{"id":61020,"date":"2023-10-26T18:03:23","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T22:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=61020"},"modified":"2026-03-31T13:57:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T17:57:07","slug":"black-seed-oil-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/black-seed-oil-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"11 benefits of black seed oil"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the world of traditional medicine, <\/span>Nigella sativa<\/span>, also known as black seed or black cumin, is like royalty. N. sativa is a flowering plant native to India, northern Africa, and southwest Asia. Black cumin oil (made from the seeds of Nigella sativa) has been used for centuries as a remedy for everything from mental illness to <\/span>heart disease<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Scientific studies<\/span> have confirmed that thymoquinone, a compound found in black seed oil, is packed with <\/span>antioxidants<\/span><\/a>, along with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Black seed oil can be ingested directly, added to supplements, or used in skin and hair products. Some black seed oil products and methods are more beneficial than others. While black seed oil has many health benefits, more research is needed to understand the exact dose, side effects, and preparation to reap those benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Black seed oil benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Read on to learn how black seed oil works and how to incorporate it into your regimen to reap the following health benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Soothe chronic skin conditions<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Manage diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Accelerate weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Lower blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Improve brain health<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Reduce inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Improve creaky joints<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Reduce cancer cells<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Enhance sperm quality<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Boost scalp and hair health<\/span><\/li>\n
  11. Support wound healing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. Soothe chronic skin conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Black seed oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. That’s great news for irritated skin. Topical application of black seed oil or skin care products containing black seed oil could help soothe symptoms of several chronic skin conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

    “For centuries, nations have used this extract as a treatment for things like <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a>,” says Erika Luren, MA, MS, NP, a nurse practitioner and owner of <\/span>Parasol Aesthetics, Dermatology & Wellness<\/span> in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Such uses would appear logically motivated as all of the conditions have an inflammatory component.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

    In one four-week study, <\/span>researchers found<\/span><\/a> that applying black seed oil twice daily was as effective as corticosteroid cream at improving eczema symptoms. Other studies have shown that topical black seed oil can <\/span>improve psoriasis symptoms<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>reduce acne lesions by up to 78%<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Black seed oil is no magical cure for skin conditions, especially if the cause is linked to your diet, allergies, or an autoimmune disease. However, the science is clear that this plant oil can at least help your skin look and feel better while you pinpoint a diagnosis and treatment plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Manage diabetes<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Anyone with diabetes knows that blood sugar management is critical to good health. Consuming black seed oil (such as in food) or taking black seed oil supplements may help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In one study, patients at risk for <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a> who took 1.5 or 3 mL (less than a teaspoon) of black seed oil each day for 20 days had <\/span>lower blood glucose levels<\/span><\/a> at the end of the study than the placebo group. More studies are needed to understand the best dose to help manage diabetes, but the preliminary results are promising.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. Accelerate weight loss<\/span><\/h3>\n

    “A study <\/span>showed promising results<\/span><\/a> for the effects of black seed oil on weight loss,” says <\/span>Kimberley Wiemann<\/span><\/a>, MS, RDN, a Long Island, NY-based registered dietitian. “The study showed an improvement in Body Mass Index (BMI), a decrease in body fat, body fat percent, weight, and visceral fat mass. Study participants had increased feelings of fullness and decreased appetite.”<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, Wiemann warns that the small study size and short duration mean more research is needed to prove the weight loss benefits of black seed oil are universal or sustainable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. Lower blood pressure<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Nearly <\/span>half of American adults have hypertension<\/span><\/a>, the medical term for high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure can help <\/span>manage the condition<\/span><\/a> with lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, ditching smoking or vaping, and moving their bodies daily. But taking black seed oil could help with hypertension, too. Research suggests that taking 2.5 mL twice daily could <\/span>help lower high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>. Most people with true hypertension need prescription antihypertensives to control blood pressure adequately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    5. Improve brain health<\/span><\/h3>\n

    On top of black seed oil’s health benefits for blood sugar and blood pressure, this plant extract has perks for your brain. N. sativa has neuroprotective properties, which means that consuming it regularly might help reduce your risk of neurological issues such as depression and memory loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

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