Black seed, black cumin, black caraway, kalonji, kalojeere—all of these are common names for a pale blue or white flower from the ranunculus family, scientifically known as Nigella sativa. Since the times of pharaoh Tutankhamun, the seeds and oil of this plant have been used to treat dozens of different health conditions.
Few people know that there is a black seed product that offers all the health benefits this amazing plant has to offer but in a much sweeter way.
Today, we’re going to take a good look at Black Seed Honey, arguably the most delicious way of reaping the healing potential of black seed.
Health benefits of black seed honey
May promote heart health
Black seed honey offers a unique double action in terms of cardiovascular health. Scientific reviews report that honey is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that reduce blood clot formation, decrease oxidative stress, and improve blood supply to the heart. Black seed, on the other hand, may reduce blood pressure when taken regularly. Talk about a healthy combination!
Protects the body from dangerous toxins
Some fungi and molds produce mycotoxins, a group of dangerous substances that can be harmful to humans when eaten, inhaled, or touched. Luckily, honey can fight the detrimental effect of these compounds while thymoquinone, the main active compound of black seed, is a real antidote for several mycotoxins.
Support the immune system and calm down inflammation
Honey contains many beneficial compounds that support the function of immune cells, combat oxidative stress, and even directly reduce inflammation by tweaking the body’s levels of inflammatory molecules. Studies on the action of black seed’s thymoquinone also indicate that the compound has amazing antioxidative potential even in such severe cases as rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune inflammation of the joints.
Supports gastrointestinal health
The thymoquinone in black seed seems to be great for stomach and gut health, according to recent studies and traditional healing practices. Specifically, it fights harmful intestinal bacteria, reduces local inflammation, and even reduces the risk of some types of cancer.
Honey also has quite a few effects on gastrointestinal health, for example:
It supports the growth of healthy Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria
It may reduce the risk of diarrhea
It seems to calm intestinal inflammation, which would be extremely useful for people with colitis, IBS, and similar conditions
In other words, black seed honey could well be one of the sweetest ways to promote stomach and gut health!
Acts as an effective painkiller
When applied locally to fight joint pain, black seed has been reported to be more effective than paracetamol, a common over-the-counter painkiller. Honey has some fantastic painkilling properties too, even after surgeries like a tonsillectomy. Thanks to the combined action of these components, black seed honey could be an extremely effective ingredient for poultices, wound dressings, or mouth rinses for any kind of dental or gum pain.
May significantly improve fertility in men
Thymoquinone (yep, this fabulous compound again!) has been confirmed to improve sperm quality. Most likely, this effect is based on the outstanding antioxidative potential of the plant, but guess what? Honey is beneficial for male fertility as well! Some studies have reported that this sweet remedy can enhance testosterone levels in men and boost sperm count, thus increasing fertility in general.
Speeds up wound regeneration
Besides being an excellent remedy for local pain, black seed honey could speed up wound regeneration in other ways. Both thymoquinone and honey effectively fight off a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that could cause infection and inflammation in the wound. So using black seed honey locally seems to be a fabulous idea!
Could help in preventing diabetes
Both honey in general and black seed specifically have serious anti-diabetic potential. These two compounds can reduce blood glucose levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and even improve body weight. The main point here is to take black seed honey regularly and in moderation.
How to use black seed honey for its health benefits
Of course, the best way of taking black seed honey is to eat it raw, one way or another.
Take it as a supplement: one teaspoon 1-2 times per day
Use it as a topping for your morning oats or granola
Sprinkle it over your ice cream or fruit salad
Spread it over toasts or cookies
Add it to tea or coffee
What about using it as an ingredient for baking? Will you get the same benefits from a black seed honey cookie that you would from a bit of the honey without anything else?
Well, chemistry databases report that the boiling point of thymoquinone is about 232 C (almost 450 F). Nothing is ever baked at such high temperatures, so it’s safe to say that you’ll be able to get some thymoquinone in a cupcake or biscuit made with black seed honey.
However, remember that honey is also rich in numerous polyphenols and flavonoids of its own. Not all of these phytochemicals have a boiling point as high as thymoquinone’s, so they could evaporate in the cooking process, leaving you with less healing potential.
In other words, the more natural your way of enjoying black seed honey will be, the better.
Conclusion
The health benefits that black seed has to offer aren’t surprising: the plant has been used for thousands of years already!
Scientific and medical progress has somewhat distracted our attention from natural remedies throughout the last few decades, but luckily we’re slowly getting back to safe, nutritious, and organic ways to support our health.
Some time ago, using black seed oil was one of the few ways to experience the plant’s health benefits, but black seed HONEY appears to be a much more pleasant option—and with extra benefits of its own!
Just make sure to buy your honey from a trusted seller with a good reputation, because making fake honey is really easy. It won’t be dangerous or harmful for you, but neither it will give you any of the potential benefits we’ve discussed today.
Stay alert and don’t forget to check out our favorite Black Seed Honey product so far!
