“Your eyes are the window to your soul” is an expression that may be correct, as many types of health conditions could be determined simply by looking into someone’s eyes. But they also tend to reflect what you are feeling, whether happy, sad, or puzzled. Your eyes tend to show the whole gamut of human emotions. We do, however, tend to take them for granted until we find ourselves in a situation whereby, for whatever reason, our eyes or eyesight may be compromised.
Black seed oil has amazing potential with regards to ensuring eye health. In many instances, the positive effects are spread by word of mouth, with very few studies being done on the effect of black seed oil on various specific eye issues. Studies do, however, back up the use of black seed oil for the following eye conditions.
Black Seed Oil for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the elderly. The condition is the result of deterioration in the macula, the central part of your eye’s retina. Macular degeneration is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration because it usually develops as you age.
Macular degeneration, according to research, is the result of oxidative stress from free radicals. These free radicles destroy cells and can cause a vast array of health problems. Among these is macular degeneration.
Studies have shown that black seed oil is a potential free radical scavenger. This means it actively targets and gets rid of free radicals, thereby reducing their destructive impact by reducing the damage done to cell membranes. Black seed oil is thus a great potential aid in the fight against age-related macular degeneration.
Black Seed Oil for Cataracts
A cataract is a filmy growth covering the eyes and may eventually result in blindness. Diabetics often have this complication. While treating cataracts may be the ideal, in the case of diabetics, especially with regards to type-2 diabetes, one could rather potentially look at the root cause – blood sugar levels.
Studies on the topic show that black seed oil has a mitigating influence not only on blood sugar levels but also cholesterol. Add to this its antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and thus hampers cell damage, then black seed oil may very well be of benefit in the fight against cataract formation.
Black Seed Oil for Conjunctivitis (pink-eye)
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, i.e. the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eyes. There are many possible causes of this condition. Amongst these, we include:
- Allergic reactions
- Parasites
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Irritants like smoke or even your shampoo
The antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil have the potential of addressing most of the possible causes of conjunctivitis. Add in its soothing properties, and it addresses the damage from irritants too.
Black Seed Oil for Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often an inherited condition that shows up as you get older. Here, pressure builds up inside the eye that can damage your optic nerve. The latter is responsible for transmitting images to your brain.
Contributing to nerve damage is oxidative stress and free radicals. It is believed that, by improving or preserving ocular blood flow to the area while dealing with oxidative stress and free radicals, you could potentially ensure or contribute towards cellular survival and thus prevent or at the very least slow down the condition’s process.
As has been mentioned, black seed oil combats oxidative stress and fights free radicals. Studies also show that it is effective in improving neuronal cell viability.
Black Seed Oil for Dry Eye
Dry eye is an eye condition whereby your eyes do not produce enough lubricant to keep your eye area suitably moist. It is a very common problem affecting millions of people the world over. Factors that may contribute to this condition include:
- Age
- Autoimmune conditions
- Inflammatory conditions
- Surgery
- The use of certain medications
- Hormone imbalances
A study has shown that thymoquinone, one of the main components in black seed oil, may actively play a role in solving this issue.
In Closing
While black seed oil may play a huge role with regards to ensuring eye health, please do not apply this oil directly to your eye area. Rather use eyedrops or ointment containing black seed oil specifically designed for this purpose, or ingesting your black seed oil for a more systemic effect.