12 Evidence-Based Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil has the power to address many of modern society’s health issues, and there is a great deal of medical evidence to support these claims.

Black seed oil, which is derived from black cumin seeds, is increasing in popularity due to its amazing health benefits (1).

If you do not already know about the wonderful things this plant-based remedy can do for you, our guide will help you learn all of black seed oil’s secrets so that you can add it to your health and beauty routine.

While many have never heard of black seed oil, those who are familiar with its benefits will attest that this herbal treatment is nothing short of miraculous.

Keep reading to learn about how black seed oil can help improve your health, cure disease, and even enhance the appearance of your skin and hair.

Understanding Black Seed Oil

The Nigella sativa plant produces black cumin seeds, from which black seed oil is derived.

This plant, a native of southwest Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean has been used in cooking and herbal medicine for centuries.

The black cumin seed goes by many names, including black caraway, Nigella, fennel flower, Roman coriander, and nutmeg flower.

These seeds are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking, and produce a flavor that is similar to that of a combination of oregano, black pepper, and onions.

Black seed oil is made using these black cumin seeds, which should not be confused with black sesame, pepper, or cohosh seeds.

Black cumin is also different from true cumin, which has its own medicinal benefits.

In traditional medicine, black cumin seeds and oil served many purposes.

The seeds were often ingested with honey or other foods to reduce blood pressure, promote urination, relax muscles, and help boost immunity.

Black cumin seeds have been known to stimulate uterine contractions when taken in larger amounts, and oil from these seeds was used to treat skin disorders.

Early healers recognized that black cumin seeds and black seed oil could help with allergies, fungal infections, blood sugar problems, and inflammation of all sorts.

These early uses point to today’s modern applications in the treatment of many diseases and disorders.

Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil

Treats Infections, Including MRSA

The proliferation of multi-drug-resistant bacteria is cause for concern.

Dubbed “superbugs,” these strains have mutated over time to become resistant to nearly all forms of antibacterial and antiviral medications known to modern medicine.

These bacteria and viruses are becoming impossible to treat using traditional methods, and nearly ten percent of all hospital patients become infected with one of these superbug strains, which kill almost 100,000 people each year.

Superbugs are responsible for tens of billions of dollars in extra health care and societal costs, due to more extended hospital stays and complicated treatments (6).

Recent research has sought to examine the effectiveness of black seed oil against some of the known superbugs, comparing its effectiveness to that of commonly used antibiotic drugs.

The scientists tested 144 strains, most of which proved resistant to the antibiotics.

However, 97 of these showed some level of restraint in growth when exposed to Nigella sativa (7).

The study indicated strong inhibitory functions against P. aeruginosa, which causes many types of hospital-based infections such as sepsis and pneumonia, and S. aureus, which causes various types of skin and respiratory infections, and even meningitis.

Perhaps the most striking and medically-important superbug against which black seed oil has shown promise is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA.

MRSA is a type of antibiotic-resistant staph infection common in nursing homes, prisons, and hospitals where people often have open wounds, have undergone invasive procedures like having a catheter inserted, or whose immune systems are weakened (8).

MRSA began as a hospital-acquired disease but has since become a community-acquired illness, as well.

While MRSA cases and infections are decreasing, as we have learned more about the disease and implemented new guidelines and procedures in hospitals, it is still a significant public health threat that needs treatment options.

Researchers have tested Nigella sativa against several strains of this bacteria to discover that this natural oil is effective at inhibiting the superbug (9).

Black seed oil could prove an effective treatment against MRSA, slowing and perhaps even stopping its progress.

Improves Liver Health

Your liver is vital to your overall health and well-being, as its primary function is to detoxify your blood and rid it of wastes.

In addition, the bile your liver produces helps you digest fats properly, allowing your muscles, organs, and brain to be healthy and function correctly.

As the primary filter through which all your blood passes, your liver’s health is essential to your survival.

Medications, alcohol, chemical exposure, poor diet, and disease can all impact your liver’s ability to do its job.

The phytochemical thymoquinone improves liver function by protecting the production of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, which are essential liver enzymes.

These enzymes protect your liver from disease and damage, improving its overall function (10).

Can Help Prevent Diabetes

Black seed oil has been studied for its effectiveness as a treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

In laboratory research, Nigella sativa was effective, in patients with diabetes, at increasing concentrations of insulin in the blood, decreasing blood glucose levels, and improving glucose tolerance.

These effects seem to be caused by the oil’s ability to catalyze the partial regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas, which produces insulin (11).

In research studies, black seed oil’s impact was comparable to that of metformin, the most commonly prescribed medication to treat Type 2 diabetes.

While metformin has many adverse side effects, including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, headaches, and muscle pain, Nigella sativa has no reported adverse effects (12).

Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

There is evidence to suggest that black seed oil can also improve your cholesterol and blood pressure.

In animal trials using diabetic subjects, the oil has been shown not only to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) but also to raise HDL (good cholesterol) (13).

In human trials on subjects with high blood pressure, results indicated a significant decline in diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and total and LDL cholesterol (14).

This is excellent news for those with diabetes, hypertension, or other forms of cardiovascular disease.

Can Help Fight Cancer

The antioxidants and phytochemicals in black seed oil can also help you fight cancer naturally.

In animal tests, the compounds thymohydroquinone and thymoquinone were shown to decrease tumor cells by as much as one-half, evidence of the oil’s anti-tumor properties (15).

Thymoquinone has also proven effective in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

Apoptosis is the natural death of a cell after its programmed life cycle.

This phytochemical can induce apoptosis in breast cancer, brain tumor, and leukemia cells (16, 17).

Black seed oil’s effects have also been studied in pancreatic cancer; it has been shown not only to kill cancer cells but also to inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer.

Both thymoquinone and other anti-inflammatory compounds in Nigella sativa are responsible for these actions (18).

Helps You Lose Weight

Unlike many other herbal supplements that purport to have weight loss effects, black seed oil has been consistently reviewed as a top-rated weight loss aid.

The review of the literature on herbal remedies with weight-loss properties indicates that Nigella sativa is among the most effective of these types of treatments (19).

This oil has been shown in the results of multiple studies to reduce body weight, the body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

Across all the studies, no serious adverse effects were noted when using black seed oil for these purposes (20).

Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

As an anti-inflammatory, black seed oil can also be used to help treat those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Those taking black seed oil have seen positive results such as reduced arthritic symptoms and inflammatory markers in blood tests, as well as fewer swollen joints (21).

As a natural anti-inflammatory treatment, this could help many who suffer from other types of inflammatory illnesses, including chronic fatigue and inflammatory bowel disease.

Protects and Heals Skin

For those who suffer from hand eczema or other skin disorders, Nigella sativa could be used as a treatment.

Hand cream containing black seed oil reduces symptoms in and improves the quality of life for some sufferers of eczema, a chronic and uncomfortable skin disorder, without any unwanted side effects (22).

It can also help reduce acne symptoms (23).

Those who used a lotion containing a ten percent concentration of Nigella sativa reported a 67 percent satisfaction rate improvement with the appearance of their skin.

Because of its antibacterial properties, black seed oil is also excellent for treating wounds.

It reduces inflammation, promotes the growth of new, healthy skin, and allows wounds to heal faster.

Improves Your Hair

Your skin is not the only part of your appearance that can benefit from black seed oil.

Nigella sativa is often used for its hair- and scalp-care qualities, especially for those with scalp issues.

One active ingredient in black seed oil is nigellone, which is a natural antihistamine.

When used on the scalp, it can help treat alopecia, which describes both male pattern baldness and loss of hair for other reasons.

If you have other scalp disorders, such as ringworm, dandruff, or other issues, black seed oil’s antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are helpful in alleviating just about all causes of scalp issues.

Can Combat Infertility

For men with infertility issues, black seed oil may offer promise for treatment.

Men with abnormal sperm who took this oil showed improvement in semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm count (24).

Additional research confirms these results, adding that black seed oil improved levels of sex hormones, Leydig cells, and positive sperm parameters (25).

Treats Allergic Rhinitis

As a natural antihistamine with anti-inflammatory properties, Nigella sativa is an excellent option for treating allergies, including seasonal and pet allergies.

Black seed oil has been shown to reduce congestion, sneezing, and runny nose in allergy sufferers.

Can Help Alleviate Asthma Symptoms

Black seed oil also can reduce the symptoms associated with asthma and inflammatory respiratory disorders.

As a natural anti-inflammatory, this herbal remedy can help control asthma symptoms and attacks.

Those who regularly take this powerful natural treatment saw improvement in their overall asthma control, experiencing fewer attacks and episodes of breathing difficulty (26).

Black Seed Oil’s Powerful Phytochemicals

Black seed oil’s medicinal powers are due to its high concentrations of several key chemical compounds, known as phytochemicals.

Black seed oil contains significant concentrations of thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone (THQ), and thymol.

Nigella sativa seeds also are rich in amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and alkaloids.

Combined with other compounds such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, these seeds’ potent substances provide many healing powers.

Thymoquinone

One of the active ingredients in black seed oil is thymoquinone, which scientists abbreviate as TQ.

TQ is both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory and has been investigated as a possible treatment for cancer, asthma, diabetes, and encephalomyelitis (2).

As an antioxidant, TQ behaves like a free radical, eliminating other free radicals from your body.

It also protects your store of detoxifiers like glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase.

These enzymes are responsible for protecting your liver, which makes black seed oil’s compounds essential to your liver’s health (3).

Thymohydroquinone

Another essential component of black seed oil is thymohydroquinone, which is another powerful antioxidant.

Thymohydroquinone is a natural acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, which means it stops enzyme activity that slows brain function (4).

This compound promotes the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

It also inhibits enzyme activity, allowing acetylcholine to do its job and improve your cognitive function more effectively.

Synthetic and pharmaceutical AChE inhibitors are used to treat Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and many types of neuropathy.

As an herbal treatment, black seed oil could offer hope to millions who cannot afford these prescription medications, or who are looking for safe, plant-based options for treating these types of disorders.

Thymol

The third, potent, and active ingredient in black seed oil is thymol, which is also found in thyme essential oil.

A natural antibacterial compound, thymol is commonly found in:

• Medications used to kill viruses and bacteria, including that of tuberculosis
• Non-persisting, rapidly-degrading pesticides
• Disinfectants, including medical-grade and general-purpose products
• Foods, cosmetics, and other products used as a flavoring or fragrance

The Combination of Compounds

When these phytochemicals combine with the other compounds found in black seed oil, a powerful and potent agent is formed.

To put Nigella sativa to the test and determine the true extent of its antifungal and antibacterial qualities, researchers examined the effect of black seed oil on 30 human pathogens.

Their findings suggest that thymol, thymoquinone, and thymohydroquinone were each effective at inhibiting all of the 30 pathogens tested.

As an antifungal, thymoquinone was the most effective, including against yeasts and dermatophytes, which cause skin infections.

Thymol was most effective at inhibiting molds (5).

This research helps us understand that each of the phytochemicals in Nigella sativa is effective at inhibiting pathogens, and that, combined, they are a powerhouse for fighting molds, fungus, and other pathogens that can cause health problems.

In addition to helping treat fungal infections, though, black seed oil offers many other health benefits.

Uses and Dosages

Understanding the health benefits of black seed oil leads many to wonder how exactly to use this herbal remedy.

This one, simple seed provides so many benefits to your health and beauty, and a bonus is there is a multitude of ways to use and take its oil.

Topical Use

Nigella sativa should never be applied directly to the skin.

Always dilute this oil with one or more teaspoons of carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba.

Diluted oil can be applied directly to your skin to help treat acne, eczema, and other skin disorders.

It has natural antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it helpful in treating rosacea, psoriasis, and other skin disorders.

If you would like to enjoy some of the skin and health benefits of this natural remedy, you can also mix Nigella sativa into your own lotions and massage oils.

Add one drop of black seed oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil to create a warming massage lotion.

Add several drops of the oil to your shampoo and conditioner to promote a healthy scalp and produce shiny hair.

The peppery, fresh scent of black seed oil makes it an excellent addition to your home diffuser, too.

In Cooking

The spicy flavor of black seed oil makes it an excellent addition to many recipes.

Be sure to purchase 100 percent oil with a USDA organic certification.

High-quality black seed oils can easily be used in stews, curries, soups, and with meat dishes.

It also makes an excellent addition to spiced beverages like chai tea.

Purchase black seed oil from a reputable distributor who specializes in organic items.

Cold-pressed varieties will often include more flavor, as the oil is extracted from the seeds without heat.

Nigella sativa seeds can also be purchased and ground at home, but you will not enjoy quite so many of the benefits if you don’t use the pure oil made extracted from these seeds.

As a Supplement

If you do not wish to take black seed oil as a liquid, you can purchase this natural remedy in capsule form.

Your dosage depends largely on your health status, your tolerance, and other factors.

Recommended dosages are listed below for various medical issues, based on the research that has been done in these areas.

As always, talk with your doctor before taking this or any other nutritional supplement.

• To treat high blood pressure, take one-half to two grams daily of black seed powder, or between 100 and 200 milligrams of black seed oil twice daily. Do not take the powder for more than twelve weeks, and do not take oil for more than eight weeks before visiting your doctor to check your symptoms and evaluate your progress.
• For the treatment of diabetes, take one gram of black seed powder twice daily.
• To treat male infertility, take up to two and one-half milliliters of this natural oil twice daily for two months. Have your sperm tested after this interval.
• For the treatment of asthma, take up to 15 milliliters of black seed extract daily for up to three months. You can also take up to two grams daily of powder in the same time frame.

Be sure to observe your symptoms carefully, and note any drastic changes.

You may need to alter your dosage.

Talk with your doctor about any other medicines you are already taking.

Precautions

In the scientific literature, very few adverse side effects have been reported with the use of black seed oil.

The majority of people tolerate Nigella sativa well, and this natural remedy has far fewer side effects than conventional pharmaceuticals.

Some people can have an allergic reaction to black seed oil.

Before using this herbal remedy on your skin, perform a patch test to be sure you are not allergic to the compounds in this product.

If you have an allergic reaction on your skin, you should not take black seed oil internally.

Always avoid contact between Nigella sativa and your mucous membranes or eyes.

If you plan to take the oil internally, start with a small dosage to check for sensitivity.

If you experience constipation, vomiting, or an upset stomach, you should discontinue use altogether.

In rare cases, this oil may induce seizures in some individuals.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk with your doctor before taking black seed oil.

If you are currently taking other medications, especially any for the treatment of a bleeding disorder or low blood pressure, discuss the use of this natural remedy with your doctor.

Black seed oil may interact negatively with medications such as beta blockers and blood thinners.

This herbal treatment can slow your body’s ability to form blood clots, and increase your risk of bleeding.

Do not take black seed oil if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication designed to thin your blood.

Because it can increase your risk for bleeding, you should discontinue use at least two weeks prior to having surgery.

There is little research available on the safety of use of black seed oil in quantities more substantial than what is generally found in food, or is meant for long-term use.

In higher amounts, melanthin, which is found in this oil, can be toxic.

All essential oils, including that of Nigella sativa, should be stored away from light and heat, and be kept out of the reach of children.

Conclusion

Black seed oil comes from the Nigella sativa plant; this seed is used traditionally in cooking and herbal medicine in India and the Middle East.

The seed is known also as black cumin, black caraway, Nigella, and fennel flower.

While not related to the cumin seed, it does have many medicinal properties, like cumin.

Black cumin seeds have been used in herbal healing techniques since the time of the ancient Pharaohs.

Early applications of black cumin seeds and black seed oil included as a diuretic and in the treatment of high blood pressure, breathing and allergy problems, high blood sugar, and inflammatory problems.

Black seed oil can be used to treat and prevent a number of health conditions.

It has natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which come from its three main phytochemicals, thymohydroquinone, thymoquinone, and thymol.

These powerful compounds kill effectively bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other pathogens, including some drug-resistant strains.

Black seed oil is effective at stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, helping fight cancer, treating diabetes, promoting healthy skin and hair, lowering cholesterol levels, reducing symptoms of arthritis, treating acne and other skin disorders, healing wounds, improving the health of your liver, and helping promote male fertility.

Nigella sativa can even help you lose weight.

Be sure to purchase oils from a reputable manufacturer, and look for 100 percent pure oil that is therapeutic grade.

Oils should be USDA certified if you intend to ingest it.

Black seed oil can be used topically when mixed with a carrier oil.

And it can be purchased in capsule form if you prefer not to use the liquid compound.

Cooking with black seed oil imparts flavor, in addition to providing many of the health benefits of this healing plant.