The proclaimed benefits of black cumin seed oil has a 3000 year old history. Found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, and recommended by Hippocrates and Greek herbalist Dioscorides, it’s also believed that the Islamic prophet Muhammad said of Black Seed Oil that it is “a remedy for all diseases except death”.
Black Cumin Seed Oil (also known as Black Seed Oil, Black Coriander Oil, Kalonji, Haba al-barakah or just Black Oil) is derived from the small black seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant.
The small black seeds of the plant have a slightly spicy peppery flavour and are commonly used as seasoning in Indian, Middle Eastern and some European cooking. It is the oil derived from the seed that is used for medicinal purposes.
The benefits of Black Seed Oil have been widely studied in recent years, often showing very promising results. The reason may be found in the complex chemical structure of the seed, which contains over one hundred different chemical constituents, including all the essential fatty acids. Much of the benefit of the Black Seed Oil has been shown to come from thymoquinone, which is a major component of the oil.
These naturally occurring phytochemicals in the oil provide some powerful properties and have shown to be anti inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal and antimicrobial. (1)
Delving into the full list of suggested uses, benefits and studies is beyond the scope of this blog, but we’ll take a look at some of the most important benefits of black cumin seed oil.
Pain and Arthritis
The anti inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a helpful natural remedy to alleviate pain and inflammation from arthritis (2, 3).
Diabetes
The anti inflammatory properties may also benefit diabetics according to a study on diabetic rats (4). A 2011 study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism concludes that Nigella Sativa has anti diabetic properties and appears to be safe in appropriate doses (5).
Infections
Antimicrobial and antibacterial (6) properties in the oil are interesting, particularly in modern times with antibiotic resistance becoming a global threat. Studies show Black Seed Oil inhibits MRSA, (4) a bacteria that causes difficult to treat infections in humans. It has also shown promise in treating H.Pylori (5).
Cancer
Some of the most exciting research into Black Seed Oil are the current studies on its use with cancer patients. The oil has antineoplastic activity, meaning it may halt or inhibit the development of tumours (6). From research studies it has shown some promise with leukemia (7), breast cancer (8), cervical cancer (9), lung cancer (10), colon cancer (11), with many more studies currently underway.
Asthma, allergies other respiratory conditions
Many studies have suggested Nigella Sativa to be a natural aid for helping relieve Asthma and allergies with little to no side effects (12, 13). Nigellone, a component of Nigella Sativa seems to be responsible for the improvements in respiratory conditions when treated with Black Seed Oil (14).
Eczema and skin conditions
A study comparing treatments for hand eczema found Nigella Sativa to be as effective as Betamethasone, a topical corticosteroid (15). Improvements in psoriasis have also been recorded when used as a topical treatment (16).
How to use Black Cumin Seed Oil
A teaspoon twice a day is usually the suggested dose. You can add to tea, broths or soups or simply take straight. I usually have a piece of fruit, citrus is best, to eat after to cleanse the palate.
You can apply straight to the skin for joint pain, arthritis and skin conditions.