Black Seed (Nigella)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Black Seed
- Black Cumin
- Kalonji
- Black Caraway
- Nigella
- Fennel Flower
- Nutmeg Flower
- Roman Coriander
- Habbah Sauda (Arabic)
- Habbet el Baraka (Arabic, "seed of blessing")
- Shunez (Arabic)
- Kala Jeera (Bengali)
- Tikur Azmud (Ethiopian)
- Czarnuszka (Polish)
- Charnuska

Latin Name: Nigella sativa

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• General tonic and panacea - Ancient Egyptian medicine, 3,000+ years; Islamic medicine
• Digestive aid, stomach and gas pains - Middle Eastern and Indian traditional medicine
• Respiratory conditions (coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis) - Middle Eastern folk medicine; Arab traditional medicine (roasted seeds with butter for cough, with honey for colic)
• Diuretic and kidney support - Traditional Middle Eastern medicine
• Liver and gallbladder support - Traditional use documented in ancient texts
• Skin conditions and wound healing - External application in traditional medicine
• Culinary spice - Throughout Middle East, India, North Africa; used on breads (especially naan), in curries, masalas, spice blends (Bengali panch phoran), and over cheeses
• Emmenagogue (promoting menstruation) - Traditional use, hence pregnancy caution
• Vermifuge (expelling intestinal worms) - Traditional Middle Eastern and Indian use
• Galactagogue (promoting breast milk) - Traditional use

Modern Uses

• Respiratory allergies and hay fever | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Constituents have demonstrated antihistamine-like action in studies. Human studies of 152 people with various allergies showed relief of both respiratory symptoms and eczema. Effective doses ranged from 18-36 mg per pound of body weight per day. Clinical herbalists report effectiveness for seasonal allergies when treatment begins before allergy season (January) and continues throughout.

• Source citations: Tierra - The Way of Herbs; Wood - The Earthwise Herbal; Better Nutrition 2017

• Asthma and bronchial conditions | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Nigellone, a key compound, has been shown to protect guinea pigs from histamine-induced bronchospasms. Studies demonstrate bronchodilator, spasmolytic, and calcium antagonist activities. Used traditionally for bronchitis, whooping cough, shortness of breath, and chronic respiratory conditions.

• Source citations: Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Gilani AH et al., J Pakistan Med Assoc, 2001; DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs

• Immune system support and modulation | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Described as an "immune normalizer" that can address both underactive immunity (frequent infections) and overactive immune responses (allergies, autoimmune tendencies). Can balance the inflammatory suppressant and stimulant aspects of immune function.

• Source citations: Wood - The Earthwise Herbal; Hobbs - Grow It, Heal It

• Digestive support and heartburn | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Used for indigestion, gastritis, flatulence, and severe gas pains. A study of 70 people with dyspepsia found that 5 ml of oil daily brought relief and reduced H. pylori infection. Gastro- and hepatoprotective effects demonstrated in numerous studies.

• Source citations: DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs; Wood - The Earthwise Herbal; Better Nutrition 2017

• Rheumatoid arthritis | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: A study of 40 women with rheumatoid arthritis found that 500 mg of black seed oil twice daily reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness. The oil helps modulate the immune system in autoimmune conditions. Thymoquinone may be useful for rheumatism and related inflammatory diseases.

• Source citations: DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs; Better Nutrition 2017

• Blood sugar regulation (Type 2 diabetes) | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Studies indicate hypoglycemic effects mediated by extrapancreatic actions. A study of 250 men found black seed oil alone or combined with turmeric produced weight loss and reduced diabetes risk factors.

• Source citations: Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; El-Dakhakhny M et al., Pl Med, 2002; Better Nutrition 2017

• Cholesterol support | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: A study of 88 adults with cholesterol above 200 mg/dl found 2 grams daily lowered total cholesterol by 4.78%, LDL by 7.6%, and triglycerides by 16.65%.

• Source citations: Better Nutrition 2017; Hobbs - Grow It, Heal It

• Memory and cognitive function | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: A study of 20 healthy volunteers found 500 mg twice daily improved memory and attention. Researchers concluded it should be studied for potential to prevent or slow Alzheimer's progression. Traditional use for forgetfulness of old age (combined with myrrh).

• Source citations: Better Nutrition 2017; Wood - The Earthwise Herbal

• Men's fertility | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: A study of 64 men with fertility problems found black seed oil significantly improved sperm count and other fertility markers.

• Source citations: Better Nutrition 2017

• Weight management | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: A study of 90 obese women found adding black seed oil to a low-calorie diet produced more weight loss than diet alone.

• Source citations: Better Nutrition 2017

• Skin conditions | Research quality: Traditional/Preliminary

• Key findings: Used internally and externally for acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, nettle rash, itching, impetigo, urticaria, warts, and neurodermatitis. Also used for varicose veins, varicose ulcers, wounds, bruises, and insect bites. The oil is applied topically or taken internally (5 drops in water, 4-5x/day for varicose conditions).

• Source citations: Wood - The Earthwise Herbal; Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

• Liver protection (hepatoprotective) | Research quality: Preliminary to Moderate

• Key findings: Multiple studies demonstrate hepatoprotective effects. Thymoquinone shown to protect isolated rat hepatocytes. Used traditionally for inflammation of the liver and gallstones.

• Source citations: Daba MH & Abdel-Rahman MS, Toxicol Lett, 1998; DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs

• Antimicrobial activity | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Essential oil demonstrated antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial activity, including against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Aqueous extract shows in vivo antifungal activity.

• Source citations: Khan MAU et al., Phytotherapy Res, 2003; DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs; Better Nutrition 2017

• Antioxidant activity | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Essential oil and crude seed oil demonstrate significant antioxidant and radical scavenging activity.
• Source citations: Burits M & Bucar F, Phytotherapy Res, 2000; Ramadan MF et al., J Agric Food Chem, 2003

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Thymoquinone - The principal bioactive compound; responsible for much of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immune-modulating effects. Content varies by geographic source (Egyptian seeds: ~25%, Italian: ~4%, Polish: trace).
- Thymohydroquinone - Related quinone compound with additional activity
- Nigellone - Carbonyl polymer of thymoquinone; demonstrated antihistamine-like effects in bronchospasm studies
- Nigellin - Bitter alkaloid contributing to digestive and tonic effects
- Essential fatty acids - Linoleic acid (~38%), oleic acid (~49%), linolenic acid (~2%); contribute to anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties
- p-Cymene - Major volatile oil constituent (32-60% depending on source); aromatic terpene
- Carvacrol and thymol - Aromatic compounds with antimicrobial properties
- Phytosterols - Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol; support cholesterol regulation

Sources: DeBaggio - Encyclopedia of Herbs; Tierra - The Way of Herbs; Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Whole seeds or cold-pressed seed oil
- Amount: 0.6-1.2 g seeds; 1 teaspoon seeds in tea; 1 tablespoon oil
- Frequency: Once to three times daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsules or oil
- Amount: 500 mg oil twice daily (1,000 mg total) for joint/arthritis support; 2 grams daily for cholesterol; 18-36 mg per pound body weight for allergies
- Purpose: Condition-specific support per clinical studies
- Duration: Studies ranged from 8 weeks to 6 months

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Not firmly established; traditional use suggests moderation
- Warning threshold: Large quantities of raw seeds may cause stomach upset; stay within traditional culinary and medicinal ranges

Bioavailability Notes:
- Oil-soluble compounds (thymoquinone) absorb better with fat-containing foods
- Cold-pressed oil preserves active compounds better than heat-extracted
- Thymoquinone content varies significantly by geographic source—Egyptian/Middle Eastern seeds contain highest levels
- Oil can turn rancid; store in cool place in dark-colored bottle
- Some oils are formulated to have higher thymoquinone percentage (check labels)

Sources: Duke - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs; Hobbs - Grow It, Heal It; Better Nutrition 2017

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best time of day: Can be taken morning, midday, or evening
- With food or on empty stomach? With food preferred - especially with fat-containing foods for better absorption of oil-soluble compounds; reduces potential stomach upset from raw seeds
- Specific timing notes: For respiratory allergies, begin treatment in January and continue throughout allergy season for best preventive effect. Lightly toast raw seeds before eating to reduce potential stomach upset.

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Honey - Traditional combination for respiratory conditions, coughs, and digestive complaints | The classic Middle Eastern preparation; honey enhances palatability and adds demulcent properties
2. Black Pepper - Traditional combination for impotence and to enhance warming/stimulating effects | Synergistic warming action
3. Myrrh - Combined for forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating | Traditional pairing for cognitive support
4. Royal Jelly - Combined for exhaustion and convalescence | Nutritive support during recovery
5. Ginger - Fellow warming carminative | Combine for enhanced digestive support and anti-inflammatory effects
6. Turmeric - Combined in study for weight loss and diabetes risk reduction | Complementary anti-inflammatory action

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Other emmenagogues (herbs that promote menstruation) - May compound effects | Use caution if combining multiple herbs with this action

Drug Interactions:
1. Blood sugar medications (Metformin, Insulin, etc.) - Black seed may lower blood sugar | Risk of hypoglycemia | Severity: Moderate - monitor blood sugar closely
2. Blood thinners (Warfarin, Aspirin) - Potential additive effects on clotting | Monitor closely | Severity: Mild to Moderate
3. Immunosuppressants - Black seed may stimulate immune function | May counteract medication effects | Severity: Moderate
4. Sedatives - Some traditional sedative effects noted | May increase sedation | Severity: Mild

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions known
- Large quantities of raw seeds may cause stomach upset - toast before eating

Safety Information

Long-Term Use:
- Generally considered safe for ongoing use based on traditional culinary and medicinal use spanning thousands of years and modern safety reviews showing whole seeds and extracts to be safe
- No established need for cycling, though periodic breaks are reasonable
- Monitoring recommendations: Those with diabetes should monitor blood sugar; discontinue 1-2 weeks before surgery due to potential effects on blood clotting
- Pregnancy caution: Large doses have traditionally been used as an emmenagogue; avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy (culinary amounts generally considered safe)
- Rarely, some people may experience a contact rash from handling seeds

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Respiratory allergies and hay fever, asthma and bronchitis, immune support, digestive complaints (gas, bloating, heartburn), rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions

Secondary: Blood sugar regulation, cholesterol support, memory and cognition, liver protection, men's fertility, weight management, antimicrobial support

Sources

Local Library:
- DeBaggio, Thomas - The Encyclopedia of Herbs: Extensive botanical description, chemistry analysis by geographic origin, research citations, culinary uses, nomenclature
- Duke, James A. - Handbook of Medicinal Herbs: Activities list, indications, dosages, traditional uses, biochemical constituents
- Hobbs, Christopher - Grow It, Heal It: Safety review, preparation methods, dosage, cultivation, historical context (Mohammed hadith, Egyptian use)
- Orr, Stephen - The New American Herbal: Culinary context, botanical description, cultural uses, nomenclature
- Tierra, Michael - The Way of Herbs: Biochemical constituents, energetics, systems affected, traditional properties, respiratory uses
- Wood, Matthew - The Earthwise Herbal Vol. 1: Comprehensive indications by body system, tissue states, contraindications, immune normalizer concept, specific preparations

Other Sources:
- Better Nutrition Magazine, September 2017: Human clinical study dosages for allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive complaints, memory, cholesterol, fertility, and weight loss; storage recommendations; antimicrobial research

General Knowledge:
- Core Identification (common names framework)
- Overview historical context expansion
- Active Compounds mechanism explanations
- Drug Interactions framework