Herbs and spices have long been used for medicine and to add flavor to local cuisine. Today we focus on herbs as primarily a way to make food taste better, but adding spice to meals also boost your health and actually be an alternative healing technique? In San Antonio, Texas, many people are looking at black seed oil, which comes from the seeds of the N. sativa plant, for both its culinary and health benefits. It’s called black caraway, black cumin, black seeds and kalonji. It has a hint of the aromas of onion, oregano and black pepper and can be used like oregano or cumin for pickles, bread or curry dishes.
Why look into alternatives and preventatives.
There are many philosophies on medicine, but one thing most doctors agree with is the philosophy that the medicine should cause less harm than the condition it’s fighting. It’s the reason many people are looking at ways to help prevent serious problems by focusing on staying healthy, rather than fighting disease. The use of antibiotics, for instance, has caused a strain of superbugs that have mutated to resist most antibiotics. These superbugs kill up to 90,000 people each year and the number grows each year. If you go to the hospital, you have a 5 to 10% potential of getting infected with a superbug. Studies show that black seed oil and oregano oil were effective in inhibiting several strains of superbugs that were resistant to antibiotics.
What gives black seed oil its antimicrobial potency.
Black seed oil contains several phytonutrients, like thymohydroquinone, thymoquinone and thymol. When used alone they are powerful protectors but boost the effectiveness exponentially when used together in proportions found naturally in black seed oil. Studies show that the oil can slow or prevent MRSA found in nursing homes and hospitals. It’s been shown effective for candida ablicans overgrowth, athletes’ foot and even herpes. In the lab, black seed oil inhibited replication of HIV-1, herpes simplex, hepatitis A and C, influenza, and even found more effective against covid 19 than hydroxychloroquine in slowing replication.
Protect your heart and respiratory system.
Black seed oil has been studied extensively and a review of those studies showed it’s an effective remedy for respiratory disease like allergies and emphysema. One study using guinea pigs showed it even protected the lungs against mustard gas! An extract of black seed oil helped reduce the symptoms of asthma by widening the bronchioles and letting air into the lungs. It helps lower blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides in the blood.
- Many parts of your body can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil. It can reduce the swelling and pain of rheumatoid arthritis; help prevent other diseases associated with inflammation.
- Black seed oil has been found effective as a complementary treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes but in differing ways. It improves glucose tolerance without side effects compared to metformin that’s often used for diabetics.
- It’s been used for centuries for skin problems and is good for treating skin inflammation, eczema, rashes, psoriasis and acne when dabbed on the skin.
- Black seed oil has antibacterial benefits aids ulcers and diarrhea. It promotes liver health, aids in weight loss and has been used to prevent hair loss and improved scalp and hair health. Always check with your health care professional first before using for health issues.
For more information, contact us today at Iron Fit San Antonio