Black seed has many traditional uses and can be taken as a spice, extract, or oil. Despite being touted as a \u201cmiraculous herb,\u201d many of its traditional uses have not been validated by proper scientific studies. Read on to learn more about the potential side effects of black seed oil and how to safely use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nigella sativa<\/em>, commonly known as black seed, black caraway, and kalonji is a flowering plant native to South Asia. Its fruit is large and contains numerous small black seeds [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black seed is also sometimes called black cumin (or black cumin seed), although this can be misleading. Cumin or Cuminum cyminum<\/em> is a spice with few overlapping benefits that belongs to an entirely different plant family than black seed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, any mention of black seed or black cumin refers specifically to Nigella sativa.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nigella sativa <\/em>raw seeds, seed oil, or seed extract have been traditionally used alone or in combination with other ingredients for various health conditions, such as eczema, cough, headache<\/a>, diabetes<\/a>, asthma, infections, and high blood pressure [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Few of the claims that come from its traditional reputation in various cultures have been researched, while most others lack scientific evidence <\/strong>and rely on findings from studies in cells or animals [R<\/a>]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Specifically, some evidence<\/a> suggests that black seed oil may be beneficial in people with diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, male infertility, and breast pain. Other purported benefits of black seed oil haven’t been sufficiently studied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, black seed supplements have not been approved by the FDA for medical use. In general, dietary supplements lack solid clinical research. Regulations set manufacturing standards for supplements but don\u2019t guarantee that they\u2019re safe or effective. Speak with your doctor before supplementing.<\/p>\n\n\n Black seeds have been used in Middle Eastern, Asian, and European folk medicine as a natural remedy for a wide range of diseases for over 2000 years [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Islamic cultures, its use has a strong religious background. Islamic literature claims that regular use of black seed is \u201ca cure for every disease (except death),\u201d which earned this spice the Arabic approbation \u201cThe Blessed Seed.” Black seed is also considered an important remedy in Ayurveda [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black seed has a specific bitter taste and smell and is often added to confectionery and liquors. The oil can be used to add flavor to various dishes, but people also traditionally apply it on the skin as an alleged painkiller and antiseptic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its cultural significance, the traditional uses and purported health benefits of black seed remain unproven.<\/p>\n\n\n Black seed is a source of the following nutrients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The main and most researched active ingredient in black cumin seed oil is thymoquinone<\/strong>. Thymoquinone has been studied for protecting the liver, reducing inflammation, and as an antioxidant. It\u2019s also being examined in cancer research. Additionally, the seeds contain alpha-Hederin<\/strong>, another ingredient that\u2019s being studied in cancer cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n The following molecular targets have been identified by scientists in cell-based and animal studies. They do not translate to health benefits but help guide further research.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does Black Seed Oil Do?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Uses<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional Value <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Active Ingredients Research<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Molecular Targets<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anti-Inflammatory<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n