Black Caraway is an annual flowering plant in the family of Ranunculaceae, native to eastern Europe (Bulgaria and Romania) and Western Asia (Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq), but naturalized over a much wider area, including parts of Europe, northern Africa and east to Myanmar.

Contrary to its name, Onion Seeds or Kalonji do not belong to the onion family. 

It consists of around 38% of the oil which is responsible for its aromatic and therapeutic effect.

Cosmetic Name (INCI): Nigella sativa

Benefits of Black Caraway or Onion Seeds for Skin:
People have used onion seed oil or black caraway for its therapeutic benefits for thousands of years. Some of the benefits to skin away from weight loss are as follows;
1. Helps in getting rid of acne: Black Caraway or Onion Seeds extract helps in clearing the symptoms such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis. It can reduce skin inflammation, irritation, redness, and the appearance of plaques associated with these conditions.

2. Helps in healing wounds: Because of its antibacterial properties, it also helps in healing small wounds efficiently. Therefore these can also be used in medically approved cosmetic creams.

3. Have a moisturizing effect: Black Caraway or Onion Seed extract has also a moisturizing effect, because of which it is often used in skin creams or moisturizing lotions.

4. Reduces signs of Aging: The application of Onion Seeds or Black Caraway Extract based creams reduces skin irritation and improves skin hydration levels and skin barrier function. It is loaded with antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress. All these effects can keep the skin soft and supple and reduce the signs of premature aging and wrinkles. 

5. Helps in reducing dark spots: Now as we know that Black Caraway extracts are filled with antioxidants, therefore, it is no doubt that it can also help in reducing dark spots and discoloration of the skin.

Benefits of Black Caraway or Onion Seed Extract for Hair:
Black Caraway or Onion Seed Extract which is also known as Kalonji extract has some awesome properties like being antibacterial and having a great moisturizing effect. Below are some of the benefits of black caraway extract for hair;
1. Reduces Hair Fall: Black caraway Onion Seed Extract or Kalonji Extract is the best ingredient you can use to treat your hair fall. It contains over 100 different nutrients which are rich sources of nourishment for your hair and follicles that help nurse your follicles back to health, thus reducing hair loss.

2. Helps in treating scalp conditions: Black Caraway (Onion Seed or Kalonji) Extract is naturally antimicrobial. The anti-inflammatory properties in kalonji are great when diluted with a carrier oil to soothe scalp conditions that are caused by inflammation, flakiness, and sensitivity. 

It also kills viruses and fungi, which also helps in getting rid of the lice. Also, it helps in moisturizing your scalp, hence not letting it dry out and become flaky.

3. Contributes to Hair Growth: Black Caraway or Onion Seed Extract naturally restores hair growth in thinning areas because of the high concentration of thymoquinone, a powerful antihistamine. 

4. Helps in conditioning and smoothing hair: Due to the presence of fatty acid in Black Caraway Extract, it helps in conditioning and smoothing hair strands. This is good for people whose scalp is not able to produce the required amount of sebum to protect hair strands.

5. Helps in Proper Blood Circulation: Black Caraway Extract contains Omega 3 and 6 biomolecules that encourage blood circulation, especially in the head which promotes rapid hair growth within a week.

6. Reduces Grey Hair: Black Caraway or Onion Seed or Kalonji Extract plays a significant role in preventing graying of hair by improving the performance of hair cells that are responsible for the pigmentation of hair follicles to continue its natural growth.

Benefits of Black Caraway or Onion Seed or Kalonji Extract for Teeth:
In several cultures around the world, people have used Kalonji Extract or Black Caraway Extract to treat toothache, and it is even known to this date. Below are some of the benefits of Black Caraway Extract for teeth;
1. Helps in reducing dental caries: Dental caries are primarily caused by the breakdown of sugars into acid in the mouth by a class of bacteria called streptococcus mutans. It is evident that Black caraway Extract not only inhibits the growth of Streptococcus Mtuans but also in turn helps in removing plaque on teeth.

2. Reduces periodontal and gingival diseases: Black Caraway Extract has shown to have antiplaque activity and the results were even sometimes better than amoxicillin or tetracycline.

3. Prevents nerve or pulpal inflammation: When applied directly to the area, Black Caraway Extract can inhibit inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in increasing the healing of mouth ulcers and rashes.

Application of Black Caraway or Onion Seed or Kalonji Extract in Cosmetic Products:

1. Anti Acne Creams
2. Moisturizing Lotions
3. Anti Bacterial Ointments
4. Anti Aging Creams and Serums
5. Dark Spot Reducing Creams and Serums
6. Complexion Balancing Serums or Creams
7. Anti Hairfall Shampoos
8. Conditioners
9. Hair Growth Serums
10. Hair Colors
11. Tooth Paste
12. Oral Hygiene Liquids

Do you want help with cosmetic formulations, contact us at info@thewiki.in