Black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil) is extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, also known as black cumin, black caraway, or kalonji. It has been used in traditional medicine across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa for over 2,000 years, with Prophet Muhammad reportedly stating that it cures everything except death. Modern research has identified thymoquinone (TQ) as its primary bioactive compound, with demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancer properties. Clinical trials have shown benefits for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, allergies, autoimmune conditions, cognitive function, and mood disorders. It is one of the most pharmacologically versatile plant medicines studied.
Harm Reduction
Standard dosing is 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 mL) of cold-pressed black seed oil daily, or 1-2 g of the oil in capsule form. For standardized thymoquinone extracts, 200-400 mg TQ daily is typical. Start with...
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