Black cumin oil in cosmetology is a unique product that is popular among Eastern women. Many people call the product “black gold”. The press received a precious status for its valuable properties for health and beauty.
Caraway extract gently and effectively copes with facial skin defects, prolongs youth and gives a fresh, rested look. Are there really so many abilities in one small bottle? Even more than you think. You will learn how to use the miraculous elixir correctly in the article.
general description
An annual herbaceous plant reaching a height of 30–40 cm, native to the Mediterranean. Today it is cultivated in Western Europe for technical purposes; it is also a well-known spice used in cooking for the preparation of baked goods and drinks.
Black cumin oil is a basic fatty oil, obtained by cold pressing of nigella seeds. The product yield is quite high, the raw material contains about 30%. It has an intense green-brown color and a light flowing texture. The aroma has a bright, rich bouquet; you can detect sharp, spicy, fruity, musky notes. It is quickly absorbed, instantly softens, and does not leave the feeling of an oily film.
Note! The oil has the properties of binding sebium, thereby cleansing pores and removing toxins and oxidants.
You can prepare it at home; to do this you need to make a press to squeeze out the oil. There is also an easier way to get it:
- Grind cumin seeds (200 g) in a coffee grinder.
- Pour warm olive oil (500 ml). Place in a dark place to infuse for 2 weeks.
- Afterwards, strain through cheesecloth and pour into a glass bottle.
Widely used in cosmetology, the oil cleanses, moisturizes, relieves inflammation and irritation. You can use it as an independent remedy, or create effective home recipes based on it. Only fatty cumin oil is obtained, which contains essential compositions.
Subtleties of preparing the product
The classic method of preparing black cumin seed extract has been used for thousands of years.
Process algorithm:
- At the first stage, the seeds are cleaned, washed, and dried.
- On the second stage, the raw materials are pressed using a screw press.
- On the third stage, the oil settles until the suspended particles of fiber completely settle.
- At the fourth stage, the unfiltered product is poured into sealed glass containers.
Black cumin seeds The oil obtained in the described way is light. Dark color means the seeds were heated during processing.
Note: The presence of sediment indicates low quality of the product.
A little history
Widely used in ancient times both in the East and in the West. In Arab countries, black cumin is associated with the name of the Prophet Muhammad, who considered the seeds of the plant to be a cure for all diseases.
Nigella seeds were discovered in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, and Cleopatra used the oil in her famous beauty recipes. Avicenna described the properties of nigella as a means to restore strength and give energy.
In the Middle Ages, valuable oil was used to treat infectious and skin diseases. Mostly oriental beauties used it in cosmetology; the product was absorbed very quickly, instantly transforming the face, relieving painful inflammations and rashes.
Composition and properties of black cumin
Black cumin goes by several popular names: anise, knim, timon, kozlovki, ganus, gunba and kimin. It has been known since the times of Ancient Egypt: vessels with black cumin oil found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun indicate that the plant was highly valued and was even taken with them to the afterlife along with gold and jewelry.
The benefits of black cumin are undeniable. The very first mentions of the plant date back to 3000 BC. Even then, in Egypt, cumin was used to enhance digestion after heavy meals and to reduce allergic reactions on the skin. By mixing the seeds with water or vinegar, the Egyptians received a solution to cleanse the skin, adding clay to it, and made masks that were perfect for moisturizing and softening a chapped face. According to some reports, even the inhabitants of the lower Nile owed their bronze complexion to caraway oil. Nefertiti herself, famous for the tenderness and velvety of her skin, did not hesitate to use cosmetics with it, and Cleopatra preferred baths with an infusion of spices, which helped her maintain an even tone, elasticity and youthfulness of her skin.
Black cumin: properties
Treatment with cumin oil and cumin seeds dates back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece, caraway seeds, vinegar and honey were used to treat wounds from snake and scorpion bites, knowing about its anti-inflammatory properties. In the 11th century, the Persian physician Avecenna described the following properties of cumin and black cumin oil:
• Cleanses the body and removes harmful toxins • Reduces mucus in the lungs during illnesses • A remedy for healing skin wounds • A medicine against colds, coughs, fevers and headaches • A medicine against parasites that have settled in the intestines
Cumin oil can still be easily found in all eastern bazaars, where it is sold as “a cure for all diseases except death” - this is how the Prophet Muhammad spoke about it. By the way, Muslims also use ground cumin seeds mixed with honey as a means to strengthen potency. In Turkey, cumin is used as incense, and the 41 seeds are also sewn into colored fabric and attached to children's clothing to ward off the evil eye and bad luck. In Europe, the history of caraway began around the 8th century with Charlemagne. Even then, the plant was used not only as a seasoning, but also as a remedy against heaviness in the stomach and an excellent way to get rid of skin imperfections: freckles, rashes and abscesses. Today, black cumin oil is used quite widely in cosmetology. It is included in many homemade masks.
Composition of caraway
The chemical composition of cumin is very diverse:
3-7% is occupied by essential oils, which contain the elements necessary for beauty. 12-22% are fatty oils, from 10 to 23% are protein and tannins, which actively resist rotting, inflammation and promote cell renewal. Cumin also contains a large amount of antioxidants and acids that activate healing processes. In addition to restoring damaged tissue, they effectively improve the overall condition of the skin, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and moisturize the epidermis, and protect against harmful external influences.
Black cumin contains vitamins E, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9; they support the health and youth of the skin, fill it with energy and promote its renewal.
In addition to the above, the grains contain zinc, phosphorus, iron, copper and calcium. These are indispensable beauty products that will bring undoubted benefits to the skin, especially when they enter the cells directly.
Calcium
is not only a building material for bones. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing or completely eliminating pimples and small rashes, helps lighten the skin a little, dries it and perfectly cleanses the pores. Calcium is especially effective in the fight against blackheads.
Zinc
keeps the skin young and elastic, accelerates cell turnover and stabilizes fat metabolism, eliminating treacherous shine. The element is also necessary for the production of natural collagen, which is necessary for those who want to maintain youth for a long time.
Treatment of inflammation, effective cleansing and deep fight against bactericidal formations - these are all the merits of phosphorus
. And although in its pure form the substance is extremely toxic, in small doses it brings complete benefits.
Iron
saturates cells with oxygen, renews them and tones them, significantly rejuvenating the skin.
Copper
is responsible for the formation of collagen, resisting viruses, destroying bacteria that have already begun to develop and coloring the skin, so copper is necessary for all pale-faced beauties. It is an invisible frame for the skin, allowing it to maintain its elasticity and beauty for a long time.
Thus, we can summarize briefly: cumin will be useful for any skin type and age. It will help cope with the formation of pimples and (acne), remove the traces left behind (post-acne), unclog pores and restore smoothness and radiance to the skin, ridding it of oily sheen. For more mature ladies, the benefits of grains will be different: they will be able to tighten the skin, nourish it with collagen and stimulate the formation of new cells, maintaining elasticity and beauty for a long time.
Both black cumin seeds and black cumin oil are used as a cosmetic product. Many people prefer the second option, since it contains a higher concentration of useful substances, but it is also more difficult to find. Cumin grains can be bought at any grocery store; before use, they need to be ground to flour. Black cumin oil for the face can be applied to the affected areas of the skin and left on for 30-40 minutes until absorbed. But you should be careful: in its pure form the oil is quite potent and can cause allergies; it is better to mix it with linseed, sesame or cedar oils. Before use, check for an allergic skin reaction: apply a drop to the inside of your wrist or elbow and wait a couple of hours. If a reaction does occur, but you want to use cumin, give preference to grains: the concentration of nutrients in them is lower, which makes the plant almost completely safe.
Beneficial features
This unique oil provides comprehensive care due to the content of active ingredients:
- oleic acid is responsible for the regeneration of membrane cell structures, restores the hydrolipid mantle, evens out the skin structure, and is a powerful antioxidant;
- linoleic acid increases the protective properties of the skin, retains moisture, prevents premature aging, copes with dryness, eliminates flaking;
- myristic acid ensures the transport of nutrients into the deep layers of the skin, activates cellular immunity, prevents irritation and redness;
- palmatic acid has a whitening effect, eliminates pigmentation and traces of acne, restores skin elasticity, is effective in preventing the appearance of wrinkles and reducing turgor;
- stearic acid is indispensable in winter, protects the skin from low temperatures, gusts of wind, maintains hydrobalance, relieves irritation and inflammation;
- linolenic acid is effective in preventing sagging, reducing elasticity, and preventing wrinkles;
- eicosadienoic acid promotes renewal and regeneration of the skin, normalizes intracellular metabolic processes;
- petroselinic acid nourishes, softens the skin, removes dead cells, protects the dermis from exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
- B vitamins are effective for aging, aging skin, have antioxidant properties, regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands, soothe inflammation, protect against hyperpigmentation;
- minerals are responsible for a beautiful, healthy tone, prevent the formation of comedones and acne, and stimulate renewal processes;
- phytosterols have a rejuvenating effect, restore inflamed dermis, make the skin firm and elastic;
- arginine slows down the aging process, accelerates the healing of wounds, acne, and prevents skin aging.
Indications for use
There is hardly a more universal oil, suitable for all skin types, solving a whole range of aesthetic problems:
- stops the spread of bactericidal microflora;
- relieves redness;
- restores a healthy, even tone;
- protects the skin from dryness and dehydration;
- eliminates pigmentation;
- smoothes out superficial wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
Attention! Recommended for use on oily, problematic, dry, sensitive skin.
An effective remedy for moisturizing, nourishing, combating acne and excess sebaceous glands.
Where can I buy
You can purchase it at a pharmacy or cosmetic store; you won’t have any difficulties placing an order online. It is worth paying attention to the labeling, it is better to choose products that indicate not only the generally accepted “black cumin oil”, but also international names - black cumin oil, black seed oil, nigella sativa oil.
It is better to purchase it in a dark glass bottle, prices vary from 160 to 2000 rubles, oil volume is 60, 125, 250 and 500 ml.
It should be stored at a temperature of 8 to 25° in a place protected from sunlight; shelf life is 12 months.
It is quite difficult to identify a spoiled product; the product has a specific pungent taste and rich aroma, so it is better to focus on the information indicated on the packaging.
General recommendations
To achieve a lasting effect, it is important to adhere to the basic rules:
- before use, you need to check for allergies, apply undiluted product to your wrist, wait half an hour, then remove with a cosmetic wipe; if there is no redness or burning, it can be used in cosmetology;
- combines with other base oils, you can create essential compositions, mix with clay, healing mud and other ingredients of natural cosmetics;
- It is recommended to enrich finished cosmetics by 5 grams. the base will require up to 10 drops of oil;
- oil is prone to oxidation, so you need to mix it in plastic or ceramic containers, avoiding interaction with metal;
- applies without restrictions throughout the year;
- for a lasting effect, it is enough to repeat the procedures 1-2 times a week, be sure to take a break after a month to avoid the addictive effect.
Is it possible to enhance cosmetics?
Cosmetology recommends adding black cumin seed oil to store-bought creams or masks. This should be done immediately before application. The proportions are as follows: 1 part oil to 2-3 parts of the finished product.
Apply like this:
· Mix the ingredients in your hand until smooth.
· Apply to clean face.
· After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water or remove residue with a cosmetic wipe.
Use once a week for dry and sensitive skin, and twice a week for oily and problematic skin.
Methods of application
Black cumin oil can be used in its pure form, as well as create compositions with other natural ingredients. Gives a healthy appearance, removes signs of fatigue, can be used for all skin types, saturating the skin with valuable elements. But for a lasting effect, it is recommended to prepare the skin before performing home care.
Skin cleansing:
- Remove decorative cosmetics using cosmetic milk or micellar water.
- Additionally, wash your face using a gel that matches your skin type. Also, for oily, problematic dermis, gommage with a drying effect is suitable.
- If there is no rosacea, steam your face by applying a warm compress for several minutes.
- When using oil in its pure form or as a cream, the skin is treated with tonic.
Mask for oily skin
It has antiseptic, antimicrobial properties, relieves inflammation and redness. Helps speed up the treatment of acne, neutralizes discomfort and itching. As a result of application, it is possible to give a beautiful tone, an even structure, narrow pores, and get rid of comedones.
Components:
- 5 ml black cumin oil;
- 4 drops of tangerine ether;
- 5 gr. blue clay;
- 5 gr. corn flour.
Combine cosmetic clay with flour, add caraway and aroma oils. Dilute the mixture with a small amount of green tea until you obtain a sour cream consistency. Apply a thick, generous layer to problem areas of the forehead, sides of the nose, cheeks, and chin. After 15 minutes, rinse the mask with warm water, then you can apply a cream with an antiseptic effect.
Mask for aging skin
This natural remedy, created by yourself, gives a healthy, well-groomed appearance, eliminates puffiness and signs of fatigue Recommended use for stressed skin, prevents early aging and premature appearance of wrinkles. Improves lymph outflow, helps smooth out superficial wrinkles.
Components:
- 5 ml cumin oil;
- half an apple;
- 15 drops of retinol;
- yolk.
Peel the apple and grind into a smooth puree in a blender. Add the yolk, warm nutritious oil and pharmacy vitamin A, mix well. After cleansing the skin, distribute the cosmetic product along the massage lines, including the eyelid area. Leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with chamomile herbal decoction; there is no need to apply additional cream.
Refreshing mask
An oil-berry mask is used to quickly transform the skin, lighten pigmentation, restore contour, moisturize, and nourish Recommended for all skin types, it has a complex effect and transforms the skin. Stimulates the synthesis of collagen fibers, increases the protective properties of the integument.
Components:
- 20 drops of black cumin oil;
- 2 raspberries;
- 2 strawberries;
- 5 gr. rice starch.
Crush the berries in a mortar, add starch and caraway oil to the resulting mass, mix well, you should get a medium-thick paste. Clean the skin, spread it using a cosmetic spatula, it is important to take into account the direction of the massage lines. The procedure lasts about 15 minutes, after rinsing, apply mattifying serum.
Acne cream
To treat acne and get rid of acne, you should carry out regular care based on natural ingredients. Eliminates oily shine, reduces the synthesis of sebaceous ducts, and stops the spread of bacteria. An effective product helps to give an even structure to the bumpy relief. It has a slight whitening effect and eliminates acne marks.
Components:
- 5 drops of cumin oil;
- 2 drops of mint essential oil;
- 5 gr. aloe gel.
Prepare a natural gel, cut off the shoots of a mature plant, wrap it in parchment, and put it in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Then squeeze out the gel juice and mix with nourishing and aroma oil. In the evening, after cleansing the skin, apply a thin layer, avoiding contact with the eyelids and lips. Leave it on overnight and wash your face with the herbal decoction in the morning.
Important point! Use the cream 2-3 times a week; for preventive purposes, one is enough.
Against age spots, freckles and vitiligo
Fatty acids in cumin oil regulate pigment metabolism, thereby activating the production of melanin. During a course of procedures using black cumin extraction, the skin acquires an even tone, eliminating age spots, freckles, vitiligo, etc.
To prepare a powerful composition against skin pathologies, prepare the following components:
- rose water - 0.5 tsp;
- caraway oil - 0.5 tsp;
- flour - 1 tsp.
- Apple vinegar.
Rub the essence onto the affected areas. Mix rose water with oil. Then gradually add flour until a paste forms. Apply the composition and go outside - let the stains and the product tan in the sun.
Interesting to know! Consuming black gold together orally enhances the miraculous effect of the product on the skin. In addition, it is very good for health. For preventive purposes, the oil is consumed twice a day, 20 minutes before meals, twice a day.
Application for lips, eyelashes, hair
Black cumin oil is a universal hair care product. Helps restore shine and radiance, antifungal properties help get rid of dandruff, seborrhea, scalp. A unique product prevents premature aging and is used to combat hair loss.
You can apply warm oil, massage the scalp, or use the product in home masks. It is also recommended to enrich balms and conditioners to give elasticity and restore porous strands.
Do not use on eyelashes; the antiseptic substances contained in the composition can cause burning, irritation, and tearing. For the same reason, it is not the best product for eyebrow care; there is a high probability of the product getting into the eyes.
But for the delicate skin of the lips, cumin oil is an ideal remedy. Antifungal properties are effective in the treatment of herpes, the fatty acids contained nourish and moisturize, protect against aggressive environmental factors. It is recommended to use for evening care, apply a few drops to the lips, wait until the oil is absorbed. It can be used in the morning, but the bitter, specific taste often causes some discomfort.
Black cumin oil for hair: reviews
- Internet users in their reviews recommend purchasing cumin oil for hair produced in Egypt or Iran.
- It is the most useful, absorbs well into the hair and does not leave a shiny shine on it. This oil is easily washed off with regular running or slightly acidified water.
- There are also reviews of those who experienced itching and allergies after using hair masks with cumin oil. Since these masks are multi-component, they cannot say for sure whether a similar reaction occurred specifically to black cumin oil, or to some other component.
- To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is recommended that before using the product, check whether you are allergic to it by trying a small portion of it on the crook of your elbow.
Internal use
Black cumin oil is a rather rare, valuable product that is used as a food additive. Widely used in medicine and dietetics, it helps improve general condition and cope with a number of diseases:
- has a stimulating effect on the immune system;
- normalizes the state of the nervous system;
- is a natural antidepressant, fights apathy;
- facilitates the course of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
- has a beneficial effect on digestive processes, normalizes peristalsis of the stomach and intestines;
- effective use for the genitourinary system;
- recommended for diabetes, improves glucose absorption;
- removes toxins and oxidants;
- used in oncology, but not combined with chemotherapy;
- helps stabilize weight, blocks the feeling of hunger.
Important! For treatment, the dosage regimen is determined by the doctor after diagnosing the condition.
For prevention, it is standard to take a teaspoon of cumin oil in the morning and evening. It is recommended to combine with honey, the product neutralizes the specific taste of the oil and enhances its beneficial properties. Duration of treatment is from 2 to 4 months.
Contraindications:
- pregnancy, lactation period;
- acute gastritis;
- large stones in the kidneys, bladder;
- organ transplantation;
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- individual intolerance;
- systemic diseases associated with impaired immune function.
Combining caraway oil with essential oils
An excellent result is demonstrated by mixing black cumin seed oil with some vegetable oils or esters. This effect is achieved thanks to synergism, in which natural oils in combination with each other enhance their beneficial properties.
Among the plant esters with which the natural product from black cumin seeds goes well are:
- Spanish lemon;
- damask rose;
- juniper;
- citronella;
- mint;
- palmarosa;
- lavandin Grosso;
- incense.
For one procedure, use no more than 10–15 ml of cumin oil mixed with 2–3 drops of ether. Otherwise, the effect of the mask or compress may be the opposite and the epidermis will receive an excessive oversaturation of active substances.
Advantages and disadvantages
Caraway oil contains a unique composition; its beneficial properties can be used for all skin types. But for a lasting effect, it is worth considering both the advantages and disadvantages of the product.
Pros:
- suitable for all types of dermis, has a complex effect;
- can be used as an independent care product, also enrich finished cosmetic products, or create homemade recipes based on it;
- used throughout the year without restrictions, neutralizes the aggressive effects of the environment;
- combines with basic base oils, as well as esters, herbs, clays, and other components of natural cosmetology;
- to achieve a lasting effect, application several times a week is sufficient;
- can be used in care procedures for the face and curls.
Minuses:
- has a number of contraindications.
From papillomas
Treatment of papillomas and warts with cumin oil comes to us from Eastern medicine. Squeezing black cumin blocks the virus, which provokes the appearance of tumors, and also strengthens the immune defense.
The product is used as the basis of folk remedies for papillomas and warts. It is combined with a preheated mixture of crushed pomegranate peel and apple cider vinegar. The components are taken in approximately equal proportions. Lotions are made from the resulting mass - sessions are repeated until the tumors disappear completely.
Reviews from cosmetologists
Cosmetologists use professional series products to carry out skincare procedures. Manufacturers include black cumin oil in their product lines for problematic, dehydrated, aging skin.
You can also use the products in home cleansing, toning, and moisturizing procedures. The product is selected by a cosmetologist after diagnosing the condition of the dermis. Individual indicators, age, skin type, and associated problems - dryness, rosacea, comedones, acne - are taken into account.
Reviews from people
On the Internet you can find many reviews of people who use the oil for cosmetic purposes.
The girl describes ways to use a natural product.
The user uses the oil to treat acne, the skin looks fresh and well-groomed.
The oil helps against peeling, bruising, irritation, and has no comedogenic effect.
Contraindications and side effects
There are no known side effects when using exotic beauty oil on the skin. However, as with all skin care oils, it is best to use the product in small quantities, avoiding buildup.
In addition, any component that must be applied topically may cause an allergic reaction, especially in people with sensitive skin. If your skin is sensitive or has experienced irritation after using cosmetic oils, be sure to do an allergy test before first use.