How to Use Black Seed

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Black seed is a home remedy also known as black cumin or black caraway. It has been used traditionally to treat digestive ailments, respiratory problems and some other inflammatory diseases, though more research needs to be done to determine whether it is effective. [1] To use black seed, you must heat raw seeds and grind them before eating them. You can also combine them with honey, water, yogurt, or other food, or apply black seed oil onto your skin topically.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing

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  1. You cannot eat whole, raw seeds. They must be heated to protect your stomach and make them taste better. Place the seeds in a pan and turn the stove onto the low setting. Stir the seeds every few minutes.
    • You will know that the seeds are done when they taste bland. After you have heated them for around five minutes, start tasting them. If they still have a harsh taste, they need to be heated longer.
  2. Take the seeds and grind them up in a coffee or spice grinder. Grind them to a small enough size that you can easily ingest them. Grinding them into a powder-like substance is usually the easiest way to consume them. [2]
    • You can also grind them with a mortar and pestle.
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  3. You must place the ground black seeds in a container that won’t allow moisture inside. You can put them in pill capsules or keep the powder in a jar so you can easily access it when you need it each day.
  4. If you don’t want to heat and grind your own seeds, you can instead buy already heated seeds or black seed oil. You can find these online or at natural food and natural health stores.
    • Avoid buying products that suggest taking large amounts. You only need to take small amounts, such as a teaspoon, one to two times a day.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Ingesting

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  1. Black seed is believed to protect against numerous diseases. [3] A common recommendation is to take one teaspoon of black seeds two times each day.
    • You can also use black seed oil. However, the purest form of black seeds is when you have processed your own seeds. This guarantees you are not getting any unnecessary or harmful additives. [4]
  2. Measure out one teaspoon of black seed oil and mix it with one teaspoon of raw honey. Take this one to three times each day. [5]
    • You can also add one teaspoon of crushed black seed powder to the mixture.
  3. If you don’t want to crush the seeds but want to heat them and consume them, consider boiling them in water. Boil a small amount of water with a teaspoon of black seeds. After it boils, let it simmer for about five minutes. Then pour into a mug and drink when it cools enough to consume.
  4. [6] [7] Black seed oil is traditionally used for intestinal and stomach ailments. Try mixing one cup of kefir, Greek yogurt, or plain yogurt with one teaspoon of black seed oil. Eat this twice each day.
  5. After you have heated and crushed your seeds, you can place the ground seeds into any food. Consider putting a teaspoon into bread, oatmeal, smoothies, or anything else you eat. [8] [9]
    Toast seeds to ease digestion. "I recently started taking black seed to support my health while battling cancer. At first, I nearly gagged on the bitter, harsh, raw seeds! Finding guidance to gently heat them before grinding and ingesting made all the difference. Now, I toast a small batch of seeds as suggested until they lose bitterness. Stirring the toasted powder into oatmeal or yogurt is an easy way to make this folk remedy more palatable." - Anne H.
    Spice up meals with black seed. "I've known about black seed's traditional uses for years but never regularly consumed it. After reading these instructions on grinding heated seeds to add to foods or boil into teas, integrating this into my diet seems more approachable. Sprinkling a spoonful into stews or bread gives a flavor kick, too! Taking this simple wellness step and seasoning my cooking with black seed feels like an achievable way to live healthier." - Henry Y.
    Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here .
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Topical Use

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  1. Black seed oil may have some anti-inflammatory properties which could help with acne or other skin problems. [10] Massage the black seed oil into your skin daily as part of your beauty routine.
    • Remember that all topical uses of black seed oil need more quality research to determine whether it is safe and effective.
  2. Black seed oil is thought in traditional medicine to help with respiratory problems. Rub a thin layer of black seed oil onto your chest. This allows it to soak into your skin and be inhaled.
  3. Black seed oil may help alleviate your headaches. Massage black seed oil onto your temples. You may also try massaging a few drops into your scalp.
    • For bad migraines, you can also dab a few drops of oil in your nostrils, which lets you breathe in the black seed oil. Breathing it in may help alleviate your headache.
  4. Black seed may also help with earaches. Take one teaspoon of heated and crushed seeds and mix with a few drops of olive oil. Then, stir until combined. Place around seven drops in your ear in the morning and at night.
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Common Questions: Using Black Seeds for Your Health

What are the benefits of using black seed oil?

Black seeds have many potential health benefits. For instance, research suggests it can help with skin conditions like acne and eczema, and general sicknesses, like fevers and coughs. It also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat wounds. Some research indicates it may help control diabetes and asthma. However, more research is needed to understand its benefits. [11]

What are the side effects of using black seed oil?

Black seeds are generally considered safe to take as long as you’ve consulted your doctor and take them in moderation. They can cause some mild side effects, like nausea, bloating, upset stomach, and a burning sensation. [12]

Do black seeds help with hair growth?

There is some evidence that black seeds can help with hair growth. One study showed that using a black seed-based lotion improved patients’ hair density and hair thickness, and reduced inflammation. However, more research is needed to understand its potential benefits for hair growth. [13]

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about using black seed, check out our in-depth interview with Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM .

References

  1. ↑ Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.allspicerack.com/blogs/inspiration-1/black-seed-nigella-sativa-kalonji
  3. ↑ Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.spiceitupp.com/how-to-use-black-seeds-or-nigella-seeds/
  5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252704/
  6. ↑ Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://wittyx.com/yogurt-and-black-cumin-helps-in-weight-loss/
  8. ↑ Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.spiceitupp.com/how-to-use-black-seeds-or-nigella-seeds/
  1. ↑ Karina Menali, L.Ac., DACM, Dipl. OM. Licensed Acupuncturist & Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5735686/
  3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5633670/#b42-kpi-20-179
  4. ↑ https://jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/3913/3055

About This Article

Article Summary X

Before you use black seeds, heat them in a pan over low heat for around 5 minutes, which will help protect your stomach and make the seeds taste better. After you heat the seeds, grind them up into a powder using a coffee grinder or a mortar and pestle. Then, store the black seed powder in an airtight container. Try to ingest one teaspoon of black seed powder twice a day to help boost your immune system. You can mix the powder with honey or water, or you can sprinkle it over your food. To learn how to use black seeds topically, scroll down!

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    Oct 31, 2019

    "I've known about black seed's traditional uses for years but never regularly consumed it. After reading ..." more
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