Black Seed Oil: 25 Incredible Uses and Benefits

Black seed oil, commonly called black cumin seed oil, has been used for centuries by physicians and naturopathic healers for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a key-cancer preventative. Historically, it has been a popular go-to treatment for common ailments such as toothaches, headaches, intestinal worms, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and abscesses. The oil’s ample holistic benefits, pharmaceutical properties, and treatment potential appear endless as modern research continues to reveal the compound’s multitude of health services.

The Wondrous Nigella sativa Plant

Relatively compact, the Nigella sativa plant grows to a height of 7.9 to 11.8 inches (20-30 cm). Its native habitat extends from the southern- and eastern-rim of the Mediterranean basin into the heart of Iran, Pakistan, and India. The plant’s flowers are a pale blue and boast from five to ten petals that surround a prominent capsule with follicles. Upon fertilization, the bulbous capsule develops a profusion of edible seeds that are commonly used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines and for medicinal purposes.

Nigella sativa History and Uses

Black seed oil is derived from the Nigella sativa plant. An ancient shrub, the Nigella sativa plant’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Middle East. Seeds of the plant and a flask of black seed oil were found in the tomb of Egypt’s Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Historically, physicians such as the Persian Avicenna used black seeds to treat dyspnea as he outlined in his book Canon Medicine. Islam’s prophet Muhammad recommended the use of black seeds to his followers. “Use the Black Seed for indeed, it is a cure for all diseases except death,” stated Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago in the Saheeh al-Bukhari 7:591.

The seeds of the Nigella sativa taste like a combination of oregano, black pepper, and onions. They are typically dry-roasted and used to flavor vegetable dishes, curry, poultry, bread, and salads. The seeds are a key ingredient in Armenian string cheese commonly called ‘majdouleh or majidoul’ and Bengali naan bread.

Extracting Black Seed Oil

Nigella sativa seeds are small, black and slightly curved. Their overall texture is rough. The seeds are hard and the oil is relatively difficult to extract.

A single Nigella sativa seed contains approximately 35 to 40 percent oil. The oil is frequently extracted by pressing the seeds using a modern oil pressing machine. Prior to extracting the oil, the seeds are allowed to dry before being running through the oil press.The rich oil can also be extracted using solvent extraction methods or a simple, traditional cold-press. The black cumin seed oil is ready to be used immediately after extraction.

The Many Names of Nigella sativa Seeds and Black Seed Oil

Around the world, a variety of names refers to the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant and the seeds’ rich oil.

Ajenuz
Aranuel
Baraka
Black Cumin Oil
Black Caraway Oil
Black Coriander Oil
Charnuska
Cheveux de Vénus
Cominho Negro
Comino Negro
Cumin Noir
Fennel Flower Oil
Fitch
Graine de Nigelle
Graine Noire
Kalajaji
Kalajira
Kalonji
La Grainer Noire
Love in a Mist
Mugrela
Nielle
Nigella sativa
Nigelle de Crête
Nigelle Cultivée
Nigella Seed Oil
Nutmeg Flower Oil
Poivrette
Roman-Coriander
Schwarzkummel,
Small Fennel
Toute Épice
Upakuncika

Active Ingredients of Black Seed Oil

Black cumin seed oil is made up of chiefly fixed oil, proteins, alkaloid, saponin and essential oil. It is believed that the key active ingredients in the oil are thymoquinone (TQ), dithymoquinone (DTQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol (THY). Thymoquinone (TQ) has been shown to provide strong antimicrobial properties. TQ also offers anticonvulsant activity, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antifungal properties according to research from the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

The health benefits as a dietary supplement are undeniable. It contains high levels of phosphorus, manganese, thiamine iron, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin A, and potassium. The oil also features abundant carotene which assists the liver in converting vitamin A into a usable form that aids in vision and eye health.

Possible Uses For Black Seed Oil

Today, as research reveals the many uses for the coveted oil, it has become a standard ingredient for the pharmaceutical industry and for use by holistic practitioners to treat a wide array of ailments.

In recent years, oncologists have started to use black cumin seed oil to ease the often harsh side effects of chemotherapy drugs. It is used in combination with cysteine, vitamin E, and saffron to counter the typically harsh side effects of a common chemotherapy drug called cisplatin.

Here are just a few of the other possible uses:

Diarrhea
Asthma
Allergies
Hemorrhoids
Constipation
Flu Treatment/Preventative
Congestion
Bronchitis
Colic
Dysentery
Blood Pressure Control
Lowering Cholesterol
Cancer Treatment
Cancer Preventative
Immune System Booster
Birth Control
Menstruation Irregularities
Breast Milk Production
Chemotherapy Aid
Common Respiratory Disorders
Skin Conditions
Headache Preventative
Headache Treatment
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Birth Control

Black Seed Oil’s Effectiveness

Researchers around the world are continuing to learn the value of black cumin oil.

Here are 10 conditions commonly treated with black cumin seed oil and how the oil effectively combats each disorde

1. Hypertension: Holistic practitioners have turned to the oil to control hypertension. Researchers at the Pharmacology and Applied Medicine Department of Medicinal Plants Research Center found that it significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels when given at a ratio of 2.5 mL N. over the course of 8 weeks. No adverse side effects were noted.

2. Cholesterol and Insulin Control: The Department of Pharmacology, J. N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, India conducted a study involving black seed oil for reducing cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The patients were given 2.5 ml of oil twice daily for a period of 6 weeks. The study’s results revealed a significant drop in the participants’ cholesterol levels and that the oil was a viable therapy for insulin resistance syndrome.

3. Allergies and asthma: Allergy sufferers may find relief with black seed oil. It has been shown in studies to have strong antihistamine properties that readily combat nasal drip, nasal itching, sneezing, and congestion. It also improves the quality of sleep. The use of black cumin also promotes lung function in individuals suffering from asthma. Coughing and wheezing are dramatically improved when asthma sufferers take the supplement orally.

4. Anti-Cancer Fighting Properties: Widespread research shows great promise that the regular use of the Nigella sativa supplement prevents a diverse array of cancers such as blood cancers, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, hepatic cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, fibrosarcoma, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cancer according to the Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Science and Technology at Central South University and the Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

5. Hair: Women throughout history have turned to the luxurious oil to strengthen and repair damaged hair. It also adds a luscious shine to dull, lackluster, and lifeless locks. However, recent studies have been exploring the possible benefits of black seed oil to regrow hair and thicken the hair shafts diameter. Many practitioners are prescribing it as a topical that should be used in partnership with hair regrowth products such as Rogaine to spur hair follicles. Using the supplement also effectively treats dandruff and rapidly soothes a dry, itchy scalp.

6. Epilepsy: Approximately 15 percent of children who suffer from epilepsy are resistant to standard pharmaceutical treatments. The Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology at Mashhad University of Medical Science in Iran performed a study using black cumin seed oil to treat drug resistant pediatric epilepsy. The results were very promising. Upon using the supplement, the frequency of seizures decreased significantly.

7. Skin Conditions: Egypt’s Cleopatra was famous for her stunning physical beauty and rumors historically state that black seed oil was one of her key beauty secrets. It provides instant moisturization when rubbed onto the skin. Nigella sativa contains vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and trace elements which are all highly beneficial to the skin. Skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis all benefit from black cumin oil’s anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. It also actively fights fungal infections that cause many skin disorders. Vitiligo sufferers have also reported an improvement in skin discolorations after using black seed oil as a topical.

8. Opioid Withdrawal: Studies have shown that the oil provides some relief from acute opioid withdrawal symptoms. Consistent use of the supplement may also help curb cravings and prevent future relapses.

9. Birth Control and Menstrual Pain Reduction: Throughout the ages, women have turned to black cumin seed oil as a viable and natural birth control method. Generally, women will take one tablespoon of oil in the evening orally and one tablespoon in the morning to start menstruation. The oil encourages the uterus to contract in a healthy rhythm that often helps reduce menstrual discomfort. It has also been shown to increase and maintain breast milk production. However, breastfeeding women should always consult their physician prior to using any supplements.

10. Sore Throat Pain Relief: Sore throat pain is frequently caused by a variety of viral and bacterial infections. The pain or discomfort usually occurs because of swollen tonsils and lymph nodes in the throat. Black seed oil rapidly reduces the inflammation that causes sore throat pain.

Black Seed Oil Dosage When Taken as a Dietary Supplement

In general, it is advised that first time users of the supplement start at a low dose such as using ½ a teaspoon once a day for two to seven days. The dose can then be increased to ½ a teaspoon twice a day for two to seven days. Eventually, most frequent users can build up to ingesting 3 teaspoons per day.

When using capsules, users need to take one to two capsules per day for three days then increase the dosage to three capsules per day. Many long time users of take six capsules per day.

As with all natural supplements, the dosage is tricky and depends on a variety of factors such as the user’s age, overall health, and medical conditions. Whenever purchasing a supplement for oral consumption, it is important that the user follow the recommended dosage on the label. Most health and naturopathic stores sell black seed oil in liquid form and in prefilled/measured capsules for oral consumption.

The oil can also be applied directly to the skin. People using the substance for hair regrowth or to condition the hair often mix the oil with coconut or argan before applying it to their tresses.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must always consult their physician prior to use. Children five and under should never use any supplement without consulting with a physician.

Possible Side Effects of Black Seed Oil

Here are some possible side effects:

Bleeding: It may slow the blood’s ability to clot so should not be used by anyone who suffers from bleeding disorders without first consulting with their physician. Users of black seed oil may experience an increase in bleeding or bruising.

Low Blood Pressure: Individuals who already experience low blood pressure must never use black seed oil without first consulting with their physician because black cumin is well known to naturally lower blood pressure.

Surgical Risk: Anyone using black seed oil ought to discontinue use at least two weeks prior to having a scheduled surgery. If the surgery is sudden, the individual must promptly tell their physician that they are using the dietary additive because it has been shown to interfere with anesthesia, blood sugar control, and may cause bleeding problems during surgery.

Diabetes: Diabetes sufferers need to the substance with caution because of its ability to lower blood sugar levels.

Advocates of black cumin seed oil feel strongly that it is an untapped natural miracle cure and preventative dietary supplement that is highly respected by naturopathic and holistic health practitioners. There is very little doubt that black seed oil has stood the test of time. The ancients clearly considered it a ‘must have’ medicinal aid and today researchers are still marveling at its many holistic uses.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387230/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella_sativa

https://examine.com/supplements/nigella-sativa/

http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/black-cumin-a-seed-of-many-names

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-make-kalonji-oil/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658077X13000507

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23436437

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2772004/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252704/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18049435

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/skin-healing-properties-black-seed-oil