Black seed oil is touted as a powerful, natural, "be-all-end-all" problem solver. Whether as a topical treatment for wounds or high blood pressure reducer, the antioxidant and bioactive properties of Nigella sativa make it a favorite amongst holistic medicine enthusiasts. Native to eastern Europe and western Asia, its origins date back over 2,500 years, and the evolution of its uses and applications have grown significantly since it was discovered buried in the tomb of King Tut. But what does it really do?

Wound Healer

One of the most common medicinal plants also boasts a significant amount of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects due to its active compound, thymoquinone. A study investigated its therapeutic effect on skin wound healing, given its properties as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and tissue-growth stimulation. The result: Thymoquinone was found to not only be a potent agent against infectious diseases, but it also had an impact on T-cell activation that led to improving adaptive immunity.  

Kidney Protector

Black cumin, another name for black seed, has been studied for its effectiveness in protecting the kidneys from diseases. The same compound that makes it effective for wound healing, thymoquinone, also helps protect kidneys from injury caused by xenobiotics—primarily chemotherapeutic agents, heavy metals, pesticides, and environmental chemicals. Clinical trials have shown black seed oil normalizes blood and urine parameters and improves disease outcomes in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease.

Brain Booster

In animal studies, a daily dose of black seed oil was shown to raise brain and plasma levels of tryptophan and brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HTP). Additionally, the presence of thymoquinone has  shown to have an anti-anxiety-like effect in mice through modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the brain or plasma.

Skin Beautifier

With its inflammation reducing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, it is no shock that black seed oil is an optimal ingredient in beauty products. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, researchers investigated the effectiveness of a topical hydrogel made with Nigella sativa L on acne vulgaris. Of the 60 patients who participated, 30 were given the N. sativa solution and 30 were given a placebo. Those given N. sativa showed a decrease in the number of comedones, papules, and pustules after two months.

Blood Pressure Supporter

In 2023, the American Heart Association reported that more than 122 million individuals suffer from high blood pressure. With hypertension being a leading risk factor for strokes, consumers are motivated to seek out alternative treatment options available to help regulate blood pressure. Enter black seed oil, used by healthcare practitioners to help with various conditions including hypertension. Its effects on blood pressure were studied in a double-blind, randomized study with 70 healthy participants with systolic blood pressure from 110 to 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure from 60 to 90 mmHg. Volunteers were randomly selected to receive 2.5 mL N. sativa oil or a placebo, two times a day for eight weeks. Candidates who received N. sativa oil experienced decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure recordings compared to the initial baseline reporting. 

More to know on black seed oil...

For more information on benefits, including fertility, haircare, liver health, weight loss and more, as well as for effective doses, read 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health by Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN.