Ranunculaceae
Black Cumin
Nigella sativa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Southwest Asia, Middle East, North Africa
Also known as: Black Seed, Nigella, Kalonji, Habbatus Sauda, Roman Coriander
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Seed
Therapeutic Uses
Asthma (clinical trials — comparable to theophylline), allergic rhinitis, eczema, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, Helicobacter pylori, immune modulation. In Islamic medicine: 'cure for everything except death'.
Herbal Actions
Immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, bronchodilator, antihypertensive, analgesic, antihistamine
Active Constituents
Thymoquinone (TQ — primary active, 0.4–2.5%), thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, carvacrol, fixed oil (45–60%), proteins, alkaloids (nigellicine)
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule💧 Infused Oil☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp seeds per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2x daily — warming, slightly bitter |
| Tincture | Seed oil: 1 tsp (5ml) 2x daily or 500mg TQ-standardized extract 2x daily |
| Notes | Cold-pressed seed oil most potent form. Standardized extract (3% thymoquinone): 500mg 2x daily. For asthma: combine with honey (Sufi tradition — clinically studied). Effects accumulate over 4–8 weeks. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with chemotherapy (may interfere). High doses in pregnancy — uterine stimulant. Caution with anticoagulants and antihypertensives.
Side Effects: GI discomfort at high doses. Dermatitis with topical oil in sensitive individuals. Hypoglycemia risk with diabetic medications.