What Is Black Seed Oil Good For? Weight Loss, Skin, and More

Black seed oil has been used for centuries in traditional Eastern European, Northern African, and Southwestern Asian medicine. But what is black seed oil good for? It’s still generating buzz today for its potential health and weight loss benefits.

Rich in thymoquinone — a powerful compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — this oil is extracted from the Nigella sativa plant. You might also hear it called black caraway or black cumin seed.

Black seed oil comes in many forms, from black seed supplements to essential oils, making it easy to incorporate into your skincare or wellness routine. But does it really live up to the hype?

We’ll break down the research on black seed oil — from its possible role in immune support and skin health to its potential effects on inflammation and metabolism. Let’s take a closer look.

It might be! What is black seed oil good for in terms of reaching or maintaining a healthy body weight? Some research suggests black cumin oil may support weight loss and help manage metabolic syndromes.

For example, one clinical trial found that taking 2.5 milliliters of black seed oil daily for eight weeks helped lower blood cholesterol  in women with obesity — potentially benefiting heart and metabolic health, too.

When combined with standard medications, Nigella sativa seed oil seemed to help people with high blood pressure (hypertension) lose weight by:

• Lowering blood pressure

• Improving blood sugar levels

• Boosting fat metabolism

Even better? The trial participants didn’t report any negative effects on their kidneys, liver, or other organs.

Some findings also suggest that black seed oil may help improve cholesterol levels. One older review found that it could lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) while increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) — aka the “good cholesterol.”

All that being said, while black seed oil shows promise, it’s not a magic fix for weight loss.

Other Ways to Support Weight Loss

If you’re curious about black seed oil for weight loss, you might be interested in exploring other ways to reach your goals.

The best approach? A well-rounded lifestyle that supports healthy, sustainable weight loss:

• Move your body. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, including both cardio and strength training.

• Prioritize sleep. Getting seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night helps regulate appetite and keep hunger hormones in check. Small tweaks to your sleep routine can make a big difference — see our comprehensive guide to getting better sleep for pointers.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water supports digestion, metabolism, and even appetite control.

• Manage stress. Easier said than done — we know. But chronic stress can impact metabolism and lead to weight gain (among other things), so finding ways to lower stress levels — whether through medication, meditation, movement, or hobbies — can go a long way.

For some, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to make a real difference. If you’re struggling with weight loss despite your best efforts, prescription weight loss medications may provide the extra support you’re looking for.

You can connect with a healthcare provider through Hers to explore your options.

What is black seed oil good for besides weight loss support? It has other possible health benefits.

Some of the most buzzed-about health benefits of black seed oil include:

• Supporting skin health

• Fighting infections

• Promoting hair growth

• Helping manage type 2 diabetes

But how strong is the science behind these claims? Let’s dig into the details.

Black Seed Oil for Skin Health

Skin health is arguably black seed oil’s biggest claim to healing fame.

It’s often praised for its skin-healing properties — and for good reason. Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil, some research suggests it may help with a range of skin conditions.

Here’s what the science says about Nigella sativa oil and the following conditions:

• Eczema. A small study found that black seed oil led to faster and more significant improvement in hand eczema compared to Eucerin®, a moisturizing cream found at most drugstores. Since eczema causes inflammation, redness, and itching, black seed oil’s soothing properties could be a game-changer worth trying.

• Psoriasis. Research suggests Nigella sativa seed extract may help strengthen the skin barrier for folks with psoriasis — an autoimmune condition that causes inflamed, scaly patches. This basically means it could increase the thickness of the outermost layer of skin to address a weakened barrier due to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover seen with psoriasis.

• Acne. A small study comparing the effects of Nigella sativa lotion to benzoyl peroxide (a standard acne treatment) found that both were equally effective at reducing breakouts — but black seed oil had fewer side effects. About half of each group saw improvements, but pimples returned within eight weeks after stopping treatment. So, consistent use may be key.

• Vitiligo. In a six-month clinical trial, people with vitiligo (a condition that affects skin pigmentation) applied black seed oil twice daily and saw a noticeable reduction in patch size without major side effects.

So, does black seed oil help with inflammation? It very well might, which could make it a beneficial addition to your skincare routine.

Even though it’s a natural remedy worth keeping on your radar, more research is needed. It’s always best to chat with your medical provider before adding anything new to your routine.

Black Seed Oil for Wound Healing and Infection Defense

Black seed oil might also be a natural germ-fighter, helping battle bacteria and fungi, including some that don’t respond well to antibiotics.

One study found that Nigella sativa extracts have strong antimicrobial properties, successfully fighting stubborn bacteria known to cause serious infections. This suggests it could be useful in developing new treatments for infections resistant to antibiotics.

Black seed oil also seems to have antifungal properties. Specifically, researchers tested three natural compounds from the plant and found that even a tiny amount (just 1 milligram per millimeter) was enough to kill various types of fungi, including:

• Dermatophytes. These are the culprits behind skin infections like athlete’s foot.

• Molds. This type of fungi can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

• Yeasts. These microorganisms can cause infections like candida overgrowth.

In another study, an extract from Nigella sativa stopped the growth of a type of fungus that causes mycetoma, a severe and hard-to-treat infection.

All this is to say, black seed oil could have real potential, but it’s too soon to call it a cure-all for infections. More research is needed to understand how well it works in real-world treatments.

Black Seed Oil for Cancer

Some intriguing research suggests that thymoquinone, a key compound in black seed oil, may have anti-cancer properties. One study found that it could slow the growth of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Researchers think thymoquinone’s ability to boost the immune system could allow black seed oil to support traditional cancer treatments and possibly help prevent the spread of cancer cells.

While more research is definitely needed, these early findings point to black seed oil’s potential as a part of future cancer therapies.

Black Seed Oil for Allergies

If seasonal allergies come around like clockwork in all their sneezing and sniffling glory, black seed oil may offer some relief — though the research on this subject is still in its early stages.

One small study found that people with mild allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever) who used black seed oil had fewer symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. This suggests it could be a natural way to help manage allergies, especially for those looking for alternatives to traditional meds.

Researchers think black seed oil’s anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties might be behind its potential benefits. Since allergic reactions are essentially the immune system overreacting to harmless things, anything that helps calm inflammation could make a difference.

Black Seed Oil for Lung Health

The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil make it a good candidate for supporting lung health, especially for anyone with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Here’s what the research says:

• One large meta-analysis found that inhaling black seed oil or taking it as a supplement could complement traditional asthma treatments.

• A study showed that people with COPD who used black seed oil alongside other therapies experienced improvements in lung function, lower inflammation, and a better oxidant-antioxidant balance.

Though there’s still more to uncover, it seems like black seed oil may support respiratory wellness.

Black Seed Oil for Type 2 Diabetes

A systematic review found that Nigella sativa oil could be helpful when used alongside traditional medications for type 2 diabetes. In other words, it might offer added benefits when combined with standard treatments.

Black seed oil may help by improving the body’s response to insulin, which, in turn, could lead to better blood sugar control. If you want to add it to your routine as a supplement, talk to your healthcare provider about how it might fit into your current treatment plan.

Black Seed Oil for Hair Growth

If you’re dealing with thinning hair or hair loss, black seed oil could offer a helping hand — though clinical data on this topic is limited.

Some research suggests that using a lotion with Nigella sativa extract might boost hair density and thickness, especially if you’re experiencing telogen effluvium — a temporary hair loss condition triggered by stress or illness.

Other Ways to Support Hair Growth

Of course, black seed oil isn’t the only tool in your hair care toolbelt. To support hair growth, you might also consider:

• Minoxidil. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment (the generic version of Rogaine®) that comes as a topical solution — like foams, drops, or sprays — to stimulate hair growth and make hair look fuller and thicker. It’s also prescribed off-label as an oral tablet. It may take three to six months to start seeing results with minoxidil.

• Spironolactone. This oral medication is often used for PCOS-related hair loss, as it can help stop excessive shedding and promote new growth for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. It can take a while to see noticeable changes (expect to wait six to 12 months).

• Finasteride. Typically used for male pattern baldness, this medication (Propecia®) can also help women with female pattern hair loss. Finasteride works by blocking a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that shrinks hair follicles. It also may take over four months to start seeing results.

While black seed oil might offer the benefits we explored above, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and downsides.

First and foremost, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements. This means they aren’t held to the same safety and testing standards as medications and foods. And without FDA oversight, there’s more room for quality control issues.

A few other things to be mindful of:

• As with any supplement, food, or medication, some people may experience allergic reactions — such as rashes or digestive issues like an upset stomach — from black seed oil. 

• If you have medical conditions like functional dyspepsia (indigestion), liver disease, or kidney disease, it’s best to limit your intake of black seed oil.

• Black seed oil can act as a blood thinner. If you have a blood-clotting disorder, this could pose risks.

It’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to make sure it’s safe for you. This is especially true if you have underlying health conditions, are taking other medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Black seed oil could offer a range of potential benefits, especially when integrated into an overall healthy lifestyle and wellness routine.

Here’s a quick rundown of black seed oil and its possible benefits:

• Weight Loss and metabolism. Black seed oil may support weight loss and help manage metabolic health when used alongside traditional treatments for conditions like high blood pressure and blood sugar issues. But it’s not a miracle cure. Lifestyle changes are the biggest pieces of the weight loss puzzle, though weight loss meds might be more effective for some.

• Skin health. Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential natural remedy for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and even vitiligo.

• Other health benefits. It could also offer immune support and infection defense while also supporting respiratory health and hair density.

Though black seed oil appears to be generally safe, it’s always smart to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

If you’re interested, there are other weight loss and hair growth treatments that could work for you. Start by exploring your options at Hers.