What is black seed oil (Nigella Seed) good for?
Black seed oil is extracted from the ground seeds of the plant known as black cumin, or Nigella sativa, which is actually part of the buttercup family. Nigella sativa grows naturally across most of the old world, and the use of black seeds and their oil for medicinal purposes dates back millennia across many civilizations, but only now are we beginning to understand just how rich it is in healthy fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
For blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol
Black seed is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and in addition to enhancing the immune system, it has also been documented to improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and lowering blood pressure.
Specifically, one study involving 70 healthy adults found that taking half a teaspoon of black seed oil twice a day for two months managed to reduce blood pressure levels significantly, while another study of 90 adults with high cholesterol levels found that taking two teaspoons of black seed oil after breakfast for six weeks reduced bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Another study, performed in 2019, found that black seed oil improves insulin levels and blood sugar levels both during fasting and after a meal.
For weight loss
Furthermore, an analysis of 11 studies has found that taking black seed oil as a supplement can help lower people's body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference as part of a weight loss routine, with no resulting negative side effects, and one study involving rats found that black seed oil helped significantly decrease body weight and insulin resistance.
When should I take black seed oil?
It is advisable to take black seed oil with a meal in order to maximize absorption and take advantage of the oil's fatty acid content.
The question is, which meal? Despite being highly regarded in health and nutrition circles, there is still little research available regarding the best time to take black seed oil. That said, one study found that taking black seed oil in the morning significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, so taking black seed oil with breakfast seems like a good sign.
What should I avoid taking black seed oil with?
Avoid with blood-thinners
It is advised to avoid taking black seed oil if you are taking any type of blood-thinning medication, as it could exacerbate the effects and result in increased bleeding and bruising.
Black Seed Oil data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025