The seeds of plant Ribes nigrum are used to extract oil by using cold pressed method which is called black currant seed oil. The oil is bright yellow having no odor. Black currant berries have high concentration of Vitamin C. It is used for the production of jellies, jams and flavored ice creams. Due to the high presence of Vitamin C, it is a cure for cold and flu. The oil has high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It also contains healthy amounts of stearidonic acid and linoleic acid. This oil has cardioprotective, anti-diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Other common names for Black current berry are Cassis, Feuille de Cassis, European Black Currant, Gadelier Noir, Grosella Negra, Groseille Noir, Nabar, Huile de Pépins de Cassis, Paper, Ribes Nero, Ribes Nigri Folium, Ribes nigrum, Quincy berries, Kurokarin and Grosellero Negro.

History

Blackcurrants are used as a nutritious fruit for centuries. It is native to Northern Europe and used as a traditional herbal medicine since Middle Ages. In 16th century, the berries are used by Germans to cure hepatic disorders and to cure bladder stones. It is used to prepare syrup for respiratory ailments and coughs. It was originated from Asia and Northern Europe. In 12th century, it was cultivated in Russia. It was produced in 16th century. During the World War II, the fruits rich in vitamin C became shortage in United Kingdom. Blackcurrants were grown in the climate of United Kingdom. Blackcurrant cultivation was banned during 1900s due to the presence of white pine blister rust that was considered to be a danger for the American logging industry. It was abolished in 2003 in New York. It was banned in New Hampshire, Virginia, Maine and Massachusses. It is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols and nutrients that again made it popular. When it arrived in 18th century, it was cultivated in gardens and home lawns. It has been quite popular in recent years.

Health Benefits of Black currant Oil

Black currant oil provides various health benefits such as:

1. Strengthen immunity

Black currant seed oil helps to promote the function of immune system. It provides alpha linolenic acid and gamma linolenic acid to the body that helps to lower prostaglandin synthesis. The regular supplements helps the body to counteract with pathogens and infections caused due to virus, bacteria and fungi. It speeds up the healing process. It assists the conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and lupus.

2. Lowers cholesterol level

The supplements of Black currant oil help to lower the level of LDL cholesterol. This oil is helpful to maintain cardiovascular health. It could lower the chances of heart problems such as atherosclerosis. It prevents the chances of cardiac arrhythmia.

3. Hair health

This oil helps to treat hair related problems such as splitting, hair thinning and frizzy hair. The internal use of the oil provides it essential fatty acids.

4. Treat dry eyes

The people with chronic dry eyes provide relief with Black currant oil. Due to the low level of healthy fatty acids, it could result in tear production and dry eyes.

5. Premenstrual syndrome

This oil is helpful for the people with premenstrual syndrome. It provides relief from the conditions such as irritability, mood swings, depression, body pains, insomnia and weight gain. It also treats night sweats and hot flashes.

6. Treat acne

The oil extracted from Black currant seeds possesses high concentration of ALA and GLA which is omega-3 fatty acids that helps to lower inflammation and skin redness.

7. Cure rheumatoid arthritis

It is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that helps to lower pain, swelling and joint injury in arthritis patients. It also lowers the inflammation caused due to gout.

8. Skin health

It lowers severe atopic dermatitis. If took internally daily, it heals psoriasis and eczema. It also lowers pruritis and itching. The fatty acids such as gamma linolenic acid, alpha linolenic aid and dihomo-gamma linolenic acid that helps to prevent flaking, scales and excessive dryness.

Traditional uses

• It treats dry and damaged hair.
• It is useful for treating skin problems.
• It helps to counteract infection.
• It lowers breast tenderness related to PMS.
• It enhances immune system and lowers cholesterol level and blood pressure level.
• It treats premenstrual syndrome, menopause and painful periods.
• It is useful for Alzheimer’s disease and coughs.
• It promotes urination.
• It also lowers rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• It might cause the side effects such as upset stomach such as constipation, diarrhea and headaches.
• Symptoms such as rashes, itchy skin, difficulty in breathing, chest pains and swelling of lips and tongue.
• The excessive use of Black currant oil leads to side effects.
• One should consult the doctor for knowing the required amounts of black currant seed oil.
• It should not be used by the pregnant women.
• People with medication should consult the doctor for use.
• Epileptic patients should use it with caution.
• It is not used for aromatherapy uses.
• The bleeding disorder patients should not use it.
• It should be avoided by prostate cancer patients.

Black currant oil facts

Blackcurrant seed oil is the oil which helps to soothe, nourish and protect the health of skin and hair. It consists of about 70% of essential fatty acids. It is useful for maturing, damaged or sensitive skin. It makes the skin hydrated. It is extracted from the blackcurrant seeds. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and treats the problem related to hair thinning and immune system.

Black Currant Oil facts and health benefits Quick Facts
Name:	Black Currant Oil facts and health benefits
Origin	Blackcurrants are used as a nutritious fruit for centuries. It is native to Northern Europe and used as a traditional herbal medicine since Middle Ages.
Colors	Bright yellow
Health benefits	Strengthen immunity, Lowers cholesterol level, Hair health, Treat dry eyes, Premenstrual syndrome

Name	Black Currant Oil facts and health benefits
Scientific Name of Black currant fruit	Ribes nigrum L.
Native	Blackcurrants are used as a nutritious fruit for centuries. It is native to Northern Europe and used as a traditional herbal medicine since Middle Ages.
Common/English Names of Black currant fruit	Cassis, Feuille de Cassis, European Black Currant, Gadelier Noir, Grosella Negra, Groseille Noir, Nabar, Huile de Pépins de Cassis, Paper, Ribes Nero, Ribes Nigri Folium, Ribes nigrum, Quincy berries, Kurokarin, Grosellero Negro
Name in Other Languages of Black currant fruit	Spanish: Grosellero negro, casis; German: Ahlbeeren; French: Grosellier noir, cassis; Catalan: Ribes, Riber; Gallego: Groselherira negra; Basque: mahats Andere beltz; Hindi: Munakka
Extraction method	Cold pressed
Color	Bright yellow
Odor	Odorless