Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seed Oil
The seeds of the black cumin plant have historically been used as a traditional medicinal treatment and herbal remedy as well as for culinary purposes. Native to southwest Asia, the seeds of the plant Nigella sativa are small and black with a pungent taste. Also called black seed, black caraway, or fennel flower, it is sometimes found in gardens for its beautiful blooms and delicate foliage. This is not the same cumin (Cuminum cyminum) that is more common in the U.S. and used in curries and other dishes.¹
Black cumin seed has been studied for many years and researchers have identified a number of compounds that can be beneficial for a wide variety of issues. Black seed oil is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, help balance blood sugars, and more.²
We will look briefly at some of the ways black cumin seed oil can be helpful for treating certain conditions. Please remember to always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement and make sure it is safe for you.
Black Seed Oil for Allergies
Researchers have identified black seed oil as a potential treatment for reducing the nasal congestion associated with seasonal and environmental allergies. Participants in the study reported less congestion after taking black seed oil for just two weeks.²
Another study found that there was a marked reduction in diarrhea associated with food allergies. The study was conducted in mice, and it was found that supplements of black seed oil alleviated intestinal symptoms of food allergies.³ Caution: This is NOT a treatment for food allergies that cause respiratory symptoms or anaphylaxis.
Black Seed Oil for Acne
Acne is a frustrating condition that affects the lives of many teens and adults, so the news that black seed oil can help will be welcome by many. Researchers found that black cumin seed oil applied to the skin helps reduce breakouts and redness.⁴ It is believed that the high levels of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory aspects of black seed may be beneficial in the treatment of acne.
Can Black Seed Oil Boost the Immune System?
Recent research, inspired by the COVID pandemic, found that use of black seed oil was beneficial in helping to reduce the levels of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body as a result of obstructive lung conditions. The researchers heartily recommended use of black seed oil as a complementary treatment in addition to other drug treatments for COVID.⁵
Black seed oil has also been found to speed the healing of wounds by stimulating tissue growth and reducing inflammation. The high levels of antioxidants that support the immune system has been found to help in the treatment of diabetic ulcers, burns, and other types of injury to the skin. Black cumin seed oil is sometimes taken internally for these purposes, but it can also be applied topically.⁴
Other Uses of Black Cumin Seed Oil
There are so many benefits of black seed oil that we don’t have the space to cover them all. Researchers continue to confirm the benefits of this traditional medicinal herb.
Black seed oil has been found to be helpful for conditions such as:
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
- High triglycerides
- Asthma
- Sinusitis
- And more …²
Forrest Health is a Leading Supplier of Black Seed Oil
Here at Forrest Health, we are happy to help you learn to feel better each and every day. Shop our selection of black seed oil and see how it can help improve your health and well being.
Sources:
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/black-cumin
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-benefits-of-black-seed-oil-89421
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3387213/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits#1.-May-reduce-acne
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7347483/
How to Manifest Good Health with the Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction is a popular philosophy these days. Sometimes referred to as “manifesting,” it has been heavily featured in books and articles for the last 20 years or so. Basically, the idea is that positive thoughts will bring positive outcomes into your life.
While the law of attraction lacks scientific proof to back it up, there are proven benefits from adding more positive thinking to your life. Having a more positive mindset has been connected with lower levels of stress-related inflammation and better outcomes in cases of stroke and brain injury.¹
We will go over a few techniques for adding more positivity to your day that may help you manifest better health in your life.
Law of Attraction Health Affirmations
One of the basic concepts of the Law of Attraction is that once you decide what is wanted in your life, it can be brought to you by repeatedly visualizing the desired state. Some believe this creates a type of energy that goes out into the universe, and scientific research has shown that it helps prime your nervous system to work toward achieving the goals you set.²
Affirmations are a way of consciously generating positive thoughts. It’s not unusual to find our minds telling us all sorts of awful things, such as “I’m no good at this, why did I even try?” or “Things always turn out crappy for me.” When affirmations are used, they help to boost the idea we are competent and can improve our sense of well-being and create more opportunities for making better choices going forward.²
When creating affirmations, you want to be sure to make the statement entirely positive. For instance, instead of saying “I won’t catch this cold that’s going around,” you would say “I am healthy and have a strong immune system.” Keeping your affirmation in the present tense helps your mind and body believe what you wish to manifest is actually happening in the current moment.
Some examples of affirmations for better health and wellness are:
- I deserve to be healthy and strong.
- My body is amazing.
- I am grateful to be able to nourish my body.
- I love exercising my body.
- I am strong and healthy.
- Healing is happening for me right now.
Affirmations are often used with visualization, so you may want to imagine yourself feeling robust and see yourself staying active and strong. Taking time each day to fully engage with your affirmations could result in manifesting better health and habits in the future.
Essential Oils for Manifesting
Essential oils have been shown to have many benefits for health. Research has shown that essential oils can be effective against viruses, infections, and inflammation, but they have also been found to reduce stress and help with sleep.³
Pairing your affirmations for manifesting with aromatherapy oils adds another layer of enjoyment and positivity to the process. Having an aromatherapy spray nearby that you can use while you meditate on affirmations can ground you and strengthen your sense of spirit and calm.
Here at Forrest Health, we carry a wide variety of essential oils to assist you in manifesting good health with the Law of Attraction. Browse our essential oils today to find products perfect for you and your goals.
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Men’s Health Issues Over 50
Men’s health after 50 undergoes many significant changes compared to younger years. Issues like prostate problems, heart disease, bladder cancer, and conditions caused by hormonal imbalances in men can be particularly concerning and often difficult to recognize early on.
Educating yourself on the health issues you may face over 50, including information like what hormone causes low libido and the effects of male hormone imbalance on health, are all great ways to ensure you recognize possible problems in the early stages and get the right treatment as quickly as possible.
Symptoms like fatigue, impaired sexual function, hair loss, depression, and unexplained aches and pains could all result from an age-related disorder. The most common conditions experienced by men over 50 typically include:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Prostate cancer
- Erectile dysfunction
However, there are many more problems to watch out for. By following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and screening for common issues, you will most likely enjoy an overall healthy lifestyle free from unnecessary health risks.
Forrest Health offers men a range of at-home tests to record hormone levels. We also provide access to libido and male hormone supporting products to help keep you feeling your best.
For more information, visit our dedicated men’s health products webpage to find a test and supplement that works for you.
A Guide to Probiotics and Vaginal Health
If you’ve got a vagina, you know that it can be tough to maintain the delicate balance that keeps everything down there healthy and happy. As scientists learn more about the communities of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on and in our bodies (also called our microbiome), it becomes clearer that having a healthy mix of microbes is important. We will talk about common issues affecting vaginas and some supplements for good vaginal health.
What Is Vaginal Health?
First, let’s talk about what the vagina is. The vagina is the interior muscular canal that connects the vulva (the designated female sex organs visible on the exterior of the body) to the cervix and uterus deeper in the body.
Vaginal pH (how acidic something is) can also be affected by the health of the microbiome and the health of the microbiome can be affected by the pH, so supporting this delicate balance is important.¹ There are many issues that people with vaginas cope with on a daily basis, and probiotics may be a way to help naturally balance pH levels.
Issues with vaginal health can affect more than just basic comfort. Because of more minor issues such as itching or irritation, they can also affect sexual desire, self-image, and even fertility and illness. If you are having concerns about your vaginal health, be sure to get checked out by your doctor to rule out issues that need immediate medical attention, such as sexually transmitted infections or conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.
Common Vaginal Health Issues
The two most common issues affecting vaginal health are candida overgrowth (also called yeast infections) and bacterial vaginosis (also called BV).
Yeast infections are characterized by a white cheesy discharge and often intense itching. They can be brought on by use of antibiotics, too much sugar in the diet, or hormonal changes. Changes to the microbiome of the vagina allow for an overgrowth of the fungus candida, which then creates the symptoms.² While over-the-counter treatments are available, it is easy to end up ping-ponging back and forth with recurring overgrowths occurring after treatment ends.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) often causes a fishy odor and may present with a gray or milky discharge. BV is the most commonly occurring vaginal issue, especially between the teen years through to menopause. Also believed to be caused by changes to the vaginal environment that cause an imbalance allowing certain bacteria to flourish, pH levels and microbiome health are important factors.
Probiotics Help Balance Vaginal pH
The body of research on the vaginal microbiome continues to grow. Researchers have found evidence that the use of probiotics, both orally or vaginally, may help to improve the health of the vaginal microbiome and reduce the incidence of both yeast infection and BV.³
Probiotics can be taken orally where they will help not only the gut microbiome but also travel to the vagina where they can help improve the vaginal environment and may prevent recurrence of yeast infection and BV.
Some products are meant to be used in the vagina as a douche or suppository, which can reduce overgrowth of certain microbes or increase the acidity of the vaginal environment.
Here at Forrest Health, we provide a variety of products to help support good vaginal health. Check out our selection of products today.
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