If you are looking for a heart-healthy oil that can lower your blood pressure, you may want to try a new oil that comes from the seeds of a plant called Nigella sativa.

This oil, also known as black seed oil, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and recent research has shown that it may be as effective as or even more effective than virgin olive oil in reducing blood pressure.

What is Nigella Sativa?

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region, but also grows in other parts of the world such as Asia and Africa. It is commonly known as black cumin, but it is not related to the cumin that we use in cooking.

The seeds of Nigella sativa are small and black, and they have a bitter taste. In traditional medicine, the seeds have been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, and digestive problems.

What is Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Nigella sativa. The oil is rich in a variety of beneficial compounds, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.

It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and recent research has shown that it has a range of health benefits, including reducing high blood pressure.

How Does Black Seed Oil Lower Blood Pressure?

The exact mechanism by which black seed oil lowers blood pressure is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a few different mechanisms. One of the key ways that the oil may lower blood pressure is by reducing inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is a contributing factor to high blood pressure, and black seed oil has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, black seed oil may help to relax the smooth muscles in blood vessels, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

What Does The Research Say About Black Seed Oil and Blood Pressure?

Several studies have investigated the effects of black seed oil on blood pressure, and the results have been promising.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that black seed oil was just as effective as the blood pressure medication lisinopril in reducing blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. Another study published in the same journal in 2020 found that black seed oil was more effective than virgin olive oil in reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

The study participants who took black seed oil had a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

How Do You Use Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil can be used in a variety of ways. It can be taken as a supplement in capsule form, or it can be added to food or drinks. Some people also use it topically as a skin treatment.

If you are interested in trying black seed oil, it is important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you are taking any medications or have any health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Black seed oil is a promising natural remedy for high blood pressure.

While more research is needed to fully understand how it works and to determine the optimal dose, the available evidence suggests that it may be as effective as or even more effective than traditional medications for reducing blood pressure. If you are interested in trying black seed oil, be sure to talk to your doctor first to make sure it is safe for you to use.