Black cumin oil is the oil substance extracted from the black cumin seed. The black cumin seed comes from the plant Nigella Sativa which is native to Asia. Black cumin seeds are commonly used all over the world as a cooking spice to add to Asian and Indian style dishes.1 Black cumin seeds and oil have been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years.2 Black cumin oil uses have been prolific in both Ayurvedic and Siddha traditional medicines.3
The black seed oil benefits are well researched. There have been over 650 peer-reviewed studies that have investigated the health benefits of black seeds in general. [3] Black cumin oil contains 3 natural chemicals with potent antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal health benefits. These chemicals are: 3 4
Black cumin oil side effects can include further reduction in blood pressure in people with already low blood pressure. Pregnant women shouldn’t take black cumin oil as it can induce contractions. Some people may experience allergic reactions, which can produce black cumin oil side effects such as swelling of the tongue and lips, hives, nausea, vomiting and more.5