Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
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Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, RDNMedically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, RDN
Black seed oil is an herbal ingredient that has been used in the treatment of many illnesses for more than 2,000 years. The oil is derived from the seeds of the flowering Nigella sativa plant. Some people also call the seeds black cumin or black caraway.
Black seed oil may have numerous health benefits. It is available in capsule and liquid form. Depending on the condition, you can use it either orally or topically. People have used black seed oil to help manage asthma, acne, diabetes, and more.
Numerous cultures have long used Nigella sativa for so many reasons. Research has shown that black seed oil has many potentially effective benefits. Read on to learn about what black seed oil can help with, how to use it, side effects, and more.
Related: Health Benefits of Rhodiola
Fights Bacteria
Some evidence suggests that black seed oil has antimicrobial effects, meaning it can fight off harmful bacteria. A study published in 2019 found that black seed oil seemed to stop or slow the activity of certain gram-positive bacteria, which can cause infections.
Black seed oil can also be effective against multi-drug-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These bacteria tend to be hard to treat because they have developed immunity to some antibiotics and treatments.
High in Antioxidants
Black seed oil has antioxidant effects, largely due to a phytochemical in the oil called thymoquinone. Thymoquinone can fight free radicals, which are unstable molecules in the body that damage the DNA in your cells.
This damage can increase your chances of developing certain diseases, including cancer, over time. Researchers have studied thymoquinone for its potential to help treat cancer and other diseases.
Improves Allergy Symptoms
Some evidence suggests that black seed oil can relieve certain allergy symptoms. A small study published in 2014 found that people who applied a topical black seed oil preparation for six weeks had some relief from their allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms. These symptoms included sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes.
The researchers noted that black seed oil was most effective for people with mild symptoms. However, the benefit may vary depending on the severity of your allergies. More research is needed to determine how effective black seed oil is in the long term and how it compares to traditional allergy treatments.
May Improve Lung Function
Research has shown that thymoquinone can fight inflammation. Black seed oil can be particularly beneficial for conditions that cause inflammation in the lungs, such as asthma. Asthma causes the airways inside the lungs to become inflamed, making breathing difficult.
A review published in 2017 found that black seed oil may relieve asthma symptoms. Many of the studies included in the review were small, which suggests that more research is needed.
A study published in 2020 found that black seed oil supplements significantly improved lung function and reduced inflammation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). These results suggest that black seed oil may become an additional therapy for people with this type of inflammation.
Provides an Antifungal Effect
Black seed oil has antifungal properties, meaning it can slow or stop the growth of fungi organisms. The oil can be helpful when treating a fungal infection. Some evidence suggests that black seed oil may even be as effective as the commonly used antifungal medication Ambisome (amphotericin B).
May Help With Weight Loss
Black seed oil may suppress appetite, which can increase weight loss. A review published in 2018 found that people who took a black seed supplement lost, on average, more weight than a group of people taking a placebo.
Improves Acne and Other Skin Conditions
Black seed has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may also improve skin conditions and the appearance of skin, hair, and nails. Some evidence suggests that black seed oil can treat acne, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation. You might also be able to use the oil to heal small wounds.
Using a topical preparation containing black seeds seems to help treat hand eczema. Black seed oil may also help hydrate hair and nails when applied directly to the skin.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Taking black seed in a powder or oil form may slightly reduce blood pressure. Research has shown that the improvement in blood pressure is fairly small. More research is needed to see if black seed can help people with hypertension (high blood pressure).
May Help with Diabetes
Black seed oil might manage diabetes and other metabolic conditions like hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) by reducing blood sugar levels. The oil acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress, which could increase the production and activity of insulin. Insulin regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. More research is needed to confirm this benefit.
How to Take Black Seed Oil
You can buy black seed oil supplements in liquid form or capsules. Liquid black seed oil is known for its strong flavor. Mixing the oil with honey or lemon can help dilute the taste.
If you want to use black seed oil to improve the appearance of your hair or nails, you can massage the oil into your skin, on your scalp, or around your nail beds. You can also buy products containing black seed extract, like shampoo, hair masks, creams, oils, and soaps.
Dosage
There is no standard dosing recommendation for black seed oil. Research has studied the use of black seed oil in doses of 1–3 grams (g) daily for four to 12 weeks. More research is needed to recommend taking a black seed oil supplement for longer than three months.
Talk to a healthcare provider about finding the right dose for you if you decide to try a black seed oil supplement. Be sure to mention any other supplements and medications that you're taking.
Is Black Seed Oil Safe?
Black seed oil is non-toxic. Several studies have examined the oral and topical use of black seed oil and have not uncovered any serious adverse effects.
Some evidence suggests that people with functional dyspepsia, a type of long-lasting stomach pain not caused by an ulcer, might develop adverse effects. These side effects can include nausea and bloating. Talk to a healthcare provider before trying black seed oil if you have functional dyspepsia.
Experts advise people who are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid using black seed oil. There is not enough evidence to show if it's safe to use during those times.
Potential Drug Interactions
Black seed oil is considered to be relatively safe, but it may interact with certain medications or supplements. Talk to a healthcare provider before using black seed oil, especially if you take or are planning to take:
Anti-clotting drugs: Using black seed oil could increase the effect and slow blood clotting even more if you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) to slow blood clotting. These effects might increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.
Blood pressure medications: Black seed can lower your blood pressure. You could become at risk of severely low blood pressure if you are also taking medication to lower blood pressure, like Norvasc (amlodipine).
Diabetes medications: Black seed can cause your blood sugar levels to drop. The pairing could cause your blood sugar to drop too low if you are already taking a medication to control your blood sugar levels.
Diuretics: Some people take diuretics to remove extra salt and water from their bodies. Both diuretics (water pills) and black seeds can lower your potassium levels. If your potassium levels drop too low, you may develop muscle weakness, fatigue, or even abnormal heart rhythms.
Immunosuppressants: Black seed oil can boost the immune system. The oil might undermine the effect of any medication you're taking to reduce your immune system's activity. You may take an immunosuppressant, for example, after undergoing an organ transplant surgery.
Iron supplements: Black seed oil may increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. You may experience adverse effects as a result of having too much iron if you are also taking an iron supplement.
Sedative drugs: You might become sleepy if you use black seed oil. Black seed oil may increase the effects of a sedative medication, which also makes you sleepy or slows down your breathing.
Serotonergic drugs: Black seed oil may increase the levels of a chemical in your brain called serotonin. The addition of black seed can increase your serotonin levels too much if you're already taking an antidepressant. Side effects may include seizures, vomiting, and heart problems.
What To Look For
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way that it regulates medications. The FDA does not review supplements to ensure their safety and effectiveness before they are marketed for sale.
When buying a supplement like black seed oil, it's important to compare products and look closely at the label. Look for a product that a third-party organization has tested for quality. You can typically find this information on the product's bottle or the company's website.
Third-party groups test supplements to determine if they contain the ingredients they claim to contain. These testing organizations include ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP).
Can You Take Too Much?
Black seed oil is generally considered safe, but there is not enough research to show whether it's safe to take in large amounts or for long periods. It's best to take a daily black seed oil supplement for no longer than three months.
Black seed oil may interact with several medications and other supplements. Even a small amount of black seed oil can become harmful if you take another medication that produces similar effects.
Side Effects of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil may increase the effect of certain medications you take. Some people can develop other side effects, including:
Rashes from an allergic reaction
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Seek medical care if you experience any of these side effects. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking black seed oil if you are concerned about potential side effects, especially if you take other medications or supplements.
Related: Health Benefits of Lemon Balm
A Quick Review
Black seed oil is an herbal extract that offers several benefits, such as reducing mild allergy symptoms and improving the appearance of skin and hair. The oil is generally considered safe for most people to take for a limited period of time.
Black seed oil may interact with other medications, including immune system-suppressing drugs and those that treat high blood pressure and diabetes. Talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns before taking black seed oil.
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