When to use black seed oil

What is black seed oil?

Black seed oil comes from Nigella sativa, also called black cumin. Thymoquinone is a major constituent of its volatile oil and is associated with many of the plant's proposed effects. Black seed oil has been used in traditional remedies for more than 2,000 years, which is a long time for a product to avoid a clear job description.2

Should you use it in the morning or at night?

There is no established best time of day, universal strength or layering order for black seed oil. One acne trial used a gel twice daily for 60 days; that is not a dosing schedule for every black seed oil product.1

How should it fit into an oily skin routine?

For oily skin, products labelled "oil free" and "noncomedogenic", meaning designed not to clog pores, are the more practical starting point. Adding plain black seed oil is not a necessary routine step. These are general oily skin steps, not directions for a particular black seed oil formula:3

1. 1Wash with a gentle, foaming cleanser up to twice daily and after sweating. Avoid scrubbing and oil based or alcohol based cleansers.
2. 2Apply moisturizer after cleansing, even if your skin is oily.
3. 3Wear sunscreen outdoors. A moisturizer containing broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine moisturizing and sun protection.

Can you use black seed oil on your face?

Yes, black seed oil is used in topical acne products. Its antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties could help acne, but it is not an established substitute for acne medication. A gel, a lotion and a bottle of plain oil are different products, even if the seed gets top billing on all three.1

Can you use black seed oil on your skin?

Yes, topical use has been investigated beyond facial acne. In one vitiligo trial, black seed oil was applied to affected areas twice daily for six months without reported adverse effects. Vitiligo is a condition involving loss of skin pigment. That trial schedule is specific to that use, not a reason to apply oil twice daily to otherwise healthy skin.12

Can you use black seed oil topically?

Topical use is possible, but rashes and allergic reactions have occurred after skin application. Stop using it if a rash develops, and seek medical advice about a suspected reaction. Sensitive skin is not a reason to assume a plant oil will be gentler.1

Should you take black seed oil by mouth?

Talk to a doctor before taking black seed oil as a supplement. Do not take it during pregnancy, while taking blood thinners or before upcoming surgery. Supplement quality and concentration can be difficult to judge.1

Short trials have reported reassuring safety findings: healthy volunteers taking 5 mL daily for eight weeks had no notable liver, kidney or gastrointestinal side effects. Other trials reported nausea, bloating, burning sensations, upper abdominal pain and hypoglycemia, meaning low blood sugar. A trial dose is not a personal dosing instruction, particularly if you take medicines for diabetes.2

Does black seed oil help with weight loss?

Black seed compounds have been investigated for effects on weight, but a reliable weight loss benefit in humans remains unsettled. Much of the work on plant compounds comes from laboratory and animal studies. Diet and lifestyle changes remain the primary approaches to managing obesity; medication is sometimes needed when those approaches are insufficient.4