Blackcurrant oil properties

Characteristics of black currant oil

Blackcurrant seed oil is one of the products obtained from this plant more used as a remedy nowadays, because it contains essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. They are included in the essential fatty acids (EFAs). This is a group of fatty acids which can not manufactured by the body and must be ingested through foods or as supplements.

Essential fatty acids have many roles in the body. Besides providing energy, they participate in numerous metabolic functions (formation of hormones and cell membranes),

Blackcurrant
Blackcurrant berries

maintenance and protection of the nervous system (the functioning of neurons and chemical transmissions), control our body temperature, proper functioning of the immune system, etc..

Blackcurrant oil and omega 6

The blackcurrant seed oil is especially rich in essential fatty acid Omega-6 (linolenic acid), as it has a 17%, what is twice the content that exists in a as well known oil as evening primrose oil.

Blackcurrant oil supplements are produced in capsules that can be purchased at pharmacies, health food shops or health food stores. Ingested daily according to the terms of the patient’s leaflet, they provide many benefits, especially in certain circumstances.

The usual dose of 500 mg daily, but you can check with your doctor or pharmacist about the suitability of this product and the most appropriate dose in each case.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF CASSIS OIL

Diseases of the circulatory system.

The virtues of blackcurrant oil for circulatory system are due to the omega-6 being converted in the body to prostaglandins, a type of fat that is involved in a series of organic processes such as blood clotting or the pressure on the blood vessels. Prostaglandins decrease the pressure of the arteries, reduce inflammation and thin the blood.

The ingestion of blackcurrant oil in supplement form is consistently effective in lowering cholesterol, preventing blood clots in the arteries by reducing platelet aggregation, and diminishing blood pressure slightly.

Overall, cassis oil thins blood and protects against heart attacks, strokes, angina, Raynaud’s disease, etc.. It also regulates heart rate and prevent arrhythmias.

Inflammatory effects of cassis oil

Blackcurrant oil has antiinflammatory properties for joint diseases. Its use is highly desirable in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Currant oil inhibits the formation of cytokines that cause inflammation.

Cassis oil for women’s diseases

The gamma-linolenic acid contributes to the production of prostaglandin E1, a kind of hormone that reduces inflammatory processes. It helps reduce the negative symptoms of PMS and those who are associated with menopause.

The use of black currant oil helps to reduce physical symptoms related to the above problems as: bloating, pain in the head, pain or increased breast tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, back pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, urinary problems, various manifestations in the skin, such as dry skin, cold sores or acne, etc..

Psychologically, it helps combat depression, irritability, increased aggression, anxiety attacks, etc.. The use of this oil without contraindications constitutes an alternative to the use of prostaglandin inhibitors or hormones.

It also seems to have a positive influence on the treatment of other diseases of women and certainly suitable for infertility problems related to women’s hormonal disorders, ovarian cysts or breast lumps (fibrocystic breast disease).

Cassis oil, a supplement for baldness

Many problems of lack of hair growth or hair loss is due to that, over the years, the capillaries that irrigate the hair provide much less blood, therefore, much less nutrients to the scalp.

Taking blackcurrant oil can help improve hair health and stop or prevent his fall.

A good ally of skin abnormalities

Used externally, blackcurrant oil is a good remedy for many skin diseases. Among them we can mention the following:

  • Eczema: For external use, the gamma-linolenic acid is used for the treatment of eczema, atopic eczema especially a disease of chronic allergy related problems that attacks skin providing it a leather texture. Its application for 3 or 4 months is very positive to reduce itching, dryness and prevent the skin to peel so easily. It is an alternative treatment to steroids or topical immunomodulators.
  • Acne: topical application also reduces blackheads, pimples and acne inflammations. This property results from the capability of oil to dilute the accumulation of fat in the pores of the skin which prevents them from locking.
  • Dry skin: The ability of the omega-6 to retain moisture in the skin is very suitable in the treatment of dry skin.
  • Muscle strains and tears: For its anti-inflammatory, rubbing relaxed muscles with cassis oil helps to reduce muscle pain.

Toxicity, contraindications and side effects of blackcurrant oil

No side effects have been reported at therapeutic doses. Cassis preparations, including beverages, should be diluted to produce no tooth decay.

punto rojoMore information about blackcurrants and redcurrants.

This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
Editorial
Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

7 July, 2021

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