Black Seed Oil Uses & Benefits

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Black seed oil benefits
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Black Seed Oil Uses & Benefits

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.

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

Black Cumin Seed Oil Benefits

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!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

280 responses to “Black Seed Oil Uses & Benefits”

  1. Kathy Hayes Avatar
    Kathy Hayes

    Is there any way to make consuming a couple of teaspoons a day palatable.?????
    DOES ANYONE REALLY PUT A TEASPOON OF BLACK SEED OIL IN THEIR MOUTH WITHOUT GAGING??? Please any suggestions will be most appreciated!

  2. Carol Avatar

    Where do you buy mango butter?This moisturizer sounds amazing!
    I can’t wait to make it.

    Sincerely,
    Carol

  3. Loris Avatar

    My sister in law has stage 4 cancer and after three rounds of chemo, the doctors sent her home to die. She discovered black seed oil and started taking it. Within one week of taking this oil and changing her diet, she regained the use of her right arm and leg. Her body was shutting down, literally. After several weeks she feels like she is well on her way to getting her life back. I believe this oil is amazing. Has it helped your thyroid function?

  4. Roel Avatar

    Here is a must read which says that heating the seeds in preparation make much difference.

  5. Herta Avatar

    I used black seed oil, used it on mine forehead , where it looked like skin cancer….after the 3. day I applied on my
    thyroid and colon only on the skin, it gave me high blood presser after that.I used also ginger tee,I am asking is this
    some kind of reaction or was it to quick, needs more time. Thy say it is lowering the blood presser…
    Does some one know or had some similar process…..

    Please give me some help….

  6. Nancy Avatar

    I just opened a new bottle of Panasonic black cumin oil and it is different from my first bottle. First bottle had yellow oil, very strong tasting and the new bottle has gray black oil, much milder tasting. I was wondering if the new bottle is bad?

    1. Roby Mitchell MD Avatar
      Roby Mitchell MD

      Product can vary due to soil/climate differences with each crop.

  7. Jenny Avatar

    Hello! I was reading the reviews of black cumin oil (a cold pressed oil from a brand called Amazing herbs) and it stated that it was an “Emmenagogue: Stimulates menstrual flow and activity.”

    Which if it means what I think it means, may not be such a great thing for girls right? As it stands theres so much worry about precocious puberty and this generation is exposed to so much junk already! Does anyone have any more info on the estrogenic properties of black cumin?

    thank you!
    Jenny

  8. Simi Avatar

    Hi all,
    A week ago I was told that I have h.pylori along with a 4 cm cyst on one of the ovary and another on the liver.As you can imagine I was in a lot of pain.Started Natural therapy by heating up some black seed (5 mins) in non stick pan,cool ,grind and add to equal amount of honey.My initial dose for first 3 days was one heaped teaspoon of this paste once a day.Increased it to 2 times for next 3 days and then 3times 6 days after starting treatment.After a week of just taking this paste I added black seed oil to the routine.1/2 tsp oil and 1/2 tsp seed and honey paste.2 weeks on the pain from cysts in ovary and liver is occasional instead of constant. I have Lotss of energy.Feeling very optimistic a few more weeks and hopefully the ultrasound will show both cysts and bladder debris are gone.Will try and update here ?. Please don’t let the taste deter you from continuing to take this miracle cure.Its a bit slower but does the job with no side effects.

    1. Simi Avatar

      Hi Peter, if you heat up the seeds and then grind them into a powder form there is no bitter taste.Infact it starts to taste like roasted sesame seeds.

  9. Jem Avatar

    Do you give this oil to your babies and toddlers? If so, how much do you give and is it okay to mix it in food? My 12 month old has had several infections this year requiring antibiotics and I’d like to strengthen her immune system.

  10. jp Avatar

    Do you give the BSO to your kids? I’m wondering if it’s okay for a 12 month old and if so, how much per day? I’m looking for immune support as he’s already on his 4th bout of antibiotics (since he was born) for various infections.

    1. Roby Mitchell Avatar
      Roby Mitchell

      BSO safe and will help but most likely cause is insufficient production of hydrochloric acid. This is our body’s most potent natural antibiotic. Can take a few years for production to ramp up and they “grow out of” this and conditions such as asthma.

  11. Yolie Seward Avatar
    Yolie Seward

    I have a different brand than the one you mentioned; my black seed is by Amazing Herbs. Does this brand live up to your standards? Thank you!!! Yolie

  12. Amina Avatar

    I am using black seed powder with honey half spoon am and pm for two month now, it has healed my ulcer and hemorrhoid.

  13. Laura Avatar

    I can personally recommend black cumin seed oil for sunburns. We were at the beach a couple of years ago and my 6 year old son got a bad sunburn on his face one day. I tried putting drugstore aloe vera gel on it and he cried and said it burned worse. So I washed off the aloe gel and out of desperation searched through my toiletries bag and found some black cumin seed oil. Patted some on his face and he said it felt better. The next morning his bright red burn was GONE. I couldn’t believe it! I’ve never seen sunburn heal that quickly. It’s sticky stuff, much like vit E oil, so it stayed on well, even while he slept.

  14. Dennis Avatar
    Dennis

    Hello, I just started taking black seed oil in capsule form. I have been going to the doctor’s for two + year’s cause of stomach problems. I have been taking this for about four or five days and have noticed some really great results so far. I have a lot more energy and my sexual performance has really increased. My stomach pains have almost completely gone away. Will continue on these pills .

  15. Tina Avatar

    Hi
    Please I have an overactive thyroid.. hyperthyroidism (graces disease). Please has anyone treated it with black seed oil help please as the symptoms are driving me crazy pls

  16. Melissa Avatar
    Melissa

    I just want to know if you get the same results from swallowing the seeds whole or if you need to chew them for absorption?
    Thanks in advance

  17. Tina Avatar

    I just started taking the black seed oil 2 days ago. I’m in great health, and want to stay that way, so I thought to take just a small amount. I used about 10 drops in a gelatin cap, because I could tell from the smell of the oil I wouldn’t like the taste!
    I do find, however, that my belly is a little upset today. It could be totally unrelated, or maybe because I took the pill on an empty stomach? ( I bought very good quality BSO, organic, in a very dark bottle, from a very reputable source)

    1. lilly Avatar

      Also i am getting black seed oil from Egypt . they have amazing product for health .

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