There are so many simple natural remedies with a long history of use that have been largely forgotten in modern times. From the health-promoting (and hair-growing) properties of castor oil to the natural remedy uses for apple cider vinegar, remedies found in nature have an important place in maintaining health. One of those is black seed oil.
With all the wonderful advances in medicine and hygiene, a lot of these remedies have been pushed aside. Certainly, there is a time and a place for medicine, but research is now helping us understand the mechanism of these natural remedies that previous generations have depended on for so long.
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Many doctors, especially functional medicine and naturopathic doctors, are finding success in combining conventional medical treatments with natural ways to support the body. One of these age-old remedies gaining popularity is black seed oil or Nigella sativa.
What Is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil (also often called black cumin seed oil, black coriander oil, or simply black oil) comes from the Nigella sativa plant that is native to Asia. Studies on this incredibly powerful seed oil show it may be helpful in combating superbugs like MRSA or h.pylori and even has helped some cancer patients.
The plant is technically part of the buttercup family and has small, black, crescent-shaped seeds. Historical accounts of black seed use date back as far as the times of King Tut in ancient Egypt. Cleopatra reportedly used black cumin seed oil for beautiful hair and skin, and Hippocrates was fond of using it for digestive troubles.
There are now over 600 studies showing the effects of black cumin seed oil and there is promising research on it use for dealing with autoimmune disease (which is why I’ve been experimenting with it).
Two of its active compounds, crystalline nigellone and thymoquinone, are the most studied, but it also contains myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, proteins, and vitamins B1, B2,B3, calcium, folate, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorous.
Uses & Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Studies have also shown that black seed oil can be useful for:
Asthma & Allergies
Multiple studies have found that black seed oil has anti-asthmatic effects and depending on the cause of asthma, it was sometimes more effective than conventional treatment. The same properties make it beneficial for relieving allergies for many people.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Black seed oil is also used for skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It helps soothe inflammation and improve the speed and which skin heals.
Digestion
Nigella sativa seeds are carminative, meaning they aid in digestion and may decrease gas, bloating, and stomach pain. Black seed oil is often sometimes used in remedies for intestinal parasites. In preliminary studies, it was also shown to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells with no negative side effects.
Candida and Fungus
Black seed oil was also shown to be helpful in battling candida and fungal infections in the digestive system and on the skin.
Cancers
Other studies have shown that a compound in black seeds and oil, thymoquinone, helps induce apoptosis (cell death) in leukemia cells. Other studies have shown this same effect in breast cancer cells, brain tumor cells, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, and even oral cancer cells and cavity-forming bacteria. Black seed oil is also sometimes recommended as a natural protection against some of the danger from radiation and used in conjunction with conventional treatments.
Heart Health
Thymoquinone in Nigella sativa seeds has also been shown to have a protective effect on the heart, promote healthy cholesterol levels and help normalize blood pressure.
MRSA and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
A 2010 study found that black seed oil was effective for patients with h.pylori infections (without ulcers). Studies have also shown that black seed oil was effective against MRSA.
Immune Health
Nigella sativa is unique in its way of supporting the immune system. It contains the antioxidants, beneficial acids, and B-vitamins you would expect in a natural remedy, but has an additional benefit. Unlike herbs like elderberry or echinacea that require caution for those with autoimmune disease, black seeds seem to balance the immune system — increasing immune function but not encouraging immune reactions against the body’s healthy tissue.
It has been used in alternative HIV protocols for years and it is often recommended on various autoimmune disease forums (with testimonials from those it has helped). I first found research on black seed oil when researching my own autoimmune thyroid disease.
Skin and Hair
It is also used topically in some cultures to naturally soften, strengthen, and firm skin and help increase hair growth. Some studies even suggest that it may be a very useful remedy against scars and to prevent scar formation on wounds.
Problems With Seed Oils
There can be problems with any vegetable or seed oil, including black cumin seed oil if it isn’t extracted, processed, or packaged correctly. It can easily go rancid if any of these factors are not correct and it is also important that the oil is stored in a dark glass bottle (preferably miron glass).
How to Find Quality Black Seed Oil
Black cumin seed oil is the most absorbable and concentrated form, and from my research, the most effective way to consume black seeds. Ultimately, it is a food product, so make sure that whatever brand you use is high quality and free from harmful additives.
When doing your research, look for brands that are preferably:
- organic
- pure-pressed without chemical extraction
- have no additives or diluting oils
- protected from rancidity by high-quality light and air-protective glass
What I Use
I buy black seed oil only from Activation Products (also on Amazon) as they meet all of my criteria above. I’ve also personally called and interviewed the founders to make sure the oils met my standards.
How I Use Black Seed Oil
Using black seed oil is pretty simple. I take a teaspoon of the oil straight a couple times a day.
Since it’s also great for skin, I also often add it to my facial oil cleansing blend. I’ve also experimented with adding it to lotions and shampoos for extra detox.
Dosage, Side Effects, & Common Sense Warnings
Black cumin seed oil is an amazing food that has been used for thousands of years for its ability to support health naturally. That being said, it isn’t a panacea or a miracle drug, just a potent natural oil. It is considered safe for culinary use (or in similar amounts… I take no more than a few teaspoons a day).
As always, use common sense. Black seed oil is a food, but a nutritionally potent one. You wouldn’t drink a gallon of coconut oil or eat five pounds of liver in one sitting (I hope), so consume black seed oil as you would any food — in moderate and healthy amounts.
As always, please check with a doctor before taking this or any substance, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant/nursing.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Ever heard of or used black seed oil? How do you like it? Share below!
Hi Katie,
Was still wondering if you take the black Cumin Oil along with fermented cod liver and butter oil? The cod liver and butter oil have cleared up my dermatitis totally. Does the Cumin Oil have hot spicy black pepper in it? Anyone with Rosacea or Dermatitis issues must definitely stay away from any hot or spicy foods. Just wondering before I order?
Thank you Katie and God Bless you and your family
Victoria
Just purchased the Panaseeda Black Cumin Oil last week. I was introduced to Ian Clark through your podcast, Katie, and am really impressed by Activation Products. I purchase the Marine Phytoplankton first and once I worked up to 7 drop I felt a marked increase in my mental clarity and energy levels. I had been curious to try the Panaseeda line and decided to start with the Black Cumin due to our family’s candida and suspected parasite issues. Hoping that this will help support our road to recovery. Thank you for having Ian on your podcast. Even his free tip for putting your legs up for sleep has helped tremendously.
Hi Katie,
You are so awesome and I so love your intelligence to guide us to be the healthiest we can be! I took your research info on the Fermented Cod Liver Oil and the Butter Oil and have been taking!!!!! WOW!! It totally cleared up my dermatitis……AMAZING!! Such great healing products! Do you take the Black Cumin Oil along with the Cod Liver and Butter Oil? I can’t find info on taking them together. I’ve had more than my share of antibiotics in my life time and wondering if the Black Cumin Seed Oil could help with that. Have you ever known of anyone giving one or all three products to an elderly dog?
Thanks so much for your hard work,
Victoria
Thank you for you good info. I once had a nutritional health care professional who gave me herbal info. But now no access to one.
There must be something wrong with me. I just bought some black cumin seed oil (in tincture form) and it tastes terrible. I really can’t stand it. Do you have any tips for hiding/masking the strong taste of oils? I feel like a little kid who refuses to take medicine now. Lol.
-Zoe
Hello, I just bought some black seed oil last week. I have been taking a teaspoon (straight) twice a day. Mine taste terrible too. I usually try to drink or eat something immediately after swallowing it to kill the bad taste. I either drink grape juice or eat a piece of chocolate. I bought the Amazing Herbs brand in a tinted bottle and it’s 100% cold pressed. I am taking it to try and cure my recurring hives which I believe are caused by a histamine intolerance.
You can find most of Indian/Asian /Somalian stores all around the country in Maine,CT,and some other states, I don’t know how effective it would be since it is export,
I use the black seed oil,teaspoonful and after that I take another teaspoonful of honey and then drink water or tea,it takes the funny taste away.I hope that helps.
Years ago my dr told me to use cumin powder on my protein foods. But it isn’t black. It is med brown in color. Is this the same thing. i want to start using it again. I have kept it in a dark glass jar and want to make sure i get the right thing. Are there two different types of cumin?
Cumin is different than black seed. Cumin is not black but beige.
Thank your for all your wonderful information; I love reading your posts and learn something new all the time. I am surprised that you think women only lose their hair after pregnancy. There are millions of women with female pattern baldness; I should know, I am one of them. I have tried your hair growth serum along with the castor oil and amla oil with no results. I am excited to try the black cumin seed oil. I have already ordered it. Thanks again for the wonderful info!
Hi Katie,
While browsing the Tropical Traditions site I noticed they carry Black Cumin Seed Oil as well. The description indicates it is packaged in “tinted glass bottle, to protect it from plastic and sunlight exposure”. It seems to cover all the points on what to look for when purchasing this oil. Do you have any experience with the quality of their product?
i too saw that one and ordered now
Thanks for all you do, Katie. Enjoying your podcasts. Just found Black Seed Oil locally but it’s not organic. Is it a sprayed crop? How important is the organic certification?
thanks!
I too use this for migraines/hormonal imbalance and it has been very effective for migraine prevention.
How do you apply it? Topically?
How do you use it for your migraines?
Hi Katie,
I’d like to see you respond to the person who said that black cumin seeds are completely different, with a very different taste, from nigella seeds, both of which I use in cooking for flavour. And cumin is certainly different from coriander!
I just ordered some Black Seed oil after hearing about it in the Diabetes Summit. Sayer Ji mentioned a study that showed it to be a beta cell regenerator. My 4 yo son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on February 26th of this year. We went gluten free almost immediately and are working toward going toward the autimmune protocol (we have 5 kids, so it’s been a struggle, but we are persevering), needless to say I’m insanely grateful for your website!!! I was already a big fan of yours, you can imagine how happy I am that I was already on this road when we were stunned by this diagnosis. I’m having a hard time getting my son to take the black seed oil, I’ve mainly just put it into a small amount of warm tea with a little honey. Oh, and I want to mention – my son was on insulin for 12 days before he entered into the “honeymoon period” where he has not taken insulin for almost 5 weeks. We know this to be normal, but also feel that tightly controlling his carb and sugar (mainly from fruit) intake to also have played a role. We are hoping to prolong his honeymoon period as long as possible, even though we are not opposed to giving him small amounts of insulin to avoid organ-damaging high blood sugars. If anyone in this community has experience with anything along these lines, or has any resources to point me toward, please share! Thank you from my heart of hearts, Katie for what you do here! I’m tearing up now, but your work sincerely has assisted me in creating better health for my precious family and I just can’t thank you enough for that! My little T1D boy actually LOVED making lotion bars and lip chap with me just the other day! May your family be blessed as you bless others’! <3 <
Thanks for all the information you provide. Just wondering, can you suggest an alternative to this expensive brand. I would like to try it but the brand you use is too much for me.
Thanks~Cindy
I have been taking Black Seed Oil capsules for the past few months. Are the capsules not as effective as just straight oil? I did just discontinue taking them this weekend since I felt some of my medications were not working as well. I’m not sure if it metabolized them quicker.
Yes, I have the same question. Are the capsules as potent as just drinking the oil? Thank you
In the religion of Islam, black seed is known to have a cure for all diseases. My sister-in-law takes a tsp of black seeds a day for her migraine. Another one takes a tsp of black seed oil in her tea for thyroid disorder. I will be putting my mom on it for her High BP issue. In India we use it quite a bit for culinary and medicinal purposes. There’s an effective ayurvedic remedy using black seeds and some other spices for diabetes which has put my brother off from the allopathic diabetic medications.
My mom bought Black Seed Oil for my brother for calcification issues. Then she started using it for parasites. I never knew it helped with so many other things! I think it is so important to take preventative measure before medication is needed. Thanks so much for so many great posts!
One question: I have a different brand than the one you mentioned; my black seed is by The Blessed Seed. Does this brand live up to your standards? Thanks again!
I don’t have much experience yet (and can’t speak to how effective this might be), but I did want to note a few things for anyone who wants to try using the seeds directly. First, while nigella sativa is often called “black cumin” or “black coriander,” the seeds are different. The picture Wellness Mama has at the beginning of her post shows the correct seeds (they’re small coal-black, irregularly shaped seeds like the ones pictured, not the darker cumin seeds which are also sometimes called “black cumin”). Secondly, traditional preparation calls for dry roasting the seeds to cut back on the sharpness (cook to taste) and then mixing the seeds into a paste with honey.
Marcella,
Could you please give me the name of the seeds I should buy since you say the nigella sativa is not the correct one? At our house, we grind up the Chia seeds into our yogurt smoothies. I would like to try using the black cumin seeds, too.
Thanks for your help.
From my understanding, it IS Nigella sativa–she was saying that it is NOT “black cumin” or “black coriander”, although sometimes called by those names.
So happy to see this article! My hubby got some and suggested I use it. I just put a teaspoon into my morning smoothy-love the taste of it with mu greens and fruit! I’m keeping daily records of my BP for my doctor and have wondered why my BP is so “normal” some days and not others. I tried tracking caffeine intake- no pattern. Now I’ll watch for the days I DON’t use the oil and see if that’s the mitigating factor.
A friend of mine that has healed from Chronic Lyme disease swears by this as a tick and mosquito repellant. I also heard it is very high in Glutathione which is really important for anyone with a chronic illness that needs detoxing.
can you tell me how your friend healed from Lyme?
Yes, please message me about how your friend cured herself from Lyme. Noahsmom @ Hotmail dot com
I’ve been using the one from Hemani and it has helped my overall well being. I don’t know if it meets your standard though. I also use in creams and face packs.