Black seed oil is a natural extract derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which has been linked to potential benefits for metabolic balance, heart health, and immune defenses.
Learn how to use black seed oil and discover the potential health benefits of this popular natural remedy.
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil is considered a promising natural remedy in many traditional wellness practices.
Also known as black cumin oil, it’s extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Mediterranean and Western Asian countries.
Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, black caraway, habbah sawda, or habbatul barakah, translates to “seeds of blessing”, referring to its tiny black seeds measuring approximately 1 to 3 mm.
The primary bioactive compounds in these oil-rich seeds are the two phytochemicals thymoquinone and alpha-hederin.
According to research published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, these compounds exhibit potential health-supporting mechanisms, including immunomodulating, cytoprotective, inflammation-balancing, and antioxidant properties.1
Black cumin seed oil also contains unsaturated and saturated fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties as well as bioactive compounds linked to supporting immune balance, liver and kidney function, and skin and hair health.
Nigella sativa seeds have been used for millennia, and their potential health benefits have been mentioned in numerous ancient texts worldwide.
“Black seed oil was so valued in ancient times that vials of it were reportedly found in the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun,” explains Dr. Berg.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the Father of Medicine, referred to black seeds as melanthion and noted their potential to support digestive function, liver health, and overall physical comfort.
Watch the video below to discover the numerous benefits of black seed oil.
Benefits of black seed oil
Black seed oil is known for various potential benefits, thanks to its unique profile of fatty acids and bioactive compounds linked to overall health and wellness.
Here are five ways black seed oil may help support a healthy body.
1. Supports metabolic health
Research published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that Nigella sativa supplementation supported several markers of metabolic health, including fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-term indicator of blood sugar control.2
This suggests that incorporating black seed oil into a healthy lifestyle may help promote metabolic efficiency.
2. Promotes healthy blood pressure control
Supporting normal blood pressure levels is essential for overall wellness and optimal cardiovascular function.
A study published in Phytotherapy Research found that healthy adults who took 5 ml of black seed oil daily for eight weeks maintained proper blood pressure regulation and supported cardiovascular health markers.3
Additionally, the study reported no adverse effects, concluding that black seed oil is generally well tolerated as part of a balanced health regimen.
This suggests that Nigella sativa oil may support effective blood pressure regulation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
3. Supports lipid balance
Black seed oil may help maintain cholesterol balance, which is important for cardiovascular wellness and cellular functions.
The bioactive compounds found in Nigella sativa seeds have been shown to support lipid metabolism, primarily by affecting enzymes involved in lipid synthesis and fatty acid breakdown.
Additionally, black seed oil has potential choleretic activity, meaning it supports the production and flow of bile from the liver. Bile is important for normal fat digestion and helps the body process and eliminate cholesterol through the digestive tract.
4. Promotes healthy immune function
Research published in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture highlights that crushed black seeds and their active constituent, thymoquinone, have been shown to support balanced immune responses by stimulating the activity of white blood cells.4
Additionally, black seed oil has been observed to stimulate apoptosis, a natural process that helps the body eliminate damaged or dysfunctional cells. This process is crucial for optimal immune system support.
5. Supports liver function
Evidence published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences suggests that thymoquinone promotes liver wellness by supporting the capacity of liver cells to neutralize reactive oxygen species and supporting the cellular integrity of liver tissues.5
By promoting cellular liver health, black seed oil’s antioxidant compounds may help support liver function and healthy detoxification processes.
Risks and side effects
While most people use black seed oil without experiencing any adverse effects, in rare cases, some sensitive individuals may encounter mild digestive upset, particularly at higher doses.
It’s also important to note that black seed oil’s blood-thinning effects may slow blood clotting. Those with bleeding disorders or people taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating black seed products into their routine.
Due to limited research, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid using black seed oil as a supplement, although small amounts used in cooking might be acceptable.
How to use black seed oil
Black seed oil is available in various forms and can be purchased as dietary supplements or incorporated into skin or hair products.
A study published in Toxicology Reports evaluated the safety profile of a black seed oil solution containing 5 percent thymoquinone. The authors found that a daily dose of approximately 200 mg was generally well tolerated in healthy adults.6
However, other studies have tested doses as high as 3 g daily for up to 12 weeks with minimal side effects reported.
One of the simplest ways to consume black seed oil is as an herbal supplement, widely available as liquid oil bottles and soft gel capsules, which can help minimize its strong taste.
Another popular method is to mix it with other foods or beverages, which can help mask black seed oil’s distinct bitterness. Alternatively, combining it with a squeeze of lemon and a little warm water or tea can also help make the flavor more pleasant.
Beyond its potential internal benefits, black seed oil is also valued for its use in skincare and other topical applications.
Its rich concentrations of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, including oleic acid, may support microbial balance, promote wound healing, and help maintain hair and skin integrity, making it a popular choice in natural skincare and haircare routines.
For hair care, black seed oil can support scalp health and potentially stimulate stronger hair growth. It’s often blended with other beneficial oils, such as castor oil, to create a deeply conditioning hair mask.
However, as with any new beauty product, it’s crucial to perform a skin patch test before full application to check for any potential sensitivities or allergic reactions.
To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, opt for brands that offer 100 percent pure, cold-pressed oil and choose certified non-genetically modified (GMO) and organic oil to help achieve optimal purity.
Key takeaways
Black seed oil’s benefits have been valued for centuries to support everyday health and wellness.
This potent oil contains various bioactive compounds and unsaturated fatty acids that may support metabolic efficiency, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol balance, and may help nourish and moisturize hair and skin.
How to use black seed oil effectively depends on its form, quality, and intended purpose, whether you’re using it in food, as a supplement, or for topical application.
FAQ
1. How do I use black seed oil?
Black seed oil can be taken orally as a liquid or in capsule form to support general wellness. In addition, you can apply organic black seed oil topically to help promote hair and skin health.
2. What is black seed oil good for?
Black seed oil may help promote metabolic health, support normal blood pressure regulation and cholesterol levels, maintain immune balance, and contribute to skin and hair wellness.
3. Who shouldn’t take black seed oil?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those who are taking blood-thinning medications or have bleeding concerns, should consult a healthcare provider before using black seed oil.
4. Is it fine to take black seed oil every day?
Yes, daily black seed oil use in moderate amounts is generally considered safe for healthy adults in the short term.
However, long-term safety data on continuous use over three months is lacking. Therefore, it’s best to take periodic breaks or consult a healthcare provider before using it continuously for extended periods.
5. How long does it take black seed oil to work?
The effects of black seed oil vary by individual and purpose. Some may notice benefits within days, while others may require several weeks of consistent use to see changes.
