Benefits

The research done to date on nigella sativa explains why black seed oil has been valued for so many years for countless conditions:

Supports metabolic health - Studies show Nigella sativa may support normal glucose tolerance, intestinal glucose absorption, blood glucose levels already at healthy normal levels, and reduces appetite.
Supports weight management - A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that Nigella sativa reduced body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference, compared to placebo groups, all without serious side effects.
Supports balanced cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels already in the normal range - Studies with Nigella sativa comparing results of groups receiving a black seed oil supplement for an 8-week period versus those receiving a placebo found positive effects on both blood pressure and cholesterol levels already in the normal range.
Supports cell health and an already normal inflammatory response - The TQ in black seed oil has been shown in multiple studies to affect the expression of cytokines and promotes an already normal inflammatory response.
Supports liver health - Your liver works hard to protect your body from toxins and heavy metals like lead and mercury. In the process, these substances can harm your liver enzymes and damage your liver. A study showed positive effects on liver health with supplemental Nigella sativa.
Supports respiratory health - Studies show Nigella sativa support respiratory and sinus health and may help relieve congestion.
Supports digestive health - The TQ in black seed oil has been found to have a gastroprotective effect in a recent study by supporting a healthy inflammatory response and helping to protect your stomach lining from insults. TQ also promotes nitric oxide production which supports mitochondrial health, as well as endothelial function and heart health by dilating your blood vessels.
Supports brain health, cognitive function, and mood - In a study with rats, Nigella sativa improved learning and memory. This same study showed effects on mood as well. A nine-week human study with 20 elderly volunteers who received black seed oil twice daily instead of placebo showed significant improvement in tests to measure memory, attention and cognition.

Additional Information

What’s the Key to Black Seed Oil’s Reported Benefits?

Egyptian doctors and researchers were the first to discover Nigella sativa’s valuable components. In fact, the main author of the first advanced study on black seed was an Egyptian doctor living in the United States.

So what makes black seed oil so potentially valuable? Even though it contains a multitude of active compounds including alkaloids, saponins, sterols, B vitamins, minerals and omega-3 and omega-6 fats, researchers believe its major actions come from three key naturally occurring phytochemicals:

Thymoquinone (TQ)

Investigated by researchers since the 1960s, TQ acts as a scavenger for both free radicals and superoxide radicals. Supports your body’s detoxification processes, liver health, and already normal inflammatory response.

Thymohydroquinone (THQ)

A potent AChE inhibitor that supports the activity of neurotransmitter acetylcholine for your brain health and cognitive function.

Thymol

The active ingredient in thyme essential oil, thymol was registered as a pesticide in 1964. The FDA lists thymol, thyme, and thyme essential oil as Generally Regarded as Safe or GRAS, and foods for human consumption.

Black Seed Oil’s Unique Beauty, Personal Care, and Fertility Benefits

Black Seed Oil was a favourite among early Egyptians for their personal care and now there is research to explain why:

Effective against hand redness and itchiness
A double-blind clinical trial found that Nigella soothed hand skin irritation and itchiness just as well as or better than therapies that come with unwelcome side effects.
May promote hair growth
Troubled by thinning or shedding hair? Depending on the cause, black seed oil may be able to help. In one published study, the use of Nigella sativa for three months improved both hair density and thickness in 90 percent of patients with a particular scalp issue.

And Nigella sativa offers both women and men more than just comfort and good looks. It may also:

Help improve male sperm quality and motility

In a study of men with fertility issues, a daily dose of 5ml Nigella sativa oil for two months improved semen quality in infertile men without any adverse effects.

Support hormonal and reproductive organ health

A systematic review of research done over a 14-year span shows that the antioxidant properties of thymoquinone (TQ) supports male fertility by helping to protect against free radical and DNA damage.

How to Choose the Best Black Seed Oil

As soon as black seed oil started to become recognised for all its potential, it didn’t take long for products (both good and bad) to start flooding the marketplace.

So how can you tell a high quality black seed oil from one that’s not? Here’s what to look for when buying black seed oil:

Make sure it’s made from the Nigella sativa plant and not cumin.
Make sure it’s raw and not exposed to high heat. Excessive heat can destroy black seeds’ fragile compounds, so make sure it’s cold pressed.
Make sure it’s not processed with hexane or other harsh chemicals.
Make sure it’s not diluted (black seed oil should be dark in colour).
Make sure it doesn’t contain genetically engineered ingredients (Certified Organic provides that assurance).
Make sure it is made by a company you can trust.

Above all, make sure the black seed oil is Certified Organic to avoid potentially dangerous pesticides and herbicides.

Dr Mercola's Organic Black Seed Oil is raw, organic, and is made only from the seeds of the beautiful flowering Nigella sativa plant.

Watch Out for Black Seed Oil Scams

Now that black seed oil is finally gaining recognition in the West, it’s no surprise to see less-than-scrupulous dealers emerging as well.

Some companies have been accused of diluting their black seed oil. Black seed oil is dark, and a lighter-coloured oil should be suspect.

Plus, at least one company claims their black seed oil has much higher (as much as five times higher) levels of TQ or Thymoquinone, one of the most valuable compounds in black seed oil.

Here’s why that’s an impossible claim:

When you press black seeds, you get about 2 percent oil. Only about 0.25 percent of the 2 percent is thymoquinone. Therefore, you typically find about 0.45 percent thymoquinone in any pure black seed oil.

If you see advertised levels of 1 or even 2 percent thymoquinone, be very sceptical. Ask for substantiation and valid third-party testing results.

Unlike the strict testing required in Europe and some parts of Asia, there are U.S. labs who will supply manufacturers with any lab results they want for a fee. So, if the company in question can’t supply third-party, independent proof of their higher TQ levels, this may be why.

Incidentally, when someone challenged those higher thymoquinone level claims and secretly tested the oil through a reputable lab, the TQ level was the normal level – 0.45 percent.

Knowing that scams do exist and quality can vary greatly is all the more reason to buy black seed oil from manufacturers you can trust. Certified Organic provides an extra layer of insurance that you’re getting authentic, high quality black seed oil from Egypt.

How to Use Organic Black Seed Oil

The most common way to use Organic Black Seed Oil is like how the ancient Egyptians did it.

The Assyrians in ancient Egypt were reportedly the first to use Black Seed. They called it “tin tir” and used it externally to nourish their skin and took it orally to support digestion and overall health. Black seed oil was an important part of Egyptian daily life.

For internal use, you can take a tablespoon on its own as stated on the label. Or, you can take one teaspoon two or three times a day, as many experts recommend for a daily tonic. Ideally, take it on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime.

Some people like to combine it with a small amount of raw honey. Alternatively, you can add it to yogurt, tea, smoothies, or drizzle over your salad.

Don’t use black seed oil for cooking as heat may damage the valuable compounds. If you’d like to add it to foods, always do so after cooking.

For topical use, always dilute with a carrier oil like my Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Argan Oil, or Organic Jojoba Oil before using.

Here are some ideas for using Organic Black Seed Oil topically:

Apply to problem skin for soothing relief.
Add one or more drops to massage oils and lotions.
Combine a few drops with your shampoo or conditioner for regular support of your scalp and hair health.
For a deep conditioning treatment, combine with coconut or olive oil and massage into scalp and hair; wait 30 minutes before shampooing.

For its supportive respiratory effects, add a couple of drops of undiluted oil to a vaporiser or essential oil diffuser.

Suggested Use

Mix one tablespoon (15ml) of Organic Black Seed Oil into your favourite smoothie, shake, tea or coffee. Drizzle Organic Black Seed Oil over salads, or mix into culinary dishes after cooking for added flavour. Store in a cool, dark place.