--- title: "Black Seed Oil: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed-oil/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) # Black Seed Oil Nigella sativa B Limited clinical evidence Oil pressed from black seed. Small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar and cholesterol and limited benefit in asthma. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **Caution** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **Interaction reported** ## At a glance Black seed oil is cold-pressed from Nigella sativa seeds and contains thymoquinone. Small clinical studies suggest 1–3 g a day may modestly lower blood sugar and cholesterol and slightly improve asthma symptoms. Applied to skin it can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Thymoquinone content varies widely between products. **Parts used:** seeds **Key constituents:** Thymoquinone, Linoleic & Oleic Acid Updated: October 15, 2026 ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists. ## What is it used for? - B Limited clinical evidence Small studies suggest it may help modestly lower blood sugar and cholesterol. \[1\] - C Laboratory / animal evidence Traditionally used in skin care; lab studies showed anti-inflammatory effects. \[1\] - B Limited clinical evidence Small studies reported it may help ease asthma symptoms. \[1\] ## How is it used? ### Oral oil Studies used 1–3 g (about 1–3 teaspoons) of oil or capsules daily, taken with food. **Amount:** 1–2 times daily **Duration limit:** 8–12 weeks \[1\] ### Topical For skin use, dilute in a carrier oil and patch-test first. **Amount:** Once daily \[1\] ## Safety & interactions - Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported on skin; stop if redness occurs. - Kidney and liver problems have rarely been reported with high-dose, long-term use. - People on diabetes or blood pressure medicines should monitor their values. - Do not use as a supplement in pregnancy (may affect uterine contractions). \[1\] \[2\] ### Drug interactions | Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity | | --- | --- | --- | | Diabetes medicines | May further lower blood sugar. [2] | Moderate | | Anticoagulants | Could theoretically raise bleeding risk. [2] | Minor | | Blood pressure medicines | May further lower blood pressure. [2] | Minor | ### Side effects - Nausea, bloating - Allergic skin rash (external use) #### ⚕ When to see a doctor - If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops - If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen - If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs ## Did you know? The oil's sharp, peppery taste comes from its thymoquinone. \[1\] ## Frequently asked questions How is black seed oil taken? Studies used 1–3 g (about 1–3 teaspoons) daily with food; avoid high doses. Can black seed oil be applied to skin? Diluted, yes, but allergic reactions occur; patch-test first. Does black seed oil boost immunity? This popular claim has not been shown in reliable human studies. ## Sources 1. [WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1–4)](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241545178) World Health Organization · 2009 2. [Herbs at a Glance: Evidence-Based Fact Sheets on Botanical Products](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance) NIH NCCIH · 2024 ### Cite This Page Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed-oil/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [Black Seed or Black Seed Oil?](https://herbadex.com/en/compare/black-seed-vs-black-seed-oil/) ## Related plant and preparations [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) +1 [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Red Pepper Flakes](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/red-pepper-flakes/) A Strong clinical evidence Capsicum annuum Made by drying and crushing red chillies. Its capsaicin is used in effective nerve-pain creams; its effect in food is small. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Cumin](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cumin/) B Limited clinical evidence Cuminum cyminum An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Hibiscus](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hibiscus/) B Limited clinical evidence Hibiscus sabdariffa A sour, red tea. Meta-analyses of small clinical trials found it slightly lowered blood pressure in mildly high blood pressure. [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Spirulina Powder](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/spirulina-powder/) B Limited clinical evidence Arthrospira platensis A protein-rich blue-green alga. Meta-analyses of small studies found modest falls in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; choose tested products. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Clay, Soap & Other](https://herbadex.com/en/form/other/) ### [Sumac](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sumac/) B Limited clinical evidence Rhus coriaria A sour, red spice. Small clinical studies reported modest improvements in blood sugar and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Carrier Oil) [Carrier Oil →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [Castor Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/castor-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Ricinus communis A strong, fast-acting laxative with well-known efficacy for short-term constipation. Do not use it on your own to start labour. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [Sweet Almond Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sweet-almond-oil/) B Limited clinical evidence Prunus dulcis Cold-pressed oil from sweet almonds. An effective emollient for dry, itchy skin; its effect on preventing stretch marks is inconsistent. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [St. John's Wort Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort-oil/) T Traditional use Hypericum perforatum St John's wort oil (an oil macerate) is applied to the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and to help heal small wounds. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) ### [Argan Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/argan-oil/) C Laboratory / animal evidence Argania spinosa An oil from the kernels of the Moroccan argan tree, rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids. Used to moisturise skin and hair. [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Carrier Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/carrier-oil/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.