Health Hotline Magazine | February 2025

reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a marker of inflammation. Ad ditionally, this study also found that oral and topical black seed oil (2.5 mL rubbed on the knee three times daily) significantly improved physical function and pain compared to placebo. The researchers concluded, “Both oral and topical N. sativa oil increased the quality of life.” Improve Sleep, Stress, and Mood Does it feel like you’ve tried just about everything under the sun to improve your sleep? Black seed oil may be the missing link. A 2022 study found that after taking 200 mg of black seed oil daily after dinner for 28 days, the total deep sleep time increased by approximately 83 percent, while rapid eye move ment (REM) sleep increased by around 31 percent. The subjects also reported significantly better sleep quality, including improvements in sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep), sleep duration, and reductions in sleep disturbanc es. There were also significant improvements in perceived anxiety and stress and a significant reduction in serum cortisol levels at the 28-day mark. Mood tanked? Black seed oil shows promise. A study examining the effect of black seed oil on mood in adolescents ages 14-17 showed that 500 mg once a day for four weeks stabilized mood, decreased anxiety, and positively modu lated cognition compared to a placebo. Great news for the parents of angsty teens! Another study including male adults with major depressive disorder found that 1,000 mg of black seed oil daily for 10 weeks (in addition to their normal SSRI medication) significantly decreased depression scores compared to placebo (the group who only received the SSRI). The intervention group also had significantly higher serum levels of BDNF (brain-derived neuro trophic factor; a critical protein in the brain that promotes neuronal growth and development and supports healthy brain function). Nurture Your Gut When it comes to supporting a healthy gut microbiome and the integrity of the gut lining, look no further than black seed oil. In a study looking at the effects of a combination of black seed oil and honey in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (chronic indigestion, which affects more than 20 per cent of the population), with symptoms including stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, and excessive burping, participants showed marked improve ment after taking 5 mL of black seed oil plus equal parts honey and water daily for eight weeks compared to a placebo. It also reduced the rate of H. pylori infection (a common cause of stomach ulcers) compared to placebo. The researchers summarized, “This study showed that adjuvant supplementation of honey-based formulation of N. sativa can cause significant symptomatic improvement of patients with functional dyspepsia…” Strengthen Sperm Health Black seed oil can support men’s fertility by promoting normal sperm structure and motility, in addition to healthy hormone levels. A 2014 study gave 68 infertile men with abnormal sperm structure and low sperm count and motility 2.5 mL of black seed oil or a placebo two times daily for two months. At the end of the study, sperm count, motility, structure, and semen volume were significantly improved in the black seed oil group compared to placebo. The study concluded, “Daily intake of 5 mL N. sativa oil for two months improves abnormal semen quality in infertile men without any adverse effects.” For references, visit: naturalgrocers.com/issue-91

• Level Up Skin Health. A 2022 review of 14 studies on black seed oil applied topically as a lotion, ointment, or oil, proves it’s a powerful ally in the treat ment of various skin-related conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, and warts due to its anti-in flammatory properties. Topical Black Seed Oil for Total Body Health

• Wound Healing Hero. Black seed oil and its major constituent thymoqui none act as an antioxidant when applied topically to help accelerate wound healing in burns and other skin injuries. It’s also been shown to increase colla gen formation and the rate of repairing damaged epithelial tissue. • Love Your Locks. A 2020 review highlighted a small study in which the daily use of a lotion containing 0.5% black seed oil applied on the scalp for three months significantly increased hair density and thickness in people with telogen effluvium—temporary thinning of the hair on top of the head attributed to stressors like surgery, childbirth, illness, grief, or hormonal changes—a common form of hair loss.

Natural Grocers ® | 15