black seed Overview Information

Black seed is a plant. People have used the seed to make medicine for over 2000 years. It was
even discovered in the tomb of King Tut.
Historically, black seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion, and
intestinal worms. It has also been used for pink eye (conjunctivitis), pockets of infection
(abscesses), and parasites.
Today, black seed is used for treating digestive tract conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea,
dysentery, constipation, and hemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions including
asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, flu, swine flu, and congestion.
Other uses include lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, treating cancer, and
boosting the immune system. You may read that a patent has been issued to cover the use of
black seed to improve immunity, but dont be misled. The presence of a patent doesnt mean
black seed has been shown to be effective for this use.
Women use black seed for birth control, to start menstruation, and to increase milk flow.
Black seed is sometimes used in combination with cysteine, vitamin E, and saffron to ease the
side effects of a chemotherapy drug called cisplatin.
Some people apply black seed directly to the skin for joint pain (rheumatism), headache, and
certain skin conditions.
In foods, black seed is used as a flavoring or spice.
How does it work?
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that black seed might help boost the immune
system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, and lessen allergic reactions by acting as an
antihistamine, but there isn't enough information in humans yet.
black seed Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for:

Asthma. Research suggests that taking black seed extract by mouth

improves coughing, wheezing, and lung function in people with asthma.
However, black seed may not be as effective as the drugs theophylline or
salbutamol.

Insufficient Evidence for:

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Early research suggests that taking a specific
product containing black seed oil, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and biotin

(Immerfit by Phyt-Immun) by mouth daily might improve allergy

symptoms in people with hay fever.

Itchy and inflamed skin (eczema). Early research suggests that taking a
specific product containing black seed oil, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and
biotin (Immerfit by Phyt-Immun) by mouth daily might improve symptoms
in people with itchy and inflamed skin. However, applying 15% black seed
oil ointment to the skin for 4 weeks does not appear to improve itching or
disease severity in similar patients.

Seizures (epilepsy). Early research suggests that taking black seed extract
by mouth every eight hours for 4 weeks might reduce the number of
seizures in children with epilepsy.

High cholesterol. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of black seed for

high cholesterol is conflicting. Some early research suggests that taking
whole crushed black seed 1 gram twice daily before meals for 4 weeks
reduces cholesterol, bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and
blood fats called triglycerides in people with high cholesterol. However,
other research shows that taking powdered black seed 1 gram twice daily
for 6 weeks does not improve cholesterol.

High blood pressure. Early research suggests that taking black seed
extract twice daily for 8 weeks might slightly improve blood pressure in
some people.

Metabolic syndrome. Early research suggests that taking a specific black

seed oil product twice daily for 6 weeks might reduce total cholesterol,
bad low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in
people with metabolic syndrome.

Relieving symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal (opiate

withdrawal). Early research suggests that taking black seed extract by
mouth three times daily for 12 days might reduce symptoms of opiate
withdrawal.

Sore throat and swollen tonsils (tonsillopharyngitis). Early research

suggests that taking a combination of chanca piedra and black seed by
mouth for 7 days relieves pain in people with sore throat and swollen
tonsils.

Digestive problems including intestinal gas and diarrhea.

Cough.

Bronchitis.

Flu.

Congestion.

Boosting the immune system.

Cancer prevention.

Birth control.

Menstrual disorders.

Increasing breast-milk flow.

Achy joints (rheumatism).

Headache.

Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of black seed for these uses.
black seed Side Effects & Safety

Black seed, when taken by mouth in small quantities, such as a flavoring for foods, is
LIKELY SAFE for most people. Black seed oil and black seed extract are POSSIBLY
SAFE when medical amounts are used short-term. There isn't enough information to know if
larger, medicinal quantities are safe. Black seed can cause allergic rashes when applied to the
skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Black seed seems to be safe in food amounts
during pregnancy. But taking larger medicinal amounts is LIKELY UNSAFE. Black
seed can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting.
Not much is known about the safety of using black seed during breast-feeding.
Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Black seed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when taken by mouth
short-term and in recommended amounts.
Bleeding disorders: Black seed might slow blood clotting and increase the risk
of bleeding. In theory, black seed might make bleeding disorders worse.
Diabetes: Black seed might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for
signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if
you have diabetes and use black seed.
Low blood pressure: Black seed might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking
black seed might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood
pressure.
Surgery: Black seed might slow blood clotting, reduce blood sugar, and increase
sleepiness in some people. In theory, black seed might increase the risk for
bleeding and interfere with blood sugar control and anesthesia during and after

surgical procedures. Stop using black seed at least two weeks before a scheduled
surgery.