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Nutrition and daily life

Black seed (nigella): a spice yes, a miracle no

Black seed (nigella, kalonji) is a tiny black seed added to bread and pickles. Its oil is often advertised as a cure for everything. This section sets out the facts and the cautions.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Black seeds in a dish and fresh bread with seeds.
Figure 1.Black seed, a spice for bread.

01Short answer

Black seed in ordinary cooking amounts is generally safe. But the oil and capsules do not treat leukemia. High doses can affect blood clotting, blood sugar, blood pressure and some medicines, and cases of kidney injury have been described. During chemotherapy take the oil and capsules only if your doctor agrees.

02Simple explanation

Seeds are safe as a spice.

Oil and capsules are not a treatment.

High doses affect bleeding and sugar.

During chemotherapy: ask your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

MSK: thymoquinone is studied in the lab, but an anti-cancer effect in people has not been shown; it may affect clotting and medicines.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

In food

A pinch in bread, kata, cheese and pickles, baked in.

An oil bottle in shadow behind, warm bread in front.
Figure 2.Not oil, but a spice in bread.

Miracle-oil adverts

Social media claims that it cures cancer are unproven; talk to your doctor before spending money on such products.

A pale blue nigella flower and seed pod.
Figure 3.The nigella flower — Black seed (nigella): a spice yes, a miracle no

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
In foodA pinch in bread, kata, cheese and pickles, baked in.
Miracle-oil advertsSocial media claims that it cures cancer are unproven; talk to your doctor before spending money on such products.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Nigella sativa
The black seed plant.
Thymoquinone
The seed’s main active compound.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Seeds as a spice.
  • The oil is not a treatment.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Does black seed oil cure leukemia?

No, there is no evidence.

Is it fine in bread?

Yes, the usual amount in baking.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does black seed oil cure leukemia?

  2. Is it fine in bread?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Nigella sativa
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Sage
  8. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Patients
  9. USDA. FoodData Central
  10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — About Herbs. Pomegranate
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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