The holy month of Ramadan will soon be upon us. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calender, is the month of fasting which lasts for 29 to 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon. It is believed that it was within the last ten days of Ramadan that Allah (God) first revealed the Quran (the religious text of Islam) to Prophet Muhammed. Although the exact timing is unknown, the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadri) is often commemorated on the 27th night.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, teaching self-restraint in line with “sawm”. From dawn to dusk it is forbidden to engage in food, drink, sexual activity, or any immoral behaviour, including impure or unkind thoughts, bad deeds and untrue words. Nothing may be ingested during daylight hours, including medication or even smoke (no cigarettes!). It is a time for increased spiritual connection, introspection, inner growth, forgiveness, good deeds and atonement.
Although the rewards of Ramadan may be great both mentally and spiritually, it can be tough physically, particularly in the first few days until the body becomes more accustomed to fasting. So why not turn to Nature to help you survive and thrive this coming Ramadan, and enhance your overall experience:
Get natural help with black seed oil
Before settling down to ‘suhoor’, take one teaspoon of black seed oil to start the day off right and protect your health. Did you know that Prophet Muhammed also recognised the power of black seed and stated that it is a “cure for every disease except death’.
Black seed contains over 100 different elements including proteins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and other compounds and it is these, and in particular a potent active compound called thymoquinone, which give black seed such immense therapeutic properties. It has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiasthmatic, antihistamine, anticoagulant, analgesic, bronchodilator, antispasmodic, antidiuretic, anticancer properties, hepato-protective, renal-protective, gastro-protective, hypotensive, emmenagogue and galactagogue properties.
The health benefits of black seed oil are phenomenal and can enhance your health throughout the year, but during the time of Ramadan the following may be of the utmost relevance:
Protects against nutrient deficiency
Although care should be taken to ensure that the iftar and suhoor meals are balanced, it is not always the case with people filling up on white rice, bread, simple starches, and sweet treats which don’t have much nutritional value. Black seed oil has immense nutritional value which can help to ensure that your body’s needs are fully met during the time of intermittent fasting as it contains vitamins A, B, C and E, in addition to calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, essential oils, essential amino acids, and omega-3,6,9.
Boosts the Immune System & Reduces inflammation
Black seed oil is known to totally balance and support a healthy fully functioning immune system. It suppresses dangerous chronic inflammation which can lead to degenerative and chronic diseases, and boosts the invader-fighting capabilities of specific cells and secures the appropriate immune system response to an attack from a foreign invader.
Overall, prolonged fasting is known to actually improve immunity as it stimulates the regeneration of infection-fighting white blood cells as long as the body is receiving all of the essential nutrients, however in the first few days immunity may be compromised as the body breaks down old or damaged white blood cells to conserve energy.
Protects kidneys & urinary tract
Kidney stones are more prevalent in individuals towards the end of Ramadan. This is especially true for those who do not consume the suggested minimum of eight glasses of water a day, which subsequently increases the acidity of the urine, a known precursor to kidney stones. Urinary tract infections are also quite common, particularly in women, and are most often caused by the lack of water to flush away bacteria.
Black seed has strong antibacterial and kidney protective effects. It can eliminate harmful pathogens and is recognised to protect against kidney stones, in addition to helping to shrink and expel existing stones.
Manages Fatigue
Fatigue due to a change in eating habits, a lack of liquid and disturbed sleeping patterns is a common problem during Ramadan, particularly if it upsets the circadian rhythm, but black seed has long been used to diminish fatigue. In fact, the Persian physician and philosopher, IbnSina, also known as Avicenna in the West and additionally referred to as “Prince of Physicians”, stated in the Canon of Medicine that black seed “stimulates the body’s energy and helps in recovery from fatigue and dispiritedness.” The Canon of Medicine was the primary medical text used throughout Europe until the 17th century.
Being rich in vitamins B6, B9, B12, plus iron, it promotes red cell formation which increases oxygen circulation throughout the entire body and improves both mental and physical energy. Research has confirmed black seed’s anti-fatigue properties by effectively demonstrating that it restores energy.
Improves Cognition
Hunger, lack of fluid, disturbed sleep, plus caffeine or nicotine withdrawal, can leave you feeling totally out of sorts, even forgetful, confused, and lacking focus and clarity – a condition often described as “brain fog”. Thymohydroquinone, an active compound in black seed, improves the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which subsequently enhances memory retention and overall brain function, muscle function, REM sleep and regulation of the endocrine system, and supports higher levels of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Increased levels of acetylcholine and GABA bolster cognitive performance, reduce incidental forgetfulness, and inhibit “brain fog”. Omega-3 and omega-6 contained in black seed also help to promote blood circulation to the brain to maximise brain function.
Resolves Digestive Issues
During intermittent fasting, you may experience digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. Meanwhile a decreased food intake may cause an increase in gastric acidity that can ultimately lead to an ulcer. Fasting slows down the entire digestive process, but over time positively improves the bacterial balance in the gut and promotes probiotic bacteria.
Black seed oil has traditionally been used to improve digestive health. As a carminative it improves digestion, and decreases the symptoms of gas, bloating and cramping. Furthermore it maintains a layer of mucus on the stomach wall, and inhibits acid secretion, thus protecting against gastric ulcers. It also inhibits the bacteria H. pylori which is responsible for peptic ulcers.
Get The Best Out Of Ramadan With Essential Oils
No matter how strong your faith and discipline, fasting for long periods of time can trigger some short-term unwanted side effects such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, moodiness, problems with sleeping and more. Essential oils are renowned for their therapeutic use and can give you a helping hand to overcome these challenges, allowing you to concentrate on the greater meaning and rewards of Ramadan. Here’s some ways that you can use essential oils this Ramadan:
Alleviate Headaches
A lack of water, changes to diet and eating schedule, plus sleep disruption can cause headaches, particularly when you are still adjusting to these changes.
Peppermint oil is a natural remedy for headaches. Simply add a few drops to a diffuser, vaporiser or oil burner, sprinkle a few drops on a tissue to inhale intermittently, or dilute a few drops in a carrier oil, such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil and apply to the temples.
Alleviate dizziness
Much the same with headaches, a lack of water, food or sleep can cause dizziness.
Again peppermint oil can help. Add a few drops to a diffuser, vaporiser or oil burner, or sprinkle a few drops on a tissue to inhale intermittently.
Improve Digestion
Orange oil and peppermint oil can both help with symptoms of digestion. If you overindulge during Iftar, and suffer from bloating, gas, indigestion, improper digestion or abdominal pain, add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage onto your stomach.
Re-energise and Rejuvenate
Feeling lethargic is natural, particularly as the day progresses. Citrus oils and peppermint oil are known for their energising properties. For a quick pick-me up, inhale some lemon oil, orange oil, or peppermint oil, or dilute in a carrier oil and apply to the back of the neck. You can also make a spray by adding a few drops to water to spritz your face and back of neck. Peppermint is also known for its cooling effect if you are also feeling hot. Note that citrus oils are photosensitive, so sun exposure should be avoided if applied to the skin.
Boost Focus
Intermittent fasting can have a devastating effect on concentration. When you need to concentrate and improve focus, try inhaling some frankincense oil, lemon oil, or peppermint oil.
Improve Motivation
If you are struggling with motivation to complete a task or even floundering over your fasting, inhale some bergamot oil or lemon oil to keep you going.
Combat Moodiness
Hunger, thirst, caffeine or nicotine can leave you feeling stressed, short-tempered, moody or irritated. Reach for some bergamot oil, frankincense oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, peppermint oil, or vanilla oil to help balance the emotions. Either inhale or dilute in a carrier oil and apply to the wrists and temples.
Enhance sleep
Lavender oil is probably the most widely recognized for promoting quality sleep, with its calming and soothing effects. Other oils which can also help to lull you into a better night’s sleep include bergamot oil, frankincense oil and ylang-ylang oil. Simply add a few drops to a diffuser, vaporiser or oil burner, sprinkle a few drops on your sheets, or add a few drops to a bath product and have a relaxing aromatic soak. You can also dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the back of your neck, inside the wrists or the soles of your feet, or use for a body, hand or foot massage.
Curb the Appetite
On some days you may face problems with your appetite or cravings which will make the fast intolerable. Find support with peppermint oil which is a very effective appetite suppressant and can help to control hunger pangs and cravings. Alternatively try inhaling some grapefruit oil.
Eliminate Food Odours
Don’t let the lingering smell of food from iftar and suhoor challenge your discipline. Fill a spray bottle with water and add 8-10 drops of eucalyptus oil, lemon oil or tea tree oil, or a combination of these oils, to create a wonderful neutralising air freshener which will easily eliminate any odours.
Enhance Spiritual Experience
For eons essential oils have been used for enhancing spiritual connection and Frankincense has a long history of use within religious rituals and ceremonies, as well as for meditation. It relaxes and calms a busy mind, promotes inner peace and enhances a sense of grounding. It is said to inspire purification, in addition to increasing spiritual awareness.
Similarly, Myrrh has a long history of use within religious ritual and ceremonies and is often used in unison with Frankincense. It cleanses the mind and spirit, eliminates negative energy, and helps to maintain a state of enlightenment.
Everyone needs support to achieve their goals, so this year let Mother Nature help you to reap the rewards of Ramadan on all levels – physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Have a blessed Ramadan.
