The healing power of thymoquinone (black cumin) for horses

Black cumin has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient Egyptians. Thymoquinone is the main active ingredient of the black cumin plant (Nigella Sativa). Black cumin grows in the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and Asia, and is mentioned in both the Bible and the Quran as a powerful medicine.

25 November '21 - 3 min reading time

Recent scientific research in humans and animals shows that thymoquinone indeed has many beneficial effects, including on high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, asthma, bacterial and viral infections, skin conditions, and even neurological problems. It is therefore one of the most promising plant substances we know. Thymoquinone can be used for a wide range of issues.

Thymoquinone works directly

Oil is often pressed from black cumin seeds, containing besides thymoquinone, several other active compounds. Thymoquinone itself is the most powerful of them all. Thymoquinone has a unique molecular structure, which targets proteins and enzymes in the body and can play a role in various important processes. Because horses have an enzymatic metabolism, thymoquinone works exceptionally well for horses. There is a difference in concentration between black cumin oil and pure thymoquinone. Pure thymoquinone is preferred for horses.

The effects of thymoquinone

Some researchers call thymoquinone from black cumin a 'miracle drug.' It has a wide range of health benefits. Scientific literature shows that thymoquinone can have the following effects:

• It blocks the release of histamine from mast cells. This means that allergic reactions are suppressed. Thymoquinone helps with skin itching, shortness of breath in asthma, or irritation of mucous membranes in hay fever.

• It strengthens neurotransmitters in the nervous system, allowing signals to be transmitted more effectively.

• It has anti-inflammatory effects, for example in arthritis, arthrosis, and rheumatism.

• It is antibacterial, preventing inflammation.

• It is antiviral, blocking the spike proteins of viruses so they cannot attach. This applies even to coronaviruses like COVID-19!

• Thymoquinone likely also inhibits the growth of cancer cells by blocking the metastasis of cancer cells.

• Thymoquinone is also used in autoimmune diseases.

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Thymoquinone for horses

Thymoquinone from black cumin can do a lot of good for your horse in many different situations. It is highly versatile. Especially as an isolated compound, it is readily absorbed and effective. It can be used for:

• Allergies and sweet itch

• Arthritis and joint pain

• Asthma, coughing, and other respiratory problems

• Acute (tendon) injuries

• Inflammation

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

• Fluid build-up / Einschuss

Cold-pressed black cumin seed oil is also available for horses (and humans) on the market. It contains (partly unsaturated) fatty acids and a variety of other bioactive compounds, including a small amount of thymoquinone. Unfortunately, it seems that the thymoquinone in such oil degrades rapidly upon storage. As a result, black cumin oil cannot be equated with a supplement of pure, concentrated thymoquinone. Clearer effects can be expected from a concentrated supplement than from black cumin oil.

How long to give thymoquinone to horses?

Thymoquinone can certainly be given for an extended period, but often it is sufficient to use it only in the acute phase of problems. For most horses in most situations, two to three months should be enough. It is best to administer it at least twice a day in acute situations. However, each horse and situation is unique. It is best to adjust the dosage with a therapist; you can contact us for advice.

Interaction with cannabinoids

Scientists recently discovered that thymoquinone has an even more potent effect when combined with plant-derived cannabinoids. These plant signaling molecules are obtained, for example, from cloves. They have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects and help restore balance after illness. Cannabinoids and thymoquinone enhance each other's effects and therefore form a perfect combination.