Women who are striving to live a healthier menopause can focus on many things, but heart health is near the top of the list given the greater risk of heart disease among women older than 50. Black cumin seed oil may help with this concern, and also be a real boost to skin health as well.

What is black cumin seed oil?

Black cumin seed oil (aka, kalonji or black caraway) is extracted from the seeds of a plant found in southwest Asia. The seeds and oil of the Nigella sativa plant have been valued for thousands of years for their ability to help with a number of common health concerns because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nigella sativa is one of the most common medicinal plants in the world.

Thymoquinone is one of the factors credited with the health benefits of this herbal remedy. Other active ingredients include thymohydroquione, thymol, nigellicine, carvacrol, nigellimine, nigellidine, and alpha-hederin.

The seeds of Nigella sativa are used in some foods, including those from India and the Middle East, and they are slightly bitter. Supplements of the oil are available in our Morphus ThymoQuin®.

Read about 6 benefits you should know about black seed oil

How black cumin seed oil can help in menopause

In addition to the general antioxidant abilities of the seed oil, there are a few specific ways use of the supplement can benefit women in these transitional years. Heart health in particular is of significant concern. With that in mind, here are a few ways black cumin seed oil may help.

Cardiometabolic risks. Obesity is a cardiometabolic risk factor, which means it is associated with a higher chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events. Weight issues are also a common symptom of menopause. 

The effects of black cumin seed oil were evaluated in obese women who were part of a double-blind, controlled clinical trial that involved a low-calorie diet. One group of women took the black cumin seed oil supplement along with the low-calorie diet while the other group followed the diet as well and took a placebo. Women in the seed oil group showed a significant decline in triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference when compared with the placebo group.

In another study, sedentary overweight women participated in an aerobic exercise program. Half of the women took a black seed oil supplement and the other half took a placebo. The women who took the supplement showed lower cholesterol levels and a decline in body mass index compared with the placebo group. 

Diabetes. Diabetes and insulin resistance are closely related to heart disease, as high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels and your heart health. In a review of seven studies, individuals who took a black cumin seed oil supplement showed an improvement in fasting and average blood glucose levels as well as total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. 

Read about black seed oil and the chronic conditions it can help with

Ninety-four people with type 2 diabetes took part in a three-month study that looked at the impact of black cumin seed oil given at three different doses: 1, 2, and 3 gm. Those who took 1 gm daily showed improvement in fasting blood glucose, blood glucose 2 hours after eating, hemoglobin A1C levels, and insulin resistance. However, the improvement was only significant among those taking 2 gm daily. No better response was seen among those taking 3 gm.

Skin health. Dry, itchy, flaky skin as well as acne and psoriasis are skin problems often experienced in menopause. Topical use of lotions and gels containing black cumin seed oil may improve these skin conditions since the oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties. Black seed oil can be used topically as well. It may be formulated differently than what is placed in the supplemental form. 

For example, a 2015 study looked at the use of a topical gel of Nigella sativa for acne. The authors reported good results and said that “N. Sativa is a good candidate in the treatment of inflamed skin which can be caused by infection, irritation, rashes, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.” 

Arthritis. Research has shown that thymoquinone has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Thymoquinone reduces joint swelling and severity of arthritis symptoms and
protects the joints from further damage while reversing some of the changes caused by arthritis.

Using black cumin seed oil supplements

Use of black cumin seed oil supplements alone (buy our Morphus ThymoQuin®) or along with tocotrienols (a form of vitamin E) can benefit women in their menopausal years.

Bottom line

Nigella sativa (black cumin seed, black caraway, kanoji) is one of the most common medicinal plants in the world. Oil from the seeds may be helpful for heart and skin health issues for women in the menopause years.