Black Seed (Kalonji or Nigella Sativa) Oil Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Black Seed Oil (also known as Kalonji Oil) is healthiest oil in the world. The scientific name of black seed (Kalonji) plant is Nigella Sativa. Black seed oil is extracted from this plant.
Black seed plant is an integral part of alternative medicines and ayurveda practice. It has many health benefits and medicinal uses. Black seeds are beneficial for diseases pertaining to brain, intestines, stomach, eyes, heart, etc. In addition to these uses, it also has many nutritional benefits.
Kalonji oil is rich in nutrients and has been in use since centuries for treating various ailments. Black seed oil has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which acts as an effective cure for infections and diseases associated with malfunctioning of immune system.
Therapeutic Indications
Black seed oil is used as a potential remedy to cure several conditions including the following.
- Headache
- Cold
- Nasal congestion
- Toothache
- Digestive disorders
- Allergies
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- MRSA infections
- Obesity
Benefits and Medicinal Uses
Black seed oil has also been bestowed with preventive properties. Besides being a cure for the conditions mentioned above, it helps in preventing some of the conditions. The noteworthy ones are discussed below:
Diabetes
According to a study conducted by Indian Council of Medical Research, black seed oil has found to be prevention for both type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes. It maintains the gradient of serum insulin and serum glucose. As compared to the common drug for diabetes ‘METFORMIN’, black seed oil is equally efficient in improving glucose tolerance, but it has no adverse effects unlike METFORMIN. In fact, toxicity of black seed oil is also less as compared to METFORMIN.
Cancer
Black seed oil has two constituents namely THYMOQUINONE and THYMOHYDROQUINONE that are packed with antitumor properties.
According to reports, 52 per cent decrease in tumor cells has been observed due to the two active phytochemicals in black seed oil. It helps in the following procedures, which restrict the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Apoptosis Induction
- Reactive oxygen
- Anti-proliferation
- Cell cycle arrest
- Anti-metastasis
- Anti-angiogenesis
THYMOQUINONE when administered with chemotherapeutic drugs have positive impact on cancer. THYMOQUINONE in turn reduces the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Obesity
Black seed oil has inherent anti-obesity properties. It helps in the weight-losing regime by decreasing the following.
- Appetite
- Cholesterol
- Blood glucose level
- Glucose absorption
- Liver gluconeogenesis
- Triglycerides
MRSA Infections
Methycillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is one of the deadly superbugs of all time. Black seed oil slows down the growth of this microbe and restricts its spreading. Thus, black seed oil inhibits MRSA associated infections.
Side effects of Black seed oil
Black seed oil when consumed in small amount as prescribed by the medical practitioner is LIKELY SAFE for a short duration.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
To be on the safer side, it is better to avoid black seed oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding days. Although not much of evidence is available on usage of black seed oil during breast-feeding days, avoidance nullifies the risk factor.
Surgery
You should avoid using black seed oil before and after a scheduled surgery because it slows down blood clotting, increases drowsiness and reduces blood sugar level in certain people.
I have at home, Kanchanaar, and Shatavari for Tumours, hypothyroid and Uterine Fibroids (which is my main concern and very painful). Because of Thyroid am overweight for height and have dry colon from Vata disorder. I’ve been trying to balance Kapha weight to improve Thyroid function but aggravate Vata. I also have Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Amla, Triphala, Orange Peel, Shalajit, Ashoka, and Musta which is helping my inflamed gums (I take capsules) I have a good spice cupboard inc. Nigella, Aniseed, Star Anise and others. Have previously tried making jam which I enjoyed yet the ghee may have contributed to my weight. Could you please give clear instructions which I can make to combinations? Would Basti Enema be useful? Willing to fast at home but dont know how. It is summer in UK.
Many Thanks and God Bless
Anita