Black cumin oil: effect, application and dosage

Black cumin: a traditional remedy

Black cumin oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant and has been an integral part of traditional medicine for centuries, primarily used as a home remedy for skin and hair care.

Black cumin as a spice

Although it may sound like it, black cumin isn't related to cumin. It looks similar to black sesame seeds and its flavour is rather nutty, peppery and somewhat bitter.

Black cumin comes from the Nigella sativa plant – that grows in southern Europe, western Asia, India and north Africa, and even in central Europe – and the seeds are used as a spice in oriental cuisine. In India, for example, they’re ground into a spice for curry dishes and in the Middle East they’re sprinkled over flatbreads and desserts.

Why is black cumin oil so healthy?

Black cumin oil contains a variety of bioactive compounds. It has a high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and various secondary plant substances such as saponins. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, the active ingredient thymoquinone is particularly valuable. The oil also contains a number of vitamins: beta-carotene and various B vitamins, including B1, niacin, folic acid and vitamin B6.

Has the health effect of black cumin been proven?

Several studies have been conducted on the effects of black cumin oil. However, some have only been carried out with a small number of test subjects or over a short period of time and are therefore not conclusive.

Did you know? Black cumin seeds can improve digestion and the digestibility of various dishes. According to popular belief, black cumin tea has a diuretic effect and relieves flatulence.

How much black cumin oil is healthy?

Black cumin oil can also be taken in pure form before or during meals. There is no specific recommendation as to how much black cumin oil is safe. However, one tablespoon per day for adults shouldn't normally hold any health risks.

Black cumin oil as a food supplement

If you decide to take black cumin oil as a dietary supplement – in capsule form, for example – follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and dosage. This particularly applies to people with a pre-existing medical condition. Black cumin oil is a home remedy that can help treat a condition, but is no replacement for medical treatment.

Side effects – what to note

The following possible side effects have been identified: Black cumin oil can irritate the stomach lining or lead to belching. It's best to avoid taking the oil on an empty stomach and to start with a small dosage and increase it slowly. If black cumin oil is taken to alleviate stomach or digestive problems, these side effects can initially aggravate the symptoms.

Can black cumin oil damage the liver?

When consumed in normal quantities, black cumin oil doesn't damage the liver. In animal studies, however, an overdose led to liver and kidney damage.

Black cumin oil during pregnancy

Not only black cumin oil, but also other essential oils can trigger premature contractions or miscarriage during pregnancy.

Allergic reactions to black cumin oil

In some cases, external application of the oil can lead to allergic reactions. These usually appear as localised redness, itching, pustules or blisters. Some people can also have an allergic reaction when consuming the oil. This has mainly been observed in people with a known allergy to plants of the Apiaceae family (umbellifers). In addition to black cumin, the umbellifer family also includes birch, carrot, celery, fennel, parsnip and others.

How is black cumin oil produced?

Two types of black cumin oil can be produced: A fatty oil which is obtained by pressing or chemically extracting the seeds, and an essential oil which is obtained by evaporation.

Tip: If you intend to buy black cumin oil, ensure that it’s labelled “cold-pressed”. Store it in a cool, dark bottle and it will keep for a maximum of 3 months.