10 Black Seed Oil Benefits
What is black seed oil and what are its top health benefits? We consulted a
medical expert to get the scoop.
Black cumin seeds are popular in Middle Eastern pastries.
Described in an ancient text as “a cure for every disease except death,”
black seed oil, also called black cumin oil, has a long history of many uses.
The seeds are a traditional Middle Eastern spice used in pastries, dairy
products, salads, and other foods. And for thousands of years, the oil has
been applied topically and taken internally for virtually any ailment, from
bruises, bad hair, colds, and snake bites to headaches, indigestion, and a
variety of skin conditions, including leprosy.
Since 1965, nearly a thousand scientific articles have been published on
Nigella sativa, the Latin name for black seed, documenting anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and immune-enhancing
properties. In the past few years, human studies have pinpointed some
specific benefits.
Here are 10 Benefits of Black Seed Oil
1. Fighting Bacterial Infections
Black seed oil has an unusual ability to fight bacterial infections, even drug-
resistant ones such as MRSA. “Certainly not all oils or supplements are going
to have that kind of antimicrobial benefit,” says Trevor Cates, ND, author of
Clean Skin from Within. “We’re always trying to look at ways that we can
reduce the use of antibiotics and just use them when they’re specifically
indicated,” she says. “And a lot of times we can get by using natural things
that have antimicrobial benefits.”
2. Reducing Scars
To prevent scarring from a minor cut, Cates recommends applying black
seed oil topically once the cut has started to heal. “It’s not something you
would put on when you have an open wound, but once it starts to heal, to
make sure it heals properly,” she says.
3. Relieving Allergies
In studies of 152 people suffering from various allergies, black seed oil
relieved both respiratory symptoms and eczema. Effective doses ranged from
18–36 mg per pound of body weight per day.
4. Enhancing Weight Loss
A study of 90 obese women found that adding black seed oil to a low-calorie
diet produced more weight loss than the diet alone. And a study of 250 men
found that black seed oil by itself, or in combination with turmeric, produced
some weight loss and reduced risk factors for diabetes.
5. Relieving Breast Pain
Cyclic mastalgia—breast pain that may be a symptom of PMS—can be
relieved with the topical use of black seed oil, according to a study of 52
women. The oil, applied to painful areas twice a day, was as effective as
diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug.
6. Reducing Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Taking 500 mg of black seed oil in capsules, twice per day, reduced swollen
joints and morning stiffness in a study of 40 women suffering from
rheumatoid arthritis. The disease is an autoimmune reaction, and the oil
helps modulate the immune system.
Healthy Tip!
Taking 500 mg of black seed oil twice per day can relieve joint pain and
morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Relieving Indigestion and Heartburn
Black seed oil can relieve dyspepsia, a combination of symptoms that can
include indigestion and/or heartburn. A study of 70 people suffering from the
condition found that 5 milliliters of the oil daily brought relief and reduced
infection from H. pylori, a bacterium that can lead to ulcers.
8. Improving Memory
A study of 20 healthy volunteers found that taking black seed oil daily
improved memory and attention. The dose was 500 mg, twice daily.
Researchers concluded that it should be studied for its potential to prevent
or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Enhancing Men’s Fertility
Black seed oil is a traditional treatment for male infertility and a study found
that it is, indeed, effective. In a group of 64 men with fertility problems, the
oil significantly improved sperm count and other fertility markers.
10. Lowering Cholesterol
Black seed oil lowered cholesterol in a study of 88 adults with levels above
200 mg/dl, with total cholesterol dropping by an average of 4.78 percent, LDL
(“bad”) cholesterol by 7.6 percent, and triglycerides by 16.65 percent. The
dose was 2 grams daily.
How to Choose and Use Black Seed Oil
Cates recommends buying a high-quality, food-grade oil designed for internal
use, which can also be used topically. (Never ingest an oil intended only for
external use.) She cautions that black seed oil can turn rancid and should be
stored in a cool place, in a dark-colored bottle. The usual dose is 1 Tbs. daily.
Both the oil and seed extracts are also available in pills. Black seed oil is
also called black cumin oil, or by its Latin name, Nigella sativa.
The chief active ingredient in the oil is thymoquinone, a substance that has
demonstrated anticancer effects in lab and animal studies. Some oils are
formulated to have a higher percentage of thymoquinone, and specify so on
the label.
