This Ancient Egyptian Wonder Oil Can Give You Gorgeous Hair, Boost Your Sex Drive, And More

Believed to originate in Egypt, black cumin seed oil is now cultivated in North Africa, Asia, and Europe. The ancient Egyptians used the black cumin as a digestive aid and as medicine for colds, headaches, and infections, and the herb was also valued in Europe for healing and as a spice until the 18th century, when it began to be used as a decorative plant in gardens.

When applied to the hair, it imparts conditioning, softness, luster, and strength to the strands. It's been used in many cultures historically to promote hair growth—just rub it into the scalp and let it sit for an hour or so to take effect. Or, you can dilute it with a carrier oil (or add it to shampoos), which can help reduce flakiness.

Just like its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the scalp, black cumin seed oil is touted for its skin-healthy benefits. One study found that a lotion containing 10% black seed oil significantly and positively affected acne after two months.1 Another experiment also found that black cumin seed oil can help reduce acne scars, as it was found to speed wound healing2 when applied topically.

The phytochemicals contain anti-obesity properties3. Although Nigella sativa is not traditionally believed to treat obesity, it is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent that helps people lose weight in the same way that it helps diabetic sufferers4: by regulating insulin and hormone levels that help promote weight balance.

Want to add black cumin seed oil to your daily regimen? Look for one that's cold-pressed and organic. You can take a teaspoon by mouth as a supplement, or use it in salad dressings or smoothies (you don't want to cook with it, as it diminishes its therapeutic potency). The flavor is quite spicy, but overall pleasant—never bitter.