Black cumin seeds, sometimes called black seeds or kalonji, come from the Nigella sativa plant (or fennel flower). The fennel flower (not to be confused with the fennel plant from which fennel seeds come) is an annual plant from the Ranunculaceae (Ranunculus) family. It is native to the Mediterranean and Asian regions (1). The fennel flower grows between 8 and 24 inches tall with fine leaves connected to branched stems. The plant blooms blue and white 5-petaled flowers with black seeds fused in the middle (2).

Black cumin is typically grown for its seeds, which can be gathered once they turn a brownish color, signifying they are ripe. If you plan to forage for black seeds, always harvest ethically. Never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth and only harvest what you need.

According to one of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, the key constituents of black cumin seeds include 40% fixed oil, saponin (melantin), alkaloids, and up to 1.4% volatile oil. Some of its herbal actions include:

• Anthelmintic: expels or destroys parasites.
• Antiseptic: destroys or inhibits microorganisms that cause infections.
• Antispasmodic: relieves muscle spasms.
• Carminative: relieves digestive gas and indigestion.
• Emmenagogue: promotes menstrual periods.
• Stomachic: increases stomach activity or eases stomach pain.

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Black Cumin Seeds

Black cumin seeds have been cultivated and used in food and medicine for centuries thanks to their many benefits, including:

Antioxidant Properties

Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease (). One of black seed oil’s main constituents, thymoquinone, is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (4,5). One study found thymoquinone can prevent the development of oxidative stress and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, making it an ideal option for managing neurological diseases (6). Another study demonstrated the superoxide scavenging ability of thymoquinone from cold-press black cumin oil (7). Black cumin’s high phenolic content is also attributed to its antioxidative potential (8). Although in-vitro studies showed nearly half of black cumin’s phenolic compounds were lost during digestion, significant antioxidant activities were still observed in the digested extracts (9).

Antimicrobial Properties

An antimicrobial property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can kill or suppress the spread of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi (10). One study tested different concentrations of black seeds and identified antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus growth (11). In an animal study, when black seed extract was injected into a non-fatal subcutaneous staphylococcal infection in mice, it was successfully eradicated (12). Another study mentioned black seeds’ effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, even discussing the historical use of black seeds against microbial diseases without any reported side effects (13).

Antifungal Properties

An antifungal property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can fight the growth of specific pathogens that could harm your health, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, tinea versicolor, toenail fungus, and jock itch (14). Aside from the previously mentioned antifungal effects, one study found black seed oil effective against some pathogenic fungi attributed to the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, oleic acid, and long-chain fatty acids (15). One study found that black seed oil protects against Candida albicans, a yeast infection (16). Another study found that nigellothionin compounds from black cumin seeds demonstrated strong antifungal properties against Aspergillus species comparable to commercial antibiotic Amphotericin B (17).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Aside from the already discussed antioxidant properties, black seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties. Although inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to detrimental health effects. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (18). Thankfully, black seed may help.

One study found that black seeds inhibit low-grade inflammation and pro-inflammatory factors, including nitric oxide (19). An animal study demonstrated that black seed water extract has anti-inflammatory effects comparable to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on carrageenan-induced paw edema (20). Another study noted that volatile oils and thymoquinone compounds are responsible for black cumin’s anti-inflammatory properties (21).

Pain-Relieving Properties

As of 2016, an estimated 20.4% of U.S. adults (50.0 million) had chronic pain, and 8% of adults (19.6 million) had high-impact chronic pain (22). Thankfully, black cumin seeds may have pain-relieving properties. In one study, a black cumin ethanol (alcohol) extract exhibited strong analgesic (pain-reducing) effects (23). Another study found black cumin essential oil to have notable pain-relieving properties, tested through screen tools such as acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and tail flick tests, which could not be reversed by naloxone, an opioid antagonist (24).

Promotes Respiratory Health

Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD, are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States (25). These respiratory diseases often require controlling inflammation for proper respiratory health management (26,27). Studies have successfully used black seeds to manage asthmatic symptoms. One study found black seed oil’s thymoquinone content helps reduce inflammation and relax airway muscles (28). Another study found that supplementing black seed improved asthma control test (ACT) scores (29).

May Promote Heart Health

Unfortunately, heart disease is the world’s number 1 cause of death (30). If you read my post, The Importance of Heart Health, you know that due to the incredibly complex determinants of heart disease and various possible contributions, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact way to prevent it. Still, you can at least take steps to lower your overall risk. That’s where black seeds may come in.

Several studies have linked black seeds to reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both important factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. One study found that supplementing 10 grams of black seed oil after breakfast reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in participants with high cholesterol levels (31). Other studies have found taking 2-3 grams of black seed oil significantly reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels when supplemented for 8-12 weeks (32,33). Another study found supplementing black seed oil reduced blood pressure levels when taken twice daily for 8 weeks (34).

May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

As of 2020, 34.2 million (1 in 10) Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million (1 in 3) Americans have prediabetes (5). On the bright side, studies have found black seeds can lower blood sugar levels (36). One study found supplementing black seed oil for 20 days reduced hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in type 2 diabetics (37). Several other studies found supplementing as little as 2 grams of crushed black seeds for 2-3 months can significantly decrease fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in type 2 diabetics (38,39). Another study discovered the administration of black cumin aqueous (water) extract improved glucose tolerance in normal and streptozotocin or alloxan-induced rodents (40).

May Support Brain Health

Brain health refers to cognitive health, motor, emotional, and tactile functions. Brain functions may decrease across several areas as we age due to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or even amyloid plaques (41). Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other brain diseases are associated with inflammation (42,43,44). Thankfully, black seeds may help protect against these conditions.

Black seed’s compound thymoquinone has antioxidant effects and is ideal for managing and even preventing neurological diseases. In vitro studies have found black seed’s compound thymoquinone can reduce neuroinflammation (45,46,47). Animal studies had similar findings (48). The reduction of neuroinflammation may protect against and even improve neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One human study found that 500 mg of black seed significantly improved memory, attention, and cognition in elderly participants who took it twice daily for nine weeks (49).

May Improve Acne

Statistics say one in three Americans will struggle with skin conditions (50). Acne is a skin condition occurring when your hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil (51). Thankfully, black seeds have positive dermatological effects (52). In human studies, using a black seed topical gel significantly improved acne severity and lesions when used twice daily for 60 days (53). Additionally, black seeds have wound-healing properties (54).

May Improve Skin Health

Skin health is important. The skin covers the entire external surface of the human body, making it the largest organ (55). It is a protection barrier that fights and prevents germs from entering the body (56). Aside from improving acne, black seed has well-documented dermatological effects for improving several skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. A series of case studies found black seed oil reduced psoriasis symptoms when applied topically (57). In another study, topical application of black seed oil was as effective as mainstream solutions at reducing eczema severity when used twice daily for four weeks (58). A final study found black seed oil cream improved pigmentation in vitiligo patients when applied twice daily for six months (59).

May Aid In Weight Loss

Weight management is a challenge for most people in the U.S., with more than 70% of American adults being overweight (0). Excess body weight is a common contributor to type 2 diabetes (the most common type of diabetes). Being overweight increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (1). One study found obese patients who were given 1 gram of black seed oil with each of their low-calorie meals experienced a significant decrease in weight and waist circumference (62). In another study, overweight or obese patients supplementing 2,000 mg of black seed oil for eight weeks experienced decreased appetite and reduced body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, and body fat (63).

Anticancer Properties

In 2021, there were 1,777,566 new cases of invasive cancer in the United States, with almost 10 million people who lost their battle with cancer worldwide (64,65). In other words, one out of every six deaths was cancer-related. That is a lot; however, a diagnosis or genetic predisposition doesn’t define your outcome. Genetics may load the gun, but environmental factors and lifestyle choices ultimately pull the trigger. Thankfully, several studies indicate black seeds’ cancer-fighting properties. In vitro studies have found black seed oil’s thymoquinone content has anticancer effects that help control the growth and spread of several types of cancer, including oral, prostate, breast, pancreatic, and more (66,67). Although black seed oil’s effects have not been tested on humans, there’s no harm in using it as part of a cancer regimen.

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Mainstream sources aren’t anti-black seed, which is shocking. They state that black seeds are commonly consumed in foods and are possibly safe when taken in larger amounts for up to three months. However, they claim there isn’t enough reliable information to know if larger quantities are safe when used longer. They also warn that black seeds can cause allergic rashes in some people and stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation (68).

Although trusted herbalist Richard Whelan doesn’t have a black seed safety profile, there is plenty of evidence of its safety. The mainstream claims insufficient reliable information, but the studies shared throughout this herbal profile prove otherwise. A comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, health benefits, molecular pharmacology, and safety of black seed, which included over 300 sources, proves its safety and efficacy (19). The only caution in my herbal books was that love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) is not a substitute for black cumin seeds (9).

As for black cumin essential oil, I could not find any resources to speak on its safety. However, if you read my post, How to Practice Essential Oil Safety, you know trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins recommends never using essential oils internally or undiluted (70). When using black cumin essential oil, always follow the dilution recommendations on the bottle.

How to Use Black Cumin Seeds & Product Recommendations

When I make homemade herbal remedies, I try to buy herbs locally. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands I trust:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I have yet to have the opportunity to make herbal remedies with black cumin seeds. Nonetheless, to my understanding, the best preparation methods when working with black seeds include the following:

• Herbal capsules – learn how to make herbal capsules
• Herbal infusions – learn how to make an herbal infusion
• Herbal syrups – learn how to make an herbal syrup
• Herbal tinctures – learn how to make an herbal tincture

As I said, I haven’t made herbal remedies with black cumin seeds. That’s because my body doesn’t seem to like the liquid extracts I’ve tried. However, I’m considering trying Gaia Herb’s Black Seed Oil Vegan Liquid Phyto-Capsules. Contrarily, my husband uses MaryRuth’s Black Seed Oil to support immune, respiratory, and blood pressure.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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