Benefits of black cumin seed oil (anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-fungal)
- Nancy janssens
- Sep 16
- 16 min read
What are we discussing:
-Origin
-What is black cumin
-Use black cumin
-All benefits at a glance
-Discussion of benefits
-History
-Videos + resources
Origin
The black cumin seed of the genus Nigelle Sativa is an annual herbaceous plant from the family Ranunculaceae.
The plant is native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia, but is cultivated in many countries around the world, including India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. It is very popular in Arab countries.
What is black cumin seed
(Black seed)
Black cumin seed is not actually a seed, but a dried fruit.
It's a common plant with a stem that grows 20 to 90 cm tall. It has well-defined leaves and flowers, usually white, yellow, pink, light blue, or light purple, with five to ten petals.
When the flower dries, the Black Seed ripens.
Black Seed is a self-reproducing plant that forms a fruit capsule with three to seven fused follicles composed of numerous white seeds. When the fruit capsule ripens, it opens, exposing the seeds inside to the air, causing them to turn black.
The seeds are angular, and generally small, (1-3 mm in size) and are gray or dark black.
Compositions of black cumin
Ingredients in Nigella sativa seeds include oils, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, saponins, and essential oils. This article lists many more ingredients.
Use black cumin seeds
Black cumin seeds can be used internally as well as externally for health purposes.
You can buy black cumin as:
-Seeds
-Powder
-Capsules
-Food grade oil
-Oil externally
-Tincture
1-Black Cumin Seed
Tea (internal):
Pour 1 tablespoon of ground seeds over boiling water, let steep for 20 minutes, and strain. This tea can also be sweetened with honey. Drink 1-2 glasses daily.
Hair rinse (external):
Prepare the water the same way you would make tea. Use the black cumin water for a hair rinse.
2-Black cumin seed oil
Internally as a supplement:
The most common dose is 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil per day . Make sure the black cumin seed oil is FOOD GRADE. It should be a cooking oil. You can take up to 3 teaspoons per day, but I would stick to 1 or 2 teaspoons.
Internal Culinary:
DO NOT heat the oil; use it cold only. You can add it to a salad or mix a little into your smoothie.
External:
-For the skin: Apply the oil daily to cleansed skin.
For hair: Apply the oil to your scalp, especially before bedtime, so the oil can be absorbed. You can also mix this with neem powder, fenugreek, or castor oil, depending on your preference. In Ayurveda, fenugreek is often combined with black cumin to promote hair growth. Rosemary, amla, and neem are also beneficial for hair growth. Herbs for hair growth
3-Black cumin seed powder
Culinary:
Black cumin seed powder has a more intense flavor than whole seeds, so it can be used like pepper. It can also be used as a "pepper" in recipes with vegetables, meat, and chicken.
Black cumin powder is delicious with Indonesian dishes such as naan bread and curry pastes.
You can also add black cumin powder to a yogurt dip with, for example, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. You can also add it to vegetable smoothies .
Taste:
Black cumin seed powder has a nutty flavor reminiscent of pepper.
Powder for external use (making a mask):
If you don't have powder, you can grind the seeds first. Add 1 tablespoon of black cumin powder to a bowl of clean water. Mix until a smooth paste forms. You can also add other herbs or ingredients such as neem powder, baking soda, or essential oil, depending on your preference. Leave the mask on your skin for 20 minutes.
Supplement powder:
Most people take 1-2 grams of black cumin seed powder daily for 8-12 weeks. Some recommend up to 3 grams per day. It's best to start with a low dose. Consult a naturopath for more information.
You can mix the powder in your smoothie, herbal drink or protein shake.
Supplement capsules:
If you're taking capsules, I would spread 2 grams throughout the day. Always start with a low dose. Take this for 8-12 weeks and then take a break.
All benefits at a glance
Black cumin seeds have been extensively studied for their rich nutritional content. In many countries, they are used medicinally and for topical use.
Advantages:
1-Antioxidant
2-Anti-inflammatory
3-Antibacterial effects
4-Antifungal (mycotoxins)
5-Antiparasite effects
6-Anticancer
7-Anticough
8-Anti-Asthma
9-Disease of the nervous system (brain function)
10-Treatment of Covid and other viral diseases
11-Immune modulating
12-Weight Loss/Diabetes
13-Liver support
14-Skin Care
15-Hair Care
16-Stimulates fertility in men
17-Stimulates milk production
18-Good against stomach ulcers and stomach protective
19-Heart and blood vessels
Dr. Bryan Ardis explains that black cumin seed oil completely destroys MYCOTOXINS. Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin known to cause cancer. Cancer is a fungal problem. If you have cancer, a parasite treatment is definitely recommended. See the video.
In the Healthy World News webshop we sell:
-Black cumin seed oil
-Black cumin seed powder
-Black cumin seeds
-Parasite treatment
Discussion of benefits
1-Antioxidant
Black cumin is said to be a powerful antioxidant, which means it has a positive effect on preventing oxidative stress and cancer.
In this study, she showed that the antioxidants in black cumin play a role in improving osteoporosis. See article
In a study with rats, she showed that an extract of black cumin improved oxidative stress on muscles. This was related to the antioxidant effects of black cumin. See article .
This 2011 study showed that black cumin seed had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. See article
This study concluded that black cumin had significant antioxidant activity. Black cumin contains polyphenolic compounds that provided free radical scavenging activity. See study
2-Anti-inflammatory
Most chronic diseases are inflammatory, so many naturopaths focus on eliminating inflammation. Black cumin is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It can specifically regulate inflammation.
In this study, she showed that black cumin had an anti-inflammatory role in protecting against osteoporosis. See article
This 2011 study showed that black cumin seed had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. See article
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The study's conclusion is that black cumin seed can reduce nasal congestion, itching, runny nose, sneezing, turbinate hypertrophy, and pallor of the mucous membrane.
3-Antibacterial effects (also anti-inflammatory)
In this article you will find several articles that black cumin has antibacterial effects. See article
Several studies show antibacterial effects:
4-Antifungal
An Egyptian study showed that thymol, found in black cumin, had antifungal effects on nails and skin. See article
This 2012 article shows that black cumin had antifungal effects on a candida treatment. See article
This is another study showing the antifungal effects of black cumin. See article
Black cumin is a good natural preservative
This is a 2010 study that evaluated the anti-yeast activity of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) in vitro. They tested yeasts that spoil dairy products. The antifungal effects of black cumin were compared with preservatives commonly used in dairy products.
These findings suggest that black cumin is an effective anti-yeast agent that can be used in the dairy industry as a natural remedy in place of chemical preservatives.
This article provides more diverse studies (vitro and vivo) on the antifungal effects of black cumin. See the article.
This article also contains several articles with antifungal effects. See article
5-Antiparasite effects (tapeworms, flukes, etc.)
Black cumin has antiparasitic effects.
Tapeworms (cestodes)
A study of children with cestodes (tapeworms) showed improvement after taking black cumin seeds. See article
Sucker worms (trematodes-Schistosomiasis)
Black cumin seed is also effective against flukes. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by blood-borne trematodes or flukes. Five species of schistosomes are found in humans.
Results from in vitro studies of black cumin (N. sativa) seeds against Schistosoma mansoni, miracidia, cercariae and adult worms indicate their strong biocidal effects against all stages of the parasite and an inhibitory effect on egg laying in adult female worms.
Disrupting the enzymes of adult worms using black cumin seeds could in turn make the parasite vulnerable to host damage and could play a role in the anti-schistosomal potency of the N. sativa seed.
Anti-schistosomal activity of garlic extract (AGE) and black cumin seed oil. Garlic and black cumin also had antiparasitic effects. See article
In this article, you'll find several different articles that black cumin seed has antiparasitic effects. See the article
Video: Dr. Edward Group (Global Healing) warns us about new research
Recent tests (2025) show signs of nanotechnology contamination in some sources of ivermectin. This only began to appear four months ago.
What does this mean to you?
It means that what you think is healing your body may be secretly hijacking it.
The good news is that new findings show that black seed oil is as effective as ivermectin , particularly against parasites and cancer. This is thanks to its effect on the P53 gene, the body's natural tumor suppressor.
6-Anticancer
Black cumin is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiparasitic, and antifungal, all properties that can prevent and reduce cancer. Fungi are a precursor to cancer. Most chronic diseases are an inflammatory response. Therefore, many naturopaths treat cancer by eliminating inflammation and also recommending an antifungal diet.
Black cumin also contains flavonoids. Dr. Russel Blaylock (neurosurgeon) wrote in his book that flavonoids always have anticancer effects.
Book: Natural strategies for cancer patients
So black cumin can definitely be a good remedy for cancer. Of course, you also need to address the underlying cause. Adjusting your lifestyle is essential.
Several studies demonstrate the anticancer effects of black cumin. The antioxidants are said to have a significant impact on its anticancer effects.
7-Anticough
Coughing is an acidification of the respiratory tract, which in turn leads to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of black cumin largely reduced coughing. Certain substances also had a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.
In this study, black cumin reduced coughing in animals. See article
8-Anti-Asthma
More and more naturopaths are saying that chronic coughs or asthma are caused by a fungus in the lungs and airways. It's an acidification. Acidification and fungi, in turn, cause inflammatory reactions.
Because black cumin is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, it can address the very problems we just mentioned. With asthma, it's very important to avoid foods that promote mold and inflammation.
Also avoid medications and vaccines, as their chemical and synthetic ingredients promote inflammation and fungal infections. These medications perpetuate the problem.
On the other hand, you should incorporate anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory foods and herbs. Also, do a detox.
The results of this study showed that black cumin (Nigella sativa) has a relatively potent anti-asthmatic effect on asthmatic airways. See article
9-Disease of the nervous system (brain function)
Black cumin is useful for treating various diseases of the nervous system.
This review article summarized in vitro and in vivo studies of the effects of black cumin seed and its active ingredients on the nervous system. Several studies suggest that black cumin may influence the nervous system and related diseases. See article
The results of several studies have shown that plants can improve these conditions:
-Memory disorders
-Fear
-Depression
-Epilepsy
-Neurotoxicity
-Neurodegeneration
-Pain
Most importantly, consistent use of black cumin seeds improves brain function, which is linked to cognitive function, depression, epilepsy, and memory, and also prevents inflammation, as they are especially rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for protecting the nervous system from neuronal disorders. See article
In this study, they concluded that black cumin seed supplementation stabilized mood, reduced anxiety, and positively improved cognitive function over a four-week study period. You must take the supplement long enough to see results. See article .
This article concludes that black cumin has neuroprotective properties. See article
In this article, neuropsychiatric effects are discussed separately for the first time.
Many animal experiments and some clinical studies have shown it to be effective in:
-Controlling pain
-Fever
-Epilepsy
-Parkinson
-Fear
-Depression
-Toxoplasmosis (an infectious disease caused by a parasite)
-Malaria
-Improving memory
-Improved mood
10-Black cumin seeds for treatment of Covid and other viral diseases
Black cumin seed COVID-19 related studies have taken place in Pakistan, China, India, Korea, Malaysia, and treatment protocols are being used in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan.
Because black cumin offers so many benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, immune booster, good for coughs, good for asthma, good for the stomach, etc....
Then it is also logical that you can treat the flu with black cumin.
In Ayurvedic medicine, nine herbs were recommended for treating COVID. Here are nine herbs that boost immunity to beat COVID-19. See article
Black cumin seeds topped the list as the best remedy for Covid treatment
The promising results presented in this article represent only a fraction of the research conducted on COVID-19 with black cumin seeds. See article
In India, for example, a list was compiled of all foods studied that boost immunity during COVID-19. Black cumin seed topped the list for the highest nutritional value. Other spices that were also recommended were turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Saudi Arabia studied natural combinations of black cumin seeds, garlic, wasabi, honey, and vitamin C-rich foods. See article
A study in Malaysia found that the effectiveness of black cumin seeds increased when supplemented with zinc.
Note that all types of flu are a detox effect of the body. If your body receives too many toxins, it will initiate a detox process. Medication side effects are also a detox effect of your body.
So, eliminate all toxins from your lifestyle, such as in your food, drinks, personal care products, cleaning products, kitchen products, hair products, dental products, etc. Medicines and vaccines are also loaded with toxins. If you're ill, avoid all kinds of toxins, and you can use black cumin to support your recovery and strengthen your body.
This article provides several studies showing that black cumin has antiviral effects. See article
11- Immune modulating
Black cumin primarily regulates the immune system. Black cumin has immune-modulating properties.
In this study, they concluded that black cumin has immune-modulating properties. There was an increase in T-cells. This study also demonstrated an increase in lymphocytes. Black cumin seed can therefore boost the immune system. See article .
In this article they discuss the literature data on the immune modulatory effects of:
-Black cumin seed extracts,
-black cumin oil
-black cumin essential oil.
Black cumin has an immune-boosting effect. See article
12-Weight Loss/Diabetes
Iranian/Persian research concluded that black cumin could support the liver and also reduce weight. See article
The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders published a study reviewing the literature on plants with anti-obesity properties. Of all the plants examined, black cumin seed, Camellia synensis, and green tea were the most effective for weight loss. See article.
A 2021 rat study showed that black cumin oil reduced insulin resistance and body weight. The researchers wrote that black cumin seed shows great promise for treating obese individuals. See article
13-Liver support
This is a comprehensive article explaining the protective effects of black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) against liver damage.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods protect the liver.
The liver is highly susceptible to oxidative stress (damage caused by free radicals). We are bombarded with toxins daily, and this creates excess free radicals. Toxins are highly acidic and cause inflammation.
Too many free radicals and too few antioxidants in your body cause oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to the typical chronic diseases.
The main liver damage caused by oxidative stress includes:
a) alcoholic liver disease
b) fibrosis/cirrhosis
c) hepatic stellate cells
d) hepatocellular carcinoma
e) ischemic/reperfusion liver injury
f) paracetamol-induced liver damage
g) viral hepatitis
h) fatty liver disease
i) liver damage caused by chemical pollutants
Black cumin contains powerful antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory, which can prevent or reduce oxidative stress.
Iranian/Persian research
Several therapeutic strategies are available from the perspective of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) to treat liver disease. Black cumin seed was tested on 50 patients in Iran. The researchers concluded that black cumin could reduce the degree of fatty liver disease and liver enzymes. Black cumin could also reduce weight. See article
14-Skin Care
Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) has been used for centuries to treat many skin conditions, for dermatological conditions and in cosmetic formulations.
For example, it is used to treat:
-Acne vulgaris
-Burns,
-Wounds
-Injuries
-Anti-inflammatory for various types of skin inflammation
-Has an effect on skin pigmentation
In this article they discuss various skin conditions. See article
A 2022 review of previous studies found that black cumin seed oil may be useful in treating a range of skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
These include:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Acne
Warts
Vitiligo
In this article, they show that black cumin can improve vitiligo problems. Vitiligo is a loss of pigment, which causes white patches on the skin. See article.
In this study, they tested black cumin seed and fish oil. They concluded that black cumin was effective in treating vitiligo. Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) was even more effective compared to fish oil. See article .
Wound healing
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of black cumin seed have wound-healing effects. Black cumin seed oil can also speed up wound healing. Black cumin seed oil also increased collagen production and had good moisturizing properties.
Researchers found that when black cumin seed ether extract was applied to the skin, it improved the healing process by lowering the total white blood cell count, reducing tissue damage, and reducing bacterial expansion.
Anti-inflammatory effect on the skin in case of acne and psoriasis
Based on many studies, it is concluded that black cumin seed has an antipsoriatic effect, with the best effect being obtained with the combination of ointment and the oral dosage form.
A detailed study was conducted on 62 patients with acne. They used black cumin seed oil (lotion) as a treatment. They showed a significant reduction in their inflammation and the total number of lesions (tissue damage).
Black cumin is a good candidate for treating inflamed skin caused by infection, irritation, rash, dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis. See article
15-Hair Care
Scalp and hair health
Because black cumin seed contains nigellone, which has been shown in research to be an impressive antihistamine, it may help with hair loss due to androgenic alopecia or alopecia areata.
With its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also promote overall scalp health. It's good for dandruff, combating dryness, dulling hair, and improving hair growth while also improving overall hair health. See article
Hair growth
A 2014 study concluded that the mixture of coconut oil and black cumin was the most effective at promoting hair growth than any other. See article
Hair loss
A 2013 study of 20 women with telogen effluvium (hair loss) showed significant improvement when treated with a lotion containing 0.5 percent black cumin seed oil. Video dermatoscopic analysis showed a significant increase in hair density, thickness, and growth.
Black cumin seed oil was also able to reduce the inflammation observed in the majority of patients with Telogen effluvium (hair loss).
The results showed a significant improvement in 70% of patients treated with black cumin.
16-Oral Care
Because black cumin seeds are antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, you can use them in your oral care.
Black cumin seed oil is used for:
-Bad breath
-Gum disease
-Tooth decay
-Caries
-Periodontal diseases
-Oral cancer
-Oral candida (Antifungal activity)
-Faster and better healing with bone healing and implants
-Oral ulcerations, oral mucositis and wound healing
The oil can be used as a mouthwash or added to toothpaste to help improve oral hygiene. You can also use black cumin to make your own oil pulling with various ingredients . You can add powder to a homemade tooth powder.
17-Stimulates fertility in men
In this study, they concluded that the group receiving black cumin seed oil had improvements in sperm count, sperm motility, and semen volume. See article
A systematic review published in 2015 in the Journal of Herbal Medicine also examined the effects of black cumin seeds on male infertility. Researchers reviewed studies conducted between 2000 and 2014 and generally concluded that black cumin seeds can positively influence sperm parameters, sperm count, Leydig cells, reproductive organs, and sex organs. See article
18-Stimulates milk production
This study concluded that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of black cumin seed can stimulate milk production in rats. See article
19-Good against stomach ulcers and stomach protective
Stomach acidity is an important indicator of gastrointestinal damage. Stomach acid determines the permeability of the gastric mucosa, which causes and accelerates the development of ulcers.
Don't be fooled by conventional doctors when they tell you to deacidify your stomach because it's supposedly too acidic. A stomach should be acidic. Stomach problems are actually caused by too little stomach acid. Conventional doctors usually prescribe antacids, which worsen the problem. You actually need to make your stomach more acidic again.
Black cumin is good for the stomach and intestines
People with parasites and fungi in their intestines can easily develop stomach and intestinal problems. If the stomach problems are caused by these factors, black cumin can certainly offer solutions. Because black cumin has antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can benefit the stomach and intestines.
There are other causes of stomach problems, of course.
If you have stomach problems, you should absolutely avoid inflammatory and fungal foods, and on the other hand, you should incorporate anti-inflammatory and fungal foods into your diet. Make sure you deacidify your body. Avoid chronic stress. This will help your stomach regain its balance.
In this study, she demonstrated that an aqueous suspension of black cumin seeds prevented the formation of stomach ulcers. See article
20-Heart and blood vessels
Most chronic diseases are inflammatory, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so on. Many naturopaths focus on eliminating inflammation. Black cumin seed is anti-inflammatory. Its antioxidants also provide health benefits for the heart and blood vessels.
If you want to take a herb for your heart and blood vessels, Cayenne pepper is the herb that really has positive effects on the blood vessels themselves.
In this study, they conclude that black cumin seed has therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases. See article
The use of black cumin seeds dates back over 2,500 years.
Greece
It is mentioned in Greek medical literature, which contributes to its important role in ancient medical practices.
Hippocrates (Greek physician) called it "Melanthion," and recorded that this seed was used to treat headaches, flu, toothaches, and intestinal parasites. It was also used as a urinary stimulant, stimulant, and milk supplement for breastfeeding mothers.
Egypt
Even the ancient Egyptians used black cumin seeds. The black seed was discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, revealing its important role in ancient Egyptian practices.
Isaiah lived in Jerusalem
The earliest historical references to the Black Seed are found in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. Easston's Bible Dictionary explains that the Hebrew word "ketsah" undoubtedly refers to the plant Nigella sativa.
Arabic medicine
The Prophet Muhammad said, "There is no disease for which nigella seed cannot provide a cure," and "in black seed there is a cure for every disease," and then: "Use this black seed. For it does indeed contain a cure for every disease."
Muslims around the world have historically used and promoted the use of black seed for hundreds of years, and many articles have been written about it. Black seed is a unique herb that is said to be " a cure for all diseases except death."
As a result of the spread of Islam in various countries, the use and popularity of Black Seed has spread and it has become known worldwide as the 'medicine of the Messenger of Muhammad'.
There are history books of Prophet Muhammad which show that Prophet Muhammad used to consume Black Seed with honey regularly.
Persia (Iran)
The scientist Ibn Sina-AVICENA (980-1037) said: “Black seed acts as an agent to remove phlegm, stimulates the body's energy and helps in recovery from fatigue and despondency.
AVICENA 's famous book, "The Encyclopedia of Medicine," is considered the most famous book in the history of medicine. It was the basic literature in European medicine until the 17th century.
The black cumin spice has many different names.
Old Latin
In ancient Latin, it's called "Panacea ." It means "all-healing."
Arab countries
In Arabic countries it was called "Habbah Sawda" or "Habbatul barakah" (translated as "Seeds of Blessing").
India
In India it is called Kalonji ,
China
In China it is called Hak Jung Chou (Aggarwal et al, 2008).
Sources
Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) Medical Application and Pharmaceutical Perspectives
A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb
9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health
Benefits of black seed oil
Traditional and modern usage of Nigella sativa L. (Black cumin)
Black Seed Oil: Health and Beauty Benefits
Benefits of Black Seed (also external)
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