A New Ancient Way to Prevent Respiratory Tract Infections
This venerable ancient herb was buried with the pharaohs. In the Koran and the Bible, it is referred to as “the blessing seed.” When it comes to upper respiratory tract infections, this herb may be a blessing for you too.
Long distance runners make good subjects for studies on the immune system because the physical stress of the exercise stresses and supresses the immune system, making them more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections and complaints. Athletes training for marathons also experience a deterioration in mood. So, if a supplement can protect them from infection, that is significant.
This new double-blind study put black seed oil (Nigella sativa) to the test with 37 healthy, recreational marathon runners. They were given either a placebo or 500mg of black seed oil extract for 3 weeks leading up to the marathon andcontinuing for 1 week after the marathon.
As you would expect, the athletes experienced more upper respiratory tract infections after the marathon. But, upper respiratory tract symptoms, including cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffiness and more, were 62% lower in the black seed group. They also experienced better overall health status.
Mood did not change in the placebo group, but the black seed group had an 11% improvement.
This study suggests that black seed oil can improve overall health, prevent upper respiratory tract infections and improve mood.
Food Sci Nutr Res. 2022;5(1):1-6
