Nigella (Nigella sativa): From Black Seed to Skincare Oil

Dear friends,

Let me introduce a seed known since ancient civilisations, often called “black seed”: nigella (Nigella sativa).

A seed with a long history

A small plant with pale blue flowers, nigella produces black seeds with a peppery taste. For centuries they have been used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian cooking, on bread or in spice blends. Its oil is part of the traditional beauty care of these regions.

What does nigella oil contain?

Cold-pressed from the seeds, nigella oil is made up mostly of unsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic acid (omega 6) and oleic acid (omega 9). It also contains thymoquinone, a compound found in the seed.

Nigella oil in skincare

Like other plant oils, nigella oil nourishes and softens the skin and helps ease the tight feeling of dry skin.

Face: in the evening, on clean, slightly damp skin, apply two or three drops and massage until absorbed. You can also mix it into your cream.

Body: as a massage oil, on its own or blended with a milder oil (sweet almond, argan), on dry areas.

Hair: a few drops on the lengths and ends of very dry hair. It is an ingredient of our No Poo shampoo, meant for very dry or coily hair only, and of our nigella Aleppo soap.

Precautions

Nigella oil has a strong scent: try it first on a small area (inside of the elbow) and wait 24 hours. Avoid the eye area. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask for advice before use.

This article is about cosmetic care. For any health question, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take care of yourselves.

With warm regards,

Dr Constantini
Founder of Alepia