How the Legendary Herb Nigella Sativa Can Make You Smarter
Nigella Sativa is an herb that is used in many different cultures, with the most popular being its use in Indian cuisine.
However, it has another use that may be more interesting to you: as a nootropic supplement!
This article will explore how Nigella Sativa can help make you smarter by improving your cognitive functions.
We'll also discuss some of the benefits and side effects associated with this potent herb.
So without further ado, let's get to it.
What is Nigella Sativa and what does it do?
Nigella Sativa is actually part of the Ranunculaceae family, but it's more commonly known as black cumin or black seed oil.
It's primarily used in Indian cuisine and has a slightly bitter taste that goes well with curries along with other spicy dishes.
Nigella Sativa has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years, with the earliest records going back to ancient Egypt.
It has been used as a remedy for respiratory issues and gastrointestinal problems in many different cultures around the world.
In more recent times, Nigella Sativa has been extensively studied by scientists because it contains active ingredients that have powerful health benefits when consumed.
What are the benefits of Nigella Sativa?
Nigella Sativa contains thymoquinone, which is what most people use as a supplement to improve their cognitive function.
Thymoquinone is an active ingredient found in Nigella Sativa, and it's extracted using a steam distillation process.
Nigella Sativa is not only used as a cognitive enhancer but also for other medical purposes such as cancer treatment, antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and the list goes on.
It has also been shown in scientific studies that this compound can help with several mental health conditions like depression and anxiety by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Nigella Sativa also has antioxidant properties that can help protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that cause damage to cells and tissues around the body.
This is why Nigella Sativa is effective at helping with many different health conditions; it simply reduces oxidative stress on your entire system!
What are the side effects of Nigella Sativa?
Since this supplement is very potent, it's recommended to only use small doses at first and then slowly increase your intake.
If you take too much for an extended period or without taking breaks in between, there's a chance that you'll experience some unpleasant symptoms like dry mouth, headache, or fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms while using Nigella Sativa as a nootropic supplement, it's important to reduce your dosage until the side effects are gone!
It's also a good idea to take breaks from using this supplement every few weeks or so.
Just remember that everyone is different, and it may be harder for some people than others to tolerate Nigella Sativa!
How Nigella Sativa helps you become smarter
Nigella Sativa works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in your central nervous system.
When these neurotransmitter levels are increased, it makes you more alert and focused so that you can complete tasks with better concentration and reduced distraction from outside stimuli.
It also helps improve memory recall by increasing oxygen flow to the brain as well as providing a neuroprotective effect that may help prevent brain damage and cognitive decline.
One of the best things about using Nigella Sativa as a nootropic is that the effects are cumulative, so it's important to take this supplement daily.
Nigella Sativa for anxiety and depression
Nigella Sativa works as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent that can help with both clinical and nonclinical symptoms of these mental health conditions.
It works by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and increasing serotonin levels in your body.
Since these two neurotransmitters are involved with regulating mood, it's not surprising that Nigella Sativa is effective at helping people who deal with anxiety and depression!
Nigella Sativa dosage
Since Nigella Sativa is a potent supplement, it's important to not take too much of this product.
If you're taking Nigella Sativa for cognitive purposes, the recommended starting dosage is between 100-200mg per day.
You can gradually increase your intake from there depending on how you tolerate the supplement!
I would also recommend against stacking Nigella Sativa with other supplements to improve cognitive function.
It's best used as a stand-alone supplement, and if your goal is to take it for its antioxidant properties.
Can you take too much Nigella sativa?
As briefly mentioned above, there's a chance that you may experience some unpleasant side effects if you take too much Nigella Sativa.
The most common symptom is dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and annoying to deal with!
Other possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
- Chest tightness and increased blood pressure
Since these side effects are possible, it's important to stick to the recommended dosage of this supplement.
How long does Nigella Sativa take to work?
Nigella Sativa isn't an instant fix for your cognitive problems!
It can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks before you experience a noticeable improvement in focus and concentration.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the effects of this supplement are cumulative.
So if you take Nigella Sativa daily for several weeks or months, you'll experience even greater benefits than just taking it here and there.
In Summary
Nigella Sativa can be used as a nootropic supplement to improve your cognitive abilities.
It can also be used as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent that helps you focus, concentrate on tasks at hand, and improve memory recall!
Nigella Sativa dosage should range between 100-200mg per day for cognitive purposes. Take breaks from using this product every few weeks or so.
If you start to experience dry mouth, headache, nausea, and increased blood pressure from taking Nigella Sativa as a nootropic supplement, stop using it immediately!
Nigella Sativa for cognitive abilities has been shown to work safely in the short term but should not be used regularly over an extended period of time.
Nigella Sativa can be purchased from a variety of online supplement retailers including iHerb and NootropicsDepot.
Lastly, Nigella Sativa has cumulative benefits so if you plan on taking it for several weeks or months at a time, you'll experience the best cognitive benefits.