Blackcurrant, scientifically known as Ribes Nigrum, is a popular berry that ripens in summer.

These berries flourish in countries like Russia, Germany, and Poland which account for 80% of the global production.

In these countries, people use blackcurrant to make homemade jams, marmalade, juice, and oil.

It is made from the seeds of black currant shrubs and is packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other unique compounds that can provide many health benefits.

From reducing inflammation to fighting off bacteria and viruses, black currant oil is a powerful remedy that can help boost your overall health.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential benefits of black currant oil and how you can use it to improve your health and wellness.

Black currant: overview

General facts about black currants:

• Currants are sometimes referred to as “Northern grapes”.
• In ancient times, people used the term “Blackcurrant river” to refer to the Moskva river in Russia because it grew extensively on the sides of that river.
• Black currants offer 4 times more vitamin C than red currants.
• 1 ounce of blackcurrants can cover 100% of the daily needs in vitamin C.
• 10 black currants offer the same amount of vitamin C as a whole lemon.
• These fruits belong to the gooseberry family and can reach up to 5 feet in height (1.5m).
• The word currant is derived from an ancient old Russian word that means “perfume”.
• Black currants are the most fragrant among all the other types of currants because of their rich essential oils profile.
• Freezing blackcurrants maintains almost all of their nutrients.
• Black currant shrub can absorb radioactive elements in the body in fact it was used to treat those affected by the Chornobyl accident.
• The shrub of currants can live up to 7 years.
• In Belarus, currants make up 40% of the total cultivated lands.
• Blackcurrant juice can be used as a natural coloring agent, especially in pastries.

Are blackcurrants banned in the United States?

During the last centuries, it was prohibited to grow medicinal plants in North America.

In fact, it wasn’t even possible for Americans to know the flavor or shape of these berries.

The ban on such plantations was because they may create a favorable environment for a specific fungus that could destroy the woods.

After many studies, they found out that such fungus grows up in gooseberry bushes.

Because of that, it was decided that all shrubs in that family should be banned, and that included black currants.

After the ban, different methods were used to remove these plants including fires and pesticides.

However, after the war on these shrubs ended they began to grow again and even fill larger areas.

Several decades later, in the early 2000s, new studies found out that such berries can be grown again with specific techniques.

Nonetheless, to this very day states like Massachusetts and Virginia still prohibit the plantation of currants.

Black currant oil nutritional values and health benefits:

Nutritional values:

Vegetable oils including blackcurrant oil are 100% fats which is enough proof to conclude that not all fats are bad.

Almost 48% of this oil is Linoleic Acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) which is more than the amount found in rapeseed oil (15%) and less than corn oil (60%).

This oil offers a good amount of Alpha-Linoleic Acid (15%) which is part of the omega-3 group of fatty acids.

Another 17% of blackcurrant oil is represented by Gamma-Linoleic Acid which belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids.

Not just fatty acids but this oil also contains phytosterols and tocopherols which are a precursor of vitamin E.

As for the other nutrients, blackcurrant oil offers 14% protein, 19% sugar, and less than 8% of saturated fats.

In addition, this oil also offers succinic, phosphoric, nicotinic, and malic acids as well as carotenoids, B vitamins, iron, manganese…

Health benefits:

Boosts immunity:

Thanks to its powerful antioxidants, blackcurrant oil can be a great ally to the body’s immune system.

For instance, many studies confirm that regular consumption of this oil increases the immunity system.

This is because once we consume it, this oil suppresses the production of prostaglandins which suppresses lymphocyte activity.

Not only that but blackcurrant oil can also treat rheumatic inflammation of the joints and bones.

Lowers bad cholesterol levels:

Even though this oil is not very popular, it is used in many traditional medicine practices to reduce bad cholesterol.

This is not a myth, according to a study on blackcurrant oil it can lower triglycerides and treat hyperlipidemia.

In fact, this oil doesn’t just lower bad cholesterol but it increases the good cholesterol levels HDL.

Reduces menopause symptoms:

Blackcurrant oil may combat hot flashes caused by menopause in the same way as primrose oil.

This is mostly due to the presence of GLA (Gamma MLinoleic Acid) which has great anti-inflammatory properties.

This component can significantly reduce the occurrence of hot flash symptoms such as nighttime warmth.

Can reduce hair loss:

In Eastern Europe, people traditionally consume blackcurrant oil and use it topically to reduce hair loss.

The exact name for this condition is “Androgenetic Alopecia” which is a condition that affects both men and women.

This condition starts by weakening the hair as we grow up which unfortunately leads to losing hair.

Thankfully, this claim is backed by a study that proves that blackcurrant oil that is rich in omega 3 + 6 and can treat this hair disorder.

For more than 6 months, the patients started experiencing great results in their hair density.

Good for the joints:

Omega 3 and 6 are among the essential nutrients our joints need to maintain their structure and optimal functioning.

As mentioned above, omega-3 fatty acids offer GLA and ALA which both have great anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, our bodies convert Gamma Linoleic Acids into prostaglandins which help the immune system fight inflammation.

Reduces acne:

Thanks to the rich fatty acids profile in blackcurrant oil, it can be a great ally to fight acne.

By providing anti-inflammatory properties, both fatty acids and phytosterols regulate the production of sebum and prevent pore clogging.

Regular consumption of this oil relieves the appearance of new acne and helps fight the remaining old skin eruptions.

 Other health benefits:

• Prevents the appearance of wrinkles.
• Good against rheumatism.
• Helps with eczema.
• Moisturizes the skin.
• Promotes tissue regeneration.
• Can help with arthritis.
• Improves brain function.
• Restores the metabolism.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Reduces the risks of tumors.

Using blackcurrant oil:

tips before using blackcurrant oil:

First, it is not recommended to use large quantities of virgin blackcurrant oil by itself in its natural form.

To use this oil, make sure you dilute it with another fatty acid like another vegetable oil or a cosmetic lotion).

A general rule to follow is to follow a 1/5 ratio where blackcurrant oil only makes 20% of the mixture.

However, before consuming this oil orally it is best to consult a doctor to reduce even those minimal possible risks of side effects.

Also, make sure you don’t keep this oil exposed to direct sunlight to prevent its fast oxidation.

Different ideas to use black currant oil:

Thanks to its beneficial values, blackcurrant oil is added to different skin products to improve the nutritional composition.

Not only skin products but hair products as well since this oil has the potential to nurture the scalp and restore the hair.

However, you don’t need to buy these products since you use this oil to improve the condition of the skin and hair.

• For a massaging oil: mix 1 tsp of blackcurrant oil with 2 tbsp of fatty cream and the mixture to massage the lower back.
• Face cleansing mask: Mix 2 tbsps of cottage cheese with 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of blackcurrant oil.
• Mix well and use the mixture on your face and neck and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
• Ingestible remedy: Mix 2 ounces (4 tbsps) of virgin olive oil with 2 tsp of blackcurrant oil and let it rest.
• Take a tsp of the mixture on an empty stomach every morning to stimulate the secretory organs which result in better skin condition.
• Face cleansing remedy: Mix 1 tsp of lavender with 1 tsp of blackcurrant oil and 1 tsp of lemon juice with 3 tbsps of your face lotion.
• Save the mixture in an airtight jar in the fridge and use it as a face mask in the morning and evening.

Precautions before you consume blackcurrant oil:

Even though virgin blackcurrant oil is full of nutrients it may cause some side effects for certain people.

With natural oils, you don’t wanna abuse their use as they can result in greasy skin therefore you shouldn’t use them more than 2 times/per week.

For instance, people who have been diagnosed with hemophilia should avoid using blackcurrant oil.

This is because hemophilia thins the blood so the use of blackcurrant oil can promote further blood thinning which can lead to bleeding.

Furthermore, people who are taking blood thinners should avoid taking this oil to avoid an intensified effect.

In general, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children should also avoid consuming blackcurrant oil.

Therefore, this oil is only suitable for people who are more than 14 years old, without allergies, or blood problems, not pregnant, and not nursing.