Have you ever heard of blackseed oil? We didn’t think so. It has not gotten the attention that turmeric has. The first we became aware of this dietary supplement was from an integrative oncologist, Dr. Mitch Gaynor. He recommended this black cumin seed oil because it was rich in thymoquinone, a substance that has anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Gaynor also recommended it because thymoquinone was shown to be pro-apoptotic. In other words, it facilitated programmed death of cancer cells (Pharmacological Research, Nov. 21, 2017). One reader was amazed at the anti-inflammatory power of this supplement:
Blackseed Oil vs. Knee Replacement:
Q. I have been taking a tablespoon of blackseed oil every night for the last six months. It seems like a miracle to me.
I was scheduled to have total knee replacements on both knees and was able to cancel the surgery as the pain decreased and my mobility increased. I’m now 95 percent back to normal.
Since starting the blackseed oil, my cholesterol levels have dropped back into the normal range. My HbA1c is also down. I feel better than I have in years!
Is There Any Science Behind Blackseed Oil?
A. Blackseed oil is made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant of southeast Asia. It goes by many names including black cumin, black caraway and blessed seed.
Laboratory studies suggest a wide range of pharmacological actions: anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer (Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, Dec. 2016). A randomized double-blind clinical trial showed that Nigella sativa oil (1 gm/day) reduced inflammation for people with rheumatoid arthritis (Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, Jan-Feb. 2016).
A meta-analysis of seven studies indicates that blackseed oil can reduce fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Dec. 2017). This would explain the benefits you have noticed.
More Blackseed Oil Stories:
Other readers have shared some interesting anecdotes:
Lyn in Texas also detected anti-inflammatory benefits:
“I have recently tried some liquid form of 0.85 % TQ thymoquonone for almost a week. I have had inflammation in my legs fo about 5 years or so making it difficult to walk and climb stairs.
“After three days the inflammation in my legs had almost completely gone. I believed that this is my miracle!”
Daniel in Seattle says:
“I’ve been taking blackseed oil for about 1.5 years. I find it to help reduce inflammation and I feel better overall. I’ve struggled with allergies, hypertension, and sensitivity to foods. I also feel that my immune system is stronger when taking blackseed oil. I take the cold pressed vegetarian capsules available from many health food stores and online.”
Share your own experience with blackseed oil below in the comment section.
Listen to our interview with Dr. Mitch Gaynor at this link: You can stream the audio for free. Just click on the green arrow above Dr. Gaynor’s photo.
You can also download the MP3 for free. Please read the instructions carefully, though. When you click on the link to the mp3 you will see Show 990 with a regular price of $9.99 for the CD. You have to “Choose MP3 Version” by clicking on the arrow to the right and then toggle the mp3 version before adding to your cart…for free!
