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Black Seed Oil – What Are The Health Benefits?

June 6, 2008 Agora Health 98 Comments Allergies , Diet & Nutrition , Healthy Living , Superfoods

For over two thousand years the West Asian plant, black seed (nigella sativa, also known as black cumin), from the ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, has been traditionally used by various cultures throughout the world as a remedy for several diseases and ailments and to improve general health.

The ancient Egyptians knew and used the black seed and described it as a panacea (cure-all for problems and diseases). Pharaoh Tutankhamun (1334-1325BC) even had a bottle of the oil in his tomb. Ibn Senna known in the West as Avicenna (980-1037AD) the Persian-born Islamic philosopher and doctor who wrote the great medical treatise The Canon of Medicine, a standard medieval medical text, referred to the black seed as the seed that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue.

More recently, in The Sunday Times, What’s the Alternative? columnist, Susan Clark wrote: “I was impressed by this herb (black seed) because, when I was given it to get rid of an intense migraine, it quickly cleared both my congested head and my congested sinuses.”

This is why we were pleased when Alex Kirchin, the Technical Director at Viridian Nutrition told us that black seed oil had just come onto the UK market in December.

The applications of black seed oil, pressed from the seeds of the black seed plant, are many-fold from cell-protecting to controlling allergic reactions and antifungal effects through to cosmetic use in hair and skin care.

Black Seed Oil May Help Control Allergic Reactions and Support Immunity

An assessment of four studies including a total of 152 patients with allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic eczema) were treated with black seed oil, given in capsules at a dose of 40-80 mg/kg daily.

The researchers looked at some of the following markers that included IgE (immunoglobulin E), which is associated with hypersensitive reactions and ACTH, a peptide hormone that helps inhibit inflammation during allergic responses.

Researchers concluded that black seed oil could prove to be an effective ingredient to enhance mainstream treatment of allergic diseases.

Also, prostaglandin E1 derived from the omega-6 fatty acids found in black seed oil is a potent immune regulatory substance, particularly in participation with important phytonutrients such as thymoquinone (TQ), which is believed to be one of the major active components of the seed.

The Components of Black Seed Oil Help Support Your Cells and Tackle Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

TQ is thought to be a promising dietary cell-protecting agent. There are also two additional components in black seed that give this seed even more healthy actions. They are phospholipids and beta sitosterol.

Phospholipids play key roles in supporting cellular membrane maintenance. In one study, German researchers analysed the phospholipids present in black seed oil and found that the oil contains phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol (PI).

The phytosterol beta sitosterol has also been identified as a key marker in black seed oil. Beta sitosterol has been shown to exert protective effects and reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While, its still not clear exactly how beta sitosterol benefits the prostate, research does indicate that it may lessen inflammation and block the accumulation of cholesterol in the prostate gland itself. However, it does not appear to alter the size of the prostate.

Black Seed Oil: Protect Your Body From Dangerous Free Radicals Like Superoxide

Data indicates that black seed could be acting mainly as a potent superoxide free radical scavenger. Reducing the impact of destructive free radicals such as superoxide can help reduce the damage to cell membranes, particularly nerve cells within the brain.

To better understand free radicals and superoxide, we need to go back to some basic chemistry. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds. Free radicals are formed when a molecule splits in such a way that leaves it with an odd or unpaired electron (the substance that bonds atoms together).

Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture the needed electron to gain stability. To gain the needed electrons, they will attack the nearest stable molecule. When the stable molecules electron is stolen, it becomes a free radical itself. This process can cascade until it results in the destruction of the living cell.

Among the free radicals, superoxide is the most powerful and dangerous it requires three electrons to balance itself rather than one normally associated with free radicals.

Free radicals can accelerate the ageing process and cause damage to our bodies. By destroying living cells, free radical damage can lead to a wide array of health problems. Conditions particularly associated with superoxide free radical damage include: arthritis, asthma, cancer, heart disease, HIV, neurological disorders and macular degeneration.

Don’t Be Embarrassed By Fungus, Black Seed Oil May Clear Up Your Problem

The word fungus has a negative and embarrassing reputation. No one likes to admit that they might have a fungus problem. However, fungus infections are quite common, according to BUPA. Some of the most common types include Athlete’s foot, nail infections, ringworm and thrush. Now, black seed may offer you an alternative to the anti-fungal medications and the potential side-effects they can bring like skin irritation.

In one study, the antifungal activities of extracts of black seed, and its active principle TQ, were tested against eight species of dermatophytes, otherwise know as skin fungus.

The results revealed the potentiality of black seed as a source for anti-dermatophyte drugs and support its use in folk medicine for the treatment of fungal skin infections. A further Turkish study, implemented at the Agricultural Faculty of the University of Erzurum in 1989, has also proved the antibacterial and antifungal qualities of black seed oil.

Black Seed Oil: Keep Your Hair and Skin Healthy Just Like The Ancient Europeans

Black seed has a long tradition in the area of beauty care. Texts from the ancient Orient and from 1st century Europe, as recorded by Pliny, report extensive traditional use for black seed oil in hair and skin care.

There are many well-established recipes for maintaining and restoring beauty with the help of black seed. Just like the skin, the hair also reflects the general condition of the body. Taking black seed oil internally appears to contribute to healthy hair by regulating various bodily functions. People during the Middle Ages used many plants and herbs in their daily life. Herbs were used to flavour food and it was commonly believed that a large number of plants contained healing properties. Culpeppers Complete Herbal (17th century) recommends massaging black seed oil into the scalp before washing to maximize hair care and prevent hair loss.

Black Seed Oil: What To Take For Best Results

Try taking one tsp (5ml) of black seed oil per day for internal use. It can be mixed into foods or taken from the spoon. Do not heat as this may cause deterioration of the nutritional properties. Higher levels can be used under the guidance of a doctor schooled in alternative medicine. Black seed oil may also be used topically in daily skin and hair care routine, as a therapeutic massage oil, and/or as a chest rub for respiratory support.

Contraindications: There are no known contraindications. The seeds are characterized by a very low degree of toxicity. However, black seed oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

Sources:

Susan Clark, What’s the Alternative? The Sunday Times newspaper, Oct 09, 2005

Phytother Res 2003;17(10):1209-14

Nahrung 2002;46(4):240-4

Lancet 1995;345(8964):1529-32

Phytother Res 2000;14(5):323-8

J Ethnopharmacol 2005;101(1-3):116-9

Phytother Res 2003;17(4):299-305

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  • Thank you for highlighting the benefits of black seed oil. We’ve used it for decades as part of our culture and it truly is an elixir of life.

  • I had been using black seed oil for my depression for 2 months. Things were improving but not fast enough. I’m taking the black seed in powder form and feel much more significant improvement. In the Prophet’s saying he mentions black ‘seeds’ hence I’m preferring the seeds over the oil. I think it’s meant to serve as a long term treatment.

  • I’ve been taking black seed oil -1tsp daily- and am certain it has posively affected my hormones. I am post hysterectectomy, had been to four docs , tried all sorts of rxs. I am so glad to have discovered black seed oil, will take the rest of my life.

  • I have began to develop alopecia of my beard, a friend told me to try using this (internally) to help the condition.
    Would this help? if so, should it be applied to the area or taken internally?
    Thank you

    • We are not aware that Balck Seed oil is beneficial for hair loss or whether it helps with the regrowth of hair. Alopecia is a condition that should be discussed with your doctor.

  • For 30 years I have tried everything for tremor. My head tremor is back with a vengeance after brain surgery. The surgery actually cure entire body tremor and relieve my head tremor for a year but I had recurrence.

    I have tried western/eastern med and all in between and wasted tons of money. I am at my wits end. I want this head shaking to stop. I don’t go out, get teased, mocked, etc.

    Anyone use this for tremor and outcome?

    Brand, way(s) best to use this?

    ~M Please help!!!

  • Iam trying for a child,does black seed oil help me.please my relationship is on the line.

    • We are not aware of any research or anicdotal evidence that Black Seed Oil helps with infertility or speeding up getting pregnant. In general, Blackseed has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments and conditions related to respiratory health, stomach and intestinal complaints, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune system support and to improve health in general. Improving blood circulation may also improve your chances of getting pregnant.

  • I have enlarged prostate since 2 years. Please guide me how to use black seed to cure it

  • I started taking black seed oil for only a month and i can see a lot of improvement in my general condition specially on my breathing and strength.I feel no fatigue anymore. Try for yourself.

  • Remember that black seed oil is the remedy for all diseases except death. So whatever your disease, take black seed oil with patient.

  • It’s better to grind black seeds yourself and take it mixed with honey. Don’t buy powdered black seeds though, always grind it yourself and eat as soon as possible. You can also grind a large amount and mix it with honey to preserve all the nutrients.

  • my son is five and still is not speaking he has speach and language delay and low muscle tone please tell me i am desperate to know jazak allah

  • No’man: there is a new Black Seed Oil on the market in Australia known as Hab Shifa- just google the name for the website. This Black Seed Oil meets all the requirements you are looking for and as a result, is taking off reallly well in Australia

  • I have been having black seed on and off for about a year now but recdently had my blood pressure checked and it came up as high. I have never had high blood pressure and similarly there is no one else in the family who has had high blood pressure. So can someone tell me if this is a possible side effect of eating black seed ?

    thanks

  • As mentioned above, a user stated that the oil SHOULD BE ”cold pressed, solvent free, unfiltered black seed oil.”

    I am finding it very very hard to find anywhere on the internet black seed oil which meets these 3 conditions.

    I would love to know where people are buying this from. Your help is REALLY APPRECIATED.

  • i have started taking black seed oil for past month and i feel a lot more energetic , and its improved my breathing as i dont go out of breath , and i can sleep peacefully , and my skin looks fresher,and its made me feel more confident and gets rid of all weird and evil thoughts, it is a mirical. See the results for yourself.

  • I had been suffering from tonsillitis since childhood, caught with fever almost every month.

    But since I take black seed 6 months ago, fever no more. My immune system increasing.

    It’s true then: Black seed is the cure for everything except death said Prophet Muhammad.

    Well, if you are going to die you will die anyway, even with a sting from a small bee. But if it’s not time yet to die, you better take black seed.

  • black seed oil is a blesssing i been taking this miracle for 3 year took away low blood preasure low sugar candida also allergies this is wonderfull im taking it for life.

  • Hi,

    I have eczema I want to try black seed oil, ddole you mentioned that you take black seed capsules and your eczema went could you please tell me which capsules they are please because there are different type of black seed oil

  • Thanks
    I read in one leaflet, it mentioned the benefites of blackseed oil together with how to take it and diffrent ways to take it for diffrent illnesses. It’s been many years since I read it, if someone has the Info please share.

  • I had high white blood cells and high blood pressure I went to a specialist for my high white cells he told me it was from allergies so I started to take a teaspoon of honey mixed with a teaspoon black seed oil every morning and night one month later I took another blood test and everything was normal the funny thing is I have been suffering high white cells for 7 years and nothing helped. Alhumdulileh Allah has sent down this cure inshallah this post will benefit some other.q

  • Black seed oil is also good for burning scalp,and hair loss… Where can I buy it in the eastern cape, P.E

  • I have had Bell palsy for 15 months now.
    And try anything and everything I can to help cure this horrible thing. I am going to buy some BlackSeed Oil and massage it into my face. Will keep you informed.

  • Black seed is great for every thing,like muhammad said “cures everything except death”…that I’m afraid we can not escapee.

  • For Poppy

    Your pain could be from die off…a herx..Try reducing the amount of black seed oil for a while, soaking your body or feet in a peroxide or epsom salt bath, drink the lemon/olive oil liver cleaning drink a couple times a week. (1 organic lemon, 1 cup “clean” water, 1 tbsp. evoo. Mix on high in blender for a minute or so, push pulp through a screen-like sieve, drink the liquid.

  • I am wanting to know can if I can use black seed grounded or oil for weighloss and if yes how do I take it in what quantity and is it alright to take it with honey.

  • I have been taking black seed oil for 3 months: 1 tbs every morning 2 hrs before breakfast. It’s helped my stiff joint and muscle pain. Don’t have hay fever no more. Don’t have chronic fatigue no more.

  • I am a patient of skin dieases like psorises, some time swelling on face & aching in all body… Can I use black seed oil for above & I also taking heart madicine last 08 months

  • Make sure you are buying pure, cold pressed, solvent free, unfiltered black seed oil. There may be products out there that are not genuine, so do your research. Also need to use properly; two teaspoons of oil or two tablets per day is all you need.

  • I am muslim. I just wanna say that our prophet mohammad said:treat with black seed oil cuz its a medications for every disease exept the death.

  • I’ve just tried the first spoonfull mixed with honey. It’s disgusting but if it can help my chronic Candida infection, who cares!

  • You might be mistaking the cumin spice for the black seed which I read is also known in some places as cumin….hence the problems you might be experiencing.

  • I have been taking Cumin seed oil for 2 months now and I haven’t experienced this much pain with my Rheumatoid Arthritis for 20 years. I have kept my R>A> under control mainly with good diet and natural supplements and when I read about Black Cumin seed oil, I thought I would benefit greatly, but now I am wondering if, Cumin, being a spice, it is causing me this extreme pain that I am suffering. Normally, my flareups last about 1 month -ish ! Help!!!!!

  • I suffer from ulcers in the colon. I’ve had this condition for 10yrs. I recently woke up with a severe pain in my stomach. The next day a friend told me about black seed oil and 2 weeks later my uc stopped and the pain is gone.

  • To Sarah Lungu

    Go to Fordsburg and try all the spice shops and islamic shops. You will definitely find it in many places in Fordsburg

  • Black seed oil has a cure for every thing apart of death, you can also blind the seeds and mix them with pure honey and eat two tbsp in the morning when you wake up and before sleeping (make sure you eat nothing till the morning). My wife uses the same mix (mentioned above) to control her hormonal levels.

  • You can usually buy it online from islamic shops like simplyislam or others. I think simplyislam can ship to S.Africa.

    Hope this helps.

  • I cant wait to try black seed oil I heard so many great things about it .Can anybody tell me is it good for pms or women hormones .I now take omega 3,6.9 multivatamin,flaxseeds.

  • Can somebady tell me how can I use oil, should I put it in the tea or coffee as I read it most instructions? I am afraid that hot beverages like tea or coffee might damage the ingredients of BSO?
    Also is it good for migrenes and brain tumors

  • I live in Johannesburg South Africa. Can somebody, anybody please tell me where I can get black seed oil here. I have looked everywhere and most pharmacies and health shops don’t even seem to know what it is. Please help me. I am desperate.

  • For over two thousand years the black seed, a plant from the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, has been traditionally used by various cultures throughout the world as a natural remedy for several diseases and ailments and to improve health in general.

    The ancient Egyptians knew and used the black seed and described it as a panacea (cure for problems and diseases). Tutankamun even had a bottle of the oil in his tomb!

    The Romans also knew this seed and called it Greek Coriander and used it as a dietary supplement.

    In the first century, the Greek physician Dioscoredes recorded that the black seed were taken to treat headaches, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal worms.

    The black seed is also mentioned in the Bible in Isiah 28:25-27 as the ‘fitches’. In Senna, known in the West as Avicenna, who wrote the great medical treatise ‘The Canon of Medicine’, referred to the black seed as the seed ‘that stimulates the body’s energy and helps recovery from fatigue’.

    Great article. Thank you.

  • It is no surprise that black seed oil is a cure for most diseases. lt is gift from the Creator and we must be grateful to Him and use it responsibly.

  • my mom just back from mecca & bought me a bottle of black seed oil..is it for internal or external use?

  • I have many problems, such as Eczema, Vitiligo, weight gain, hair falling. Will black seed cure every disease if i use it raw and oil for the skin disorder?

  • I used a combination of black seed and other naturals, and my long months of eye pain has been great relieved.

  • Yes black seed oil is good for many other stuff – it is good for skin softness and balance, it is good for weight loss,for regrowing hair, and what ever ommar said is true…

  • I’ve been taking the oil caplets for about 9 months now and the eczema on my neck and scalp have totally disappeared!
    I also rub the oil on my scalp for hair loss, it has not totally stopped hair loss, but it has slowed it down, so now it is minimal (athough I haven’t grown back as much hair as I’ve lost, loosing less is definitly a plus). I also have arthritis, but it doesn’t give me noticable pain relief, but I am only taking 2 caplets per day. Not having to deal with eczema is motivation enough to keep taking it!

  • I am a 1991 gulf war veteran and I have being suffering with fatigue, arthritis, fibromaylgia, and other neurological problems. Using black seed oil rigorously for the past 9 months has given me the only relief I have had in the past 16 years. I am able to walk with most of my bodily pain subsiding and my feet stop burning for the 1st time in all those years. I am able to go swimming and move around without headaches and pain over 90 per cent of my body for the 1st time.

    Western medicine is preparing you strikely for the grave yard.

    I chew 1 tblspn of raw seeds daily and 1 tblspn of oil.
    I cook with it. I prepare my soups adding both oil and seeds.
    For me its a god sent.
    P.S. as for “M S Haider Posted 15/08/2009

    ” Whenever my wife puts black seeds in our routine food (Asian Salin or Handi), I feel a very bad effect of it. My teeth feel quoted with some untolerable material. I feel bloated in abdominal region and also have to strain too much on stool. My legs and feet also become very heavy and sore… very painful. If there is any antidote please tell me to get rid of these bad effects. ”

    I suggest you drink a smooth tea nightly as the seeds may be detoxing you to fast. Try using the oil on your routine food, and mix the seed with raw honey and take it alone. You must find you tolerance level for this and increase gradually.

    Hope this helps

  • Whenever my wife puts black seeds in our routine food (Asian Salin or Handi), I feel a very bad effect of it. My teeth feel quoted with some untolerable material. I feel bloated in abdominal region and also have to strain too much on stool. My legs and feet also become very heavy and sore… very painful. If there is any antidote please tell me to get rid of these bad effects.

  • Black seed has over a 100 components in one little seed that has so far been discovered, vitamin A, Thiamine B1, Riboflavin B2, Nicotinic Acid B3, Vitamin C ascorbic acid, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, selenium, Magnesium and Zinc. This seed repairs the immune system to function normally, science has recently shown that it destroys cancer causing cells.

  • Mix a few drops of black seed oil into orange juice or into tea/cofee with honey, it works a charm.

  • I’ve been having diabetes for over 20 years now and am blessed that wounds heal and there aren’t any obvious indications of poor health; attributable to the black seeds I take every day..

  • I have been using black seed oil for a few weeks now and it has helped with my hay feaver. My symptoms have improved
    and I no longer take antihistamines or nasal sprays.

  • Black seed is a miracle , I have been using it for years and it has helped my injuries to heal efficiently and effectively.

  • The black seed ‘grain’ is a natural product that is commonly found throughout the world. It’s remarkable curative and preventive medicinal properties have been well documented & acclaimed. This one product is the closest that man will get to that holy-grail or ‘magic-bullet’ -an elixir for a healthier life.

  • I have been using black seeds oil for

    15 years every morning I take 1 tea

    spoon before I eat

    Black seeds oil cured my long time Allergy.

  • I always agree with information like Ommar said, just use the black seed oil everyday like I just do. It will help with preventing and alleviating so many diseases; help decrease the cancer effect, asthma, coughs, headache, ear ache, flu, skin problems and even helps with weight loss. I just begin my hubpages for black seed(habbatus sauda / nigella sativa)
    http://hubpages.com/t/86810

  • I just tried using for a couple of days (1 tbs mix w honey), and I find myself feeling energetic, and the cold that I had went away. Definitely has some medicinal properties and can be a good daily supplement. I’m not too sure if it is a super herb that heals everything though.

  • There is a authentic Hadith in the Holy Bukhari significes that our prophet Muhammad (SM) said that- ” Blackseed is the cure for every diseases except death”
    So, everyone should try this.

  • There is a authentic Hadith in the holy Bukhari significing that- Our Prophet Muhammad (SM) told that- ” Black seed has the cure for all disease except death.”
    So, everyone should use both blackseed and its oil.

  • A prophetic Medicine as recommended 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In his divine wisdom he said – “Use the Black Seed for indeed, it is a cure for all diseases except death. Sahih Bukari 7:591

  • A prophetic Medicine as recommended 1400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In his divine wisdom he said – “Use the Black Seed for indeed, it is a cure for all diseases except death. Sahih Bukari 7:591

  • about to try black seed oil for the first time for muscular pain cant wait to find out if it works.will keep you posted.

  • My daughter is nearly four years old and isn’t speaking properly, this is because she has weak muscle tone, can you tell me if black seed oil will help?

  • this is good information.keep it up.please tell me how to use black seed oil to prevent my hair loss and scaly scalp.thank you.

  • i have ibs and ulcerative colites , its works for that ?, if yes then how 2 take ? pls sugest me ,

    thanks,
    altaf

  • HOW ARE YOU DOING I WOULD LIKE 2 FIND OUT IF THESE SEEDS WILL WORK AGAINST SCALP ECZEMA? I am really stressed out that my hair is falling out and i would like some help or advise from someone that know about my condition.

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