Best Black Seed Oils Reviewed and Compared
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Black seed oil has been around for centuries and has been used as a homeopathic remedy for just as long. The Nigella Sativa plant found in Asia is the source of black seed oil. According to ancient texts, Hippocrates would use black seed oil when he was having digestive problems, and even Cleopatra would use the substance as a hair treatment. Hundreds of studies showing the positive results of using black seed oil have been published that describe its usefulness when treating diseases such as autoimmune diseases, MRSA and h.pylori-associated stomach ulcers.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Amazing Herbs
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Our rating - Clear Skin
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- Herbal Secrets
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Our rating - Solvent-free
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- Halal Everyday
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Our rating - Hexane Free
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What is Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil (also known as black caraway, black cumin, black sesame, roman coriander or onion seed) is harvested from a fennel flower that is native to southern Asia and found in some parts of Europe. This fennel flower, known as Nigella Sativa, is a small plant that produces seeds. These seeds are then harvested and made into health supplements.
Black seed oil is a strong antioxidant that can be useful for people who are experiencing conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Also used as an anti-inflammatory supplement, black seed oil helps soothe the body’s aches and pains and reduces inflammation caused by disease. It also has a long history of use in helping patients experiencing some of the most common health conditions around the globe.
High blood pressure is a condition that can be helped by the ingestion of this oil. Studies have shown that ingesting black seed oil for a period of two months time can bring down slightly elevated blood pressure levels. Asthma and bronchitis are two conditions that can also be treated with it. The oil’s natural anti-inflammatory properties helps to decrease the inflammation and swelling in the body’s airways. Since black seed oil contains the good type of cholesterol, taking black seed oil supplements can help lower one’s cholesterol levels. Supplementing your diet with it has also been shown to help digestive issues, such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Those experiencing stomach ulcers may also be able to find relief through the ingestion of black seed oil.
10 Best Black Seed Oils
1. Amazing Herbs
This dietary supplement from Amazing Herbs is made of fresh, cold-pressed oil from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa flower. This black seed oil is a natural source of essential fatty acids, which are needed by the body to build new cells and to make prostaglandin e1.
Users of this product should take two 500 mg capsules twice daily, and can take up to 10 capsules a day. This supplement offers 90 capsules.
- Convenient capsule form
- Great source of essential fatty acids
- 100% pure
- Not vegan
- Recent change in formula
2. Herbal Secrets
The 16 Oz. bottle of black seed oil is a daily health supplement that is premium, solvent-free and non-refined. Nigellone, which is an antihistamine, and Thymoquinone, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties are the two main components.
This oil's antioxidant properties has the ability to protect the body from free radical oxidation, and its antibacterial properties can protect the body from illness and disease. Another benefit of this oil is its ability to relieve uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.
The taste for this supplement cannot be covered up by mixing it into a drink, as it is very strong and unpleasant. However, users have noted that this taste is something they can get used to over time.
- Excellent energy booster
- 100% pure
- Gluten, soy and sugar free
- Pricey
- Strong, unpleasant taste
3. Halal Everyday
It is 100% hexane free and is packaged in an amber bottle made of glass to seal in the oil's freshness. The black seed oil is cold pressed and pure, and is great to ingest or to use on your hair and skin.
This brand is cold pressed in NY, which is important to customers who want their products made in the USA. Users have noticed that this oil does come with a distinct taste that is typical of any black seed oil supplement. Buying black seed oil in a larger container such as this one allows a customer to get more bang for their buck.
- Vegan
- No additives
- Packaged in a glass bottle
- Made in USA
- Pricey
4. Lu ‘Lu Naturals
Those looking to promote healthy cardiovascular systems, digestive systems, blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels can find use of this black seed oil from Lu ‘Lu Naturals. Eight ounces that is free of solvents and alcohol can be found in a glass bottle.
Customers that have used this product have noticed a drop in their blood pressure levels and an increased overall feeling of well-being. They have suggested mixing the oil with honey or juice to try and mask the taste. This is one of the pricier black seed oil alternatives on the market, but users complement its high quality for the price.
- Great for lowering blood pressure
- Good source of nutrients
- Non-GMO
- Pricey
- Not USDA certified organic
5. Kiva
Those looking for their black seed oil to come in a glass bottle can find it from the organic superfood company Kiva. Many health conscious individuals are wary of using plastic bottles due to the leaching of chemicals into their food and drink. Thi oil not only comes packaged in a glass bottle, but it is also cold-pressed, solvent-free, raw and organic.
Users have claimed that it has reduced their arthritis symptoms, suppressed their appetites, and has worked as a great skin moisturizer. Another positive is that its taste is much lighter and crisper compared to other black seed oils on the market.
- Better, lighter tasting oil
- Comes in a glass bottle
- USDA certified organic
- Not made in the USA
- Pricey
6. Alive Herbals
Alive Herbals offers another alternative to softgels. This oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and can be used in the treatment of infections, diabetes, liver health, weight loss and cancer prevention. The product is both solvent and alcohol free and is USDA certified organic. A glass bottle that is BPA free and food grade is used to contain the oil.
This oil can be used in the prevention of cancer by offering anti-metastasis, anti-proliferation and cell cycle arresting properties. Also great for skin and hair, some users of this oil supplement say that it has cleared up their eczema and has provided their skin with soothing relief.
- 100% pure, cold-pressed oil
- USDA certified organic
- Great for skin and hair
- Unpleasant, strong taste
- Higher cost
7. Best Naturals
For those looking to get their black seed oil in oil form, and not capsule form, Best Naturals offers this product. Guaranteed to be 100% pure that is both solvent and alcohol free, this oil is taken straight from the seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant and is Non-GMO and Non-Refined.
Adults will take one to two teaspoons of this oil daily. Indications for taking this product include having elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar levels, or having an upset digestive system.
Users have applauded its benefits and have said that taking this supplement has helped them with their arthritis pains, and has also made their hair grow faster and longer. Some users have noted that the taste of this oil is very strong, and can be hard to get past when taking it daily.
- Non-GMO
- 100% pure black seed oil
- Great for immune health
- Strong, pungent taste
- Doesn’t offer convenience of capsule form
8. Sweet Sunnah
Packaged in a glass bottle and preservative and additive free, it is loaded with Thymoquinone and essential vitamins. Adults can take this black seed oil once or twice daily in one teaspoon increments.
People with autoimmune diseases, allergies or those suffering from eczema can find relief with this supplement. Typically, thisoil can be applied to any areas that are experiencing minor pain or injury.
While it is a little on the pricier side, users have said that the extra money spent is worth it. The product also comes with a guarantee to arrive factory-sealed and spillage free. If the product arrives with a broken seal, customers can return it for a full refund.
- Highly concentrated
- Unrefined and unfiltered
- Non-GMO
- Expensive
9. Best Naturals
These supplements come in the form of 500 mg softgels, and this product contains 90 of them. If you are an adult, take these supplements two times daily.
Typical results from the steady ingestion include a reduction in joint aches and pains, a lowering in blood pressure, and a stronger immune system. When regularly taken, people with Asthma have noted a decrease in the experience of their Asthma-related symptoms. 90 capsules for the price is a good deal and will leave you with a 45 day supply for the price.
- Capsule form is convenient
- Low cost for capsule form
- Great for immune health
- None
10. Health Thru
These supplements are packed full of Thymoquinone and Nigellone, which are the two antioxidant ingredients found in black seed oil. Taking these softgels will protect your body from inflammation and free-radicals. All four omega oils (3, 6, 7 and 9) can be found in these supplements.
Take 2 of these softgels a day and experience improvements in your health, such as an ease of your body’s aches and pains and an improvement in your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Non-GMO
- Hexane and solvent free
- Made in USA
- May cause upset stomach
Benefits
Black seed oil has a long history of use for its medicinal and physiological health benefits. There are records dating back to the time of King Tut that show how this ancient ruler himself used black seed oil for all of his health problems (he even kept a bottle of black seed oil with him in his tomb!). Nowadays, modern day science has shown that these health benefits of black seed oil are real. The two main ingredients, thymoquinone and nigellone, are compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds target a number of the body’s physiological systems including, but not limited to, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the digestive system and the immune system. Patients seeking relief from symptoms associated with any one of these body systems can find it by taking a daily supplement of black seed oil.
Cardiovascular System Benefits
Scientific studies have shown that people who take black seed oil supplements daily will see a drop in their blood pressure values. Anecdotal evidence from resources such as black seed oil websites and product reviews also supports this benefit. Another cardiovascular system benefit is a decrease in blood cholesterol levels. Users of this product have noticed their bad cholesterol levels dropping after they’ve been ingesting black seed oil for an extended period of time. Those with diabetes will also see a steadier maintenance of their blood sugar levels. Black seed oil offers health benefits to those with a cardiovascular system problem that is interfering with their everyday lives.
Respiratory System Benefits
Those people experiencing problems with their respiratory system – such as Asthma or Bronchitis, can use black seed oil to help lessen their symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effects of black seed oil will help calm down the airways and will restore their normal function. Allergies can also be treated with black seed oil. It is a natural antihistamine that works just as effectively, if not more so, than allergy medication.
Digestive System Benefits
The anti-inflammatory properties can help those experiencing problems with their digestive system. Diarrhea and nausea are two conditions that can be helped with the regular ingestion of black seed oil. Upset stomach, constipation, and indigestion can also be treated with black seed oil supplements.
Immune System Benefits
The antioxidant properties help fight free radicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis. This means that black seed oil has powerful anticancer benefits that can help you boost your immune system. Your body will be able to ward off disease and illness much easier upon regular ingestion of this oil. Those who have been diagnosed with cancer can also help their body fight their illness with it.
Integumentary System Benefits
Your skin is a powerful organ, and is a very important part of your integumentary system. The skin is the biggest barrier your body has to disease. Black seed oil can be used as a topical agent to help cure your skin problems. Those with eczema have found powerful relief. Simply rubbing the oil on your skin rashes and blemishes can restore your skin back to its natural state.
Usage Recommendations
Black seed oil should be taken as a daily supplement. Most of the cold pressed, pure black seed oil supplements on the market are intended to be taken in one teaspoon increments, up to three times a daily. Black seed oil has a naturally strong, pungent flavor. Those taking it will usually mix the oil in with honey, juice or lemon water to tone down the flavor of the health supplement. The softgels that are 500 mg should be taken once a day and with food or milk.
Those who are pregnant or that are nursing should not take medicinal levels of it daily. However, eating black seed oil and spices in food amounts should not cause harm. Black seed oil should be taken daily and for an indefinite amount of time. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional before starting your daily black seed oil regimen to ensure that it is a safe and beneficial idea.
Some Precautions and General Information
Precautions
As with any health supplement, black seed oil can cause unwanted side effects. If any of these occur, contact your doctor and discuss whether or not black seed oil supplements are for you. Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that may occur when black seed oil is rubbed on your skin. If you are experiencing contact dermatitis, you will notice a reddening and burning of the skin where you applied it. Since it acts to lower your blood pressure, hypotension is another side effect that may be experienced upon ingestion, especially if you are already taking hypertension medication. An allergic reaction, involving areas other than the skin, such as a swelling of the lips, eyes, etc, may also be caused by exposure to black seed oil. If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, black seed oil may reduce the efficacy of certain chemotherapies and radiation therapies. As mentioned previously, women who are pregnant should not take it since it reduces the muscles ability to contract.
General Information
Black seed oil has been used as a medicinal product for thousands of years, and it was also been used in cooking as a spice. Adding a daily supplement ofit to your diet is a great way to experience relief from any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned previously.
When picking out the right supplement for you, there are many things to consider. The first major difference between black seed oil supplements available on the market is if the supplement is in oil or softgel form. It’s important to decide which of these two types of forms is going to work best for you. Perhaps you do not have much time to get ready in the morning, and would be unable to make a drink using black seed oil. In this instance, taking the softgels would most likely work best. Softgels would also be better suited for those who need to take their black seed oil supplement with them to work. If you have the time and don’t mind making a black seed oil drink, then the oil form is best for you. Or if you don’t mind the taste of it, then the oil form is the way to go. It’s also important to research the company you are buying the black seed oil supplement from. Many health supplement companies have great reputations and excellent customer service. However, there are some companies out there that don’t have the best reviews. Amazon is a great resource to use when researching your black seed oil supplement company.
Criteria for Evaluation
There is no shortage in the supply of health supplements available to you in today’s market. As more and more people are realizing the amazing health benefits of holistic medicine, there are companies popping up all over the place that are ready to supply you with the health supplements you need.
You may be wondering how we narrowed down our list of the top black seed oil supplements. After all, there are hundreds of black seed oil supplements available on the market to choose from. We understand that having so many options can be extremely overwhelming and that you need someone to go through the products and rank them for you. We’re put together a list of the criteria we look for in a black seed oil supplement to ensure you that we’ve done our homework.
Product Testing
We want to make sure that you buy a black seed oil that works. There are so many amazing health benefits to taking a black seed oil supplement daily and we want to ensure that you experience them. We know that it’s impossible for you to go out and individually test the hundreds of supplements available on the market, so we do the product testing for you. Product testing is an important part of any product review guide, and we understand its importance. You need a black seed oil supplement that is what it says it is, and is 100% unrefined, solvent-free black seed oil. There’s no room for fake black seed oil supplements in our review guide.
User Reviews and Ratings
This is one of the most important parameters we measure when making a review guide. There are many different brands of black seed oil used by many different types of people. We all know that each human body is made differently and will therefore have a different reaction to black seed oil; this means we can only learn so much by looking at user reviews and ratings. However, there are certain characteristics of it that are completely objective and do not vary from person to person. The chemical makeup of the black seed oil, it’s taste, color, consistency, shelf-life, and usability are all characteristics of a health supplement that is of the utmost importance to its users and that can be judged by the general population.
Amazon offers a great insight into the things black seed oil users care about the most. Buying from a reputable brand is key. Getting a health supplement that is USDA certified organic, vegan, and solvent & hexane free are also important things that users mention in their reviews. Making sure that the black seed oil is packaged in a glass jar is yet another crucial aspect of an oil supplement that many users are concerned with.
Potential for Side Effects
When reviewing black seed oil supplements, we want to recommend the ones to you that have the lowest reported incidence of experienced side effects. Black seed oil is a holistic compound that is found in nature, therefore the probability of it causing adverse side effects when taken is relatively low. However, every body is different and as such will react differently to a health supplement. It is recommended that upon beginning a black seed oil daily regimen that you begin slow, with one teaspoon of oil, or one gel capsule, and monitor how your body reacts to it. If your body does not react adversely to the oil, then you can increase the dose (up to 3 teaspoons daily, or two 500 mg gel capsules.)
The products we recommend to you have the lowest probability of causing side effects, such as upset stomach, contact dermatitis and hypotension. If any of these side effects occur, stop taking black seed oil and schedule an appointment with your doctor. You can then discuss if you can continue taking black seed oil in the future.
Manufacturer’s Reputation
There are many different brands of health supplements available on the market, therefore there are a variety of companies to choose from when purchasing your oil. You need to purchase a product that comes from a company you can trust. We’ve personally vetted each company we’ve included on our list, and have searched for the ones that are trustworthy. We value companies that have great customer service, and that offer money back guarantees if not completely satisfied with their black seed oil. A company needs to have a reputation that is honest, so we know that what they’re providing is 100% black seed oil that is solvent and hexane free. The companies we’ve included on our list have fit our criteria.
Safety of the Supplement
As with any health supplement, you should meet with your doctor to first discuss if black seed oil is right for you. It should not be taken in conjunction with hypertension medications, as this would cause the blood pressure levels to drop too low. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop the ingestion of it immediately. You can trust the black seed oil supplements we have included in our product review, as they have the lowest mentionings of unwanted side effects upon ingestion. However, it is best to start slow when taking black seed oil to monitor how your body reacts to it.
Ingredients and Their Effectiveness
A good black seed oil supplement should be 100% pure, cold-pressed. When looking at the ingredients of the supplements we’ve reviewed on this guide, this was a very important criteria. For the softgels, gelatin will also be an ingredient, since this is what makes up the capsule. However, for those who are vegan, you need to find a softgel that doesn’t include gelatin, since this is an animal product. Do not buy a black seed oil that is not anything but straight black seed oil from the Nigella Sativa flower.
FAQs
Q) What is this oil?
Black seed oil is an all-natural health supplement that comes as either an oil or gel supplement form. It is derived from the Nigella Sativa flower which is a fennel flower. It is an ancient health remedy that has been dated back to the time of King Tut. Said to be a “cure for anything but death” black seed oil can be taken for a variety of health reasons, including hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Black seed oil should be taken daily.
Q) In what forms is it offered?
It can be purchased in either an oil or softgel form.
Q) Who should use it?
Black seed oil is available for use for a variety of people. Those who are experiencing lethargy, or a lack of energy, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, cancer, asthma or bronchitis can use it. Those who have a skin rash can also use black seed oil topically. People looking to grow their hair out longer, or to freshen up their skin can also find use in taking a black seed oil supplement. Those who are pregnant or nursing should not take it.
Q) Are there side effects to taking it?
Although rare, some people have reported experiencing unwanted side effects upon ingestion of black seed oil. Those who are allergic to the health supplement will see a swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or will experience hives. Contact dermatitis may also be experienced if your skin has a negative reaction to the black seed oil. It should not be taken in conjunction with hypertension medications, since this may cause hypotension. Upset stomach is also a side effect that has been known to occur when taking black seed oil. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking it immediately and discuss with your doctor if you should continue taking it in the future. To minimize your chances of experiencing any unpleasant side effects, start by taking black seed oil in small amounts and pay attention to what your body tells you.
Q) Where can I buy black seed oil?
Health food supplement stores and health and wellness retailers across the country offer black seed oil at their shops. However, Amazon is a great resource to purchase black seed oil from since you can read reviews from real people who have already purchased the product.
Q) How do you take black seed oil?
It can be mixed with juice or honey and taken by mouth. This may help hide its strong, spicy flavor. Softgels can be taken with water and as recommended by the individual supplement.
Q) What percentage of Thymoquinone should my black seed oil have?
Thymoquinone is the active ingredient found in black seed oil. Any black seed oil supplement you purchase should have at least 95% Thymoquinone.
Q) Should I refrigerate it?
Yes, it be kept in the refrigerator upon opening.
Q) What is the difference between black seed oil and black cumin oil?
There is no difference between these two types of oils. Black seed oil goes by a variety of names including black caraway, black cumin, black sesame, roman coriander or onion seed.
Q) Are the softgels more potent than the oil?
No, one form of black seed oil is not more potent than the other. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and ease of use.
