier looking hair.
For Treating Spots…
The hormonal imbalances that come about as a result of pregnancy can result in a sudden outbreak of unsightly spots. Just what you need when you’re already suffering with sore feet, morning sickness and stretch marks! Once again, this is where black seeds and pregnancy can mix safely.
Applying small amounts of the oil to the face can help to treat spots thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study from 2015 showed that more than half of acne sufferers who tested the black seed treatment said they had a ‘good’ response, after using it on their skin for a time.
If In Doubt, Ask Your Doctor
When it comes to pregnancy, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so always check with your doctor or medical practitioner, before using any new treatments or remedies, especially in the first trimester.
