We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Diet

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Black Seed Oil?

By Felicia Dye
Updated: Mar 03, 2024

Black seed oil, sometimes called black cumin oil, is derived from Nigella sativa seeds, which are normally cold-pressed to produce the oil. This oil is often used as an herbal remedy, and it can be applied externally or consumed. Both methods are said to offer significant health benefits.

Nigella sativa, sometimes called Roman coriander or fennel flower, is a flowering plant that produces seed pods that are often called black cumin. The seeds are edible. About 30% of their composition is oil, and they are commonly pressed for this oil. Black seed oil is literally black, but it is not generally too heavy.

Black cumin seeds are said to have been found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen, which seems likely, since the source of many of the best seeds is Egypt. It is also commonly said that the Prophet Muhammad attested to the healing power of these seeds.

Black seed oil has a complex chemical structure, and not all of its more than 100 components have been identified. Some of the essential fatty acids that have been found in the oil include stearic acid, linolenic acid, and plamitoleic acid. It also contains zinc, calcium, and niacin. All of these components appear to work together to make it a highly effective cure for many ailments, including headaches, toothaches, and autoimmune diseases. Many Muslims hold deep beliefs about the effectiveness of this oil.

Essential fatty acids are building blocks for human cells. This may explain why oil from Nigella sativa seeds is commonly regarded as a useful treatment for such a wide range of health and beauty concerns. This oil is often applied directly to the skin or mixed with other topical products, such as body creams or shea butter, to treat wounds, psoriasis, and joint pains.

Black seed oil is also available in capsule form, and some people report that regular internal consumption has many positive effects. These include strengthening the hair and the nails, relieving skin conditions such as eczema and wrinkles, and eliminating intestinal worms.

There are several places where people can purchase this essential oil. It is commonly found in health food stores and at flea markets with natural remedy vendors, and in traditional markets in some places. The oil is widely available is on the Internet.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon962975 — On Jul 27, 2014

The health claims about black seed where put most aptly by The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who taught that regular use of the seeds is "a cure for every disease..." more than 1,400 years ago.

Since the 1960s, hundreds of scientific papers have been published which have confirmed the many different beneficial effects of black seed oil and its extracts on the body. Nigella sativa has been proven to help with inhibiting and reversing many harmful processes which cause disease including oxidation, inflammation, dysregulation and hormone imbalance.

By aviva — On Aug 22, 2011

@ellafarris - My daughter had issues with acne also. It seemed like we tried everything from over the counter products to prescription medicine but nothing was doing the trick until we discovered black seed oil.

It's basically a paste that you apply to the infected areas before going to sleep at night. The mixture will last up to three weeks in the refrigerator and should be applied every night until the condition clears up.

The ingredients and measurements we used are one cup ground black seed, one half cup ground pomegranate skins and one half cup of apple cider vinegar. Mix it all together and heat it up for about two minutes before application.

It might take a couple of weeks before you see any results but it worked for my daughter and I'm sure it will beneficial to your son as well. Good luck and live well.

By ellafarris — On Aug 22, 2011

My son has severe acne on his face, neck and back that has progressively gotten worse over the past couple of years. Can black seed oil be used to help clear up his acne? How do I buy black seed oil and how do we apply it to the skin?

By whitesand — On Aug 21, 2011

I heard that black seed oil benefits our digestive system, so I started taking it a few weeks ago. I have acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

I started out with one teaspoon, once a day, first thing in the morning without food. The first few days it didn't seem like anything was happening so I increased the dose to one teaspoon twice a day.

After a couple of days, I definitely began to notice a difference. I had more strength and energy and I was seeing some improvement with my digestive system.

I've also noticed that since I started taking black seed that my breathing has improved and I've been getting a better nights sleep. I agree with Muhammad this truly is a miracle seed.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-black-seed-oil.htm
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.