7 Incredible Black Currant Seed Oil Benefits

Black currant seed oil is highly regarded for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects and numerous health benefits. Black currant possesses a range of benefits, from the ability to improve immune function to beautifying your skin and hair.

Find out about these seven incredible black currant seed oil benefits and learn how you can use black currant seed oil to support your health. 

What is black currant seed oil?

Black currant seed oil is extracted from the seeds of berries that grow on the black currant plant or shrub. 

It has one of the highest concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and is also high in alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)—a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids—both of which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. 

Black currant berries can also be used to make black currant juice, black currant extract, and other black currant supplements. Black currant juice is known for having a high antioxidant capacity due to its abundance of vitamin C. 

The black currant plant increases the spread of a certain fungus known to affect white pine trees, which is why they’re not very popular in the U.S. 

Check out this video to learn about some of the amazing benefits of black currant seed oil.

7 black currant seed oil benefits 

Here are seven incredible black currant seed oil benefits!

1. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals

Black currant seed oil is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamins B1, B5, and B6. Black currant seed oil is also rich in iron and manganese.

2. Improves skin and hair 

Black currant seed oil is beneficial for both your skin and hair. It contains thymoquinone, a phytochemical that helps decrease inflammation of the skin. It also contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that can decrease microbial infections of the skin.

Black currant seed oil strengthens the roots of your hair, which can promote hair growth. Creams and hair products that contain black currant seed oil can be beneficial, or you can just apply the oil directly to your skin and hair.

3. Potent anti-inflammatory properties

Black currant seed oil is composed mostly of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 fatty acids are known to cause inflammation, but with black currant seed oil, this is not the case!

Gamma-linolenic acid is an excellent remedy for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and even asthma. It also has amazing benefits for brain physiology and blood sugar. 

GLA is also beneficial for the endocrine system, especially for women.

4. Excellent for eczema

Black currant seed oil is one of the best remedies for eczema, also known as dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. 

Eczema is characterized by very dry skin, itchy or scaly skin, or a red rash. It’s related to a deficiency in essential fatty acids either from the diet or due to a genetic problem. 

Black currant seed oil has one of the highest concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation associated with eczema. 

Evidence suggests that black currant seed oil is as effective as steroid creams at treating eczema and even more effective than Eucerin cream. It can also be beneficial for psoriasis.

5. Supports the immune system 

Black currant seed oil contains powerful phytonutrients and antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments found in certain vegetables and fruits, and they give black currant berries their deep purple color. 

Black currant anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory compounds that offer protection against oxidation and free radical damage. “Anthocyanins act as scavengers for free radicals—they consume free radicals,” explains Dr. Berg. They also help eliminate microbes and pathogens in the body. 

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a byproduct of oxygen that can trigger inflammation and cause damage. Black currant seed oil helps regulate these compounds.

Black currant seed oil is also good for detoxifying the liver because the anthocyanins will prevent you from feeling sick. 

6. Supports cardiovascular health

Black currant juices and extracts have been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of blood clots. The antiplatelet activity of black currant promotes healthy blood flow and can improve cardiovascular health.

According to research published in the Journal of Life Science, black currant “showed significant inhibitory activities against thrombin, prothrombin, and coagulation factors.” The antiplatelet effects of black currant were shown to be more significant than aspirin. 

Black currant seed oil also combats inflammation in the arteries, so it’s very beneficial for your heart. 

7. Improves eye health 

Evidence suggests that the dietary supplementation of black currant anthocyanins can decrease intraocular pressure. 

In this study, published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, black currant decreased intraocular pressure in both healthy subjects and patients with glaucoma.  

How to use black currant seed oil 

Positive effects have been achieved from both the topical and oral use of black currant seed oil. If you want to use black currant seed oil for its cardiovascular and immune benefits, it’s best to consume it.

Improving inflammatory conditions and eye health is also best achieved by consuming black currant seed oil. 

Blackcurrant supplements come in pearl form, or you can just add a few dropperfuls to your water. It’s beneficial to combine black currant seed oil with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil, chia seeds, or egg yolks to get both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

If you’re dealing with eczema or want to improve your skin and hair, black currant seed oil can be used topically and taken orally as well. 

Always consult with a healthcare professional before using black currant seed oil if you’re taking medications or have preexisting health conditions. 

Black currant seed oil doses 

Black currant seed oil supplements can be found online and in various health food stores. They are typically sold in 1 to 8-ounce bottles or in 500 to 1500-milligram pills.

Black currant seed oil has been administered in doses of up to 10.5 grams per day. However, standard recommendations range from 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams per day.

When using black currant seed oil topically, start with a few drops or just enough to cover the affected area.

For eczema, take about 5 drops of black currant seed oil and rub it in your hands to warm it up. Apply it to your skin and repeat as necessary. 

When not to use black currant seed oil 

There aren’t many contraindications for the use of black currant seed oil, but it does have a significant effect on blood clotting. If you have any bleeding disorders, it’s best to avoid consumption of black currant seed oil.

If you’re having surgery, avoid black currant seed oil beforehand to avoid the possibility of bleeding issues. It’s also important to avoid black currant seed oil if you’re taking blood thinners.

Key takeaways

Black currant seed oil is an amazing oil that can support your health in so many different ways. It can improve eczema, support liver function, and strengthen hair.

Black currant seed oil benefits almost every function of the body, including immune function, cardiovascular function, eye health, and skin health.

Black currant berries also contain powerful antioxidants and can be eaten fresh for a delicious health boost. 

FAQ

1. What does black currant do for the body?

Black currant has several benefits for the body. From its nutritious berries to its seed oil, black currant provides the body with several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, and manganese. Black currant seed oil helps reduce inflammation in the body, supports the immune system, and promotes cardiovascular health.

2. What does black currant oil do for the skin? 

Black currant seed oil contains potent antioxidants and important fatty acids that are excellent for your skin. Black currant seed oil decreases inflammation of the skin and decreases microbial infection of the skin. It’s also one of the best remedies for eczema. 

3. Is black currant seed oil good for the eyes?

Black currant seed oil has been shown to reduce intraocular pressure in both healthy eyes and in the eyes of patients with glaucoma. 

4. Is black currant oil good for your skin?

Absolutely! Black currant seed oil is excellent for your skin and can help improve skin quality. It contains thymoquinone and lauric acid, which combat inflammation and microbial infections of the skin.

Look for creams that contain black currant seed oil, or just apply the oil directly to your skin. 

5. Is black currant oil a blood thinner?

Black current has antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties. This means that it can slow blood clotting and improve blood flow through the blood vessels. 

6. Does black currant help your hair grow?

Yes, black currant seed oil has numerous benefits for your skin and hair and is especially beneficial for the roots of your hair. It helps promote the strength of your hair and can increase hair growth. 

7. Is black currant good for your kidneys?

Yes! Black currant juice has an alkalizing effect on the pH of urine. This means that black currant juice is effective against the development of uric acid stones and uric acid buildup in the kidneys. 

8. Are black currants healthier than blueberries?

Black currants and blueberries are both rich in vitamins and minerals and provide the body with powerful antioxidants to combat free radical damage and inflammation. Black currant also contains seeds, which are used to make black currant seed oil. The “forbidden fruit” may trump blueberries in some aspects, but both fruits are excellent for your health. 

9. Are black currants a superfood?

Due to their numerous health benefits, black currants can definitely be considered a superfood. Black currant has many health benefits and supports several important functions in the body. It supports the immune system, kidneys, heart, skin, hair, and the body’s inflammatory response. 

10. How much black currant seed oil can I have per day?

Topically, you can apply as much black currant seed oil as you need. Try using a few drops at a time and warming it in your hands before applying. The general recommendation for black currant seed oil intake is 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams per day. 

11. What are the top black currant seed oil benefits?

Black currant seed oil supports skin and hair health, immune function, cardiovascular health, and the health of the eyes. It’s also an excellent source of many important vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.  

12. How do I use black currant seed oil?

Black currant seed oil can be applied topically or consumed. It typically comes in the form of pearls or in a bottle with a dropper.

To use black currant seed oil topically, simply warm a few drops in your hand and apply it to your skin or hair. In supplement form, consume 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams per day. You can also consume the oil directly.