What Is Black Cumin Seed Oil & How Should I Use It?

Black cumin seed oil isn't new by any means, but it's been making a splash lately as a tool for everything from weight maintenance to soothing achy joints1. Here, we'll talk all about black cumin seed oil, what it can do for you, and how to get your hands on a quality version of it.

Today, black cumin seed oil is sold in health food stores, grocery stores, and online as a liquid oil, as gel capsules, and in a blend with other extracts such as hemp oil. To reap its varied benefits, you can ingest it or apply it topically to the skin.

Research on black seed oil, or Nigella sativa, suggests that it may benefit your health in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most promising findings to date:

Additionally, studies3 have found that a black cumin seed solution helped prevent the formation of gastric ulcers in rats. Researchers speculate that this is due to the gastroprotective effects of thymoquinone, which has been shown to inhibit acid secretion and help maintain the layer of mucus that lines and protects the gut.

"Black cumin seed oil contains a key phytocannabinoid called beta-caryophyllene (BCP). BCP binds exclusively to the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. This receptor dominates in the peripheral nervous system, immune system, gut, liver, skin, and bones—so supporting it is important to maintaining health in these systems," explains Robert Rountree, M.D., a functional medicine pioneer.

Black seed oil can also be diluted with a carrier oil (or added to shampoos) and applied to the scalp to soothe and reduce flakiness.

That said, it's not a magic bullet. "Most of its weight loss benefits would likely be indirect," says Pedre. "Inflammation is a key driver in obesity, for instance, so the anti-inflammatory properties of thymoquinone could support normal levels of inflammation and therefore aid weight loss. But I wouldn't consider it a primary weight loss aid."

Black seed oil may help manage symptoms of seasonal allergies. In one randomized, controlled study7, patients with allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever) who were given black seed oil daily experienced a positive impact in nasal congestion, nasal itching, runny nose, and sneezing attacks within the first two weeks of treatment. These results are likely due to the fact that thymoquinone acts as an antihistamine, says Pedre.

Black cumin seed oil may help soothe achy joints. In one 2011 study1, 40 women with aching joints who were given a 500-mg dose of black seed oil capsules twice a day experienced a positive impact on swollen joints and morning joint stiffness. Another more recent study8 in 2016 found that women who took the oil had lower blood levels of certain inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein.

Here are a few specific things to look for in a black seed oil to ensure you're getting the best possible product:

If you're trying it for the first time, start with ½ teaspoon per day and gradually work your way up. Keep in mind, potency and serving size may vary depending on the brand, so always read your labels carefully.

Black seed oil does have a pretty pungent, bitter, somewhat peppery flavor, so proceed with caution before you potentially ruin a perfectly good meal! If you're not a fan of its natural flavor, consider taking it as a supplement or trying it in a healthy homemade dressing, like this one.

Ingredients:

Whisk together ingredients until well-combined. Drizzle onto salads or grain-based sides, or use it as a dip for veggies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

"With certain health conditions, taking black cumin oil can potentially be harmful, including bleeding disorders and for pregnant women," says Pedre. "Always consult with your physician before taking black cumin oil or any other supplements, especially if you have an underlying chronic condition or are currently taking medication."

Black seed oil shows true promise in preliminary studies and is likely safe (both orally and topically) for most people, suggesting that it may be an easy way to help promote overall health—as long as you don't exceed a few teaspoons a day. That said, it shouldn't be considered a miracle cure for any one thing. Larger human clinical trials must be done before black seed oil can be used to actually treat any health condition.