Black seed oil, also known as nigella sativa or black cumin, comes from seeds of an ancient plant that’s been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The roasted, ground seeds have been called anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and even cancer-fighting, and they’re referenced in ancient texts such as the Bible and the Book of Isaiah.

The oil can be used to help reduce inflammation in the body, and it’s also thought to support the liver and kidneys, according to research. Thymoquinone, the main bioactive component of black seed oil, may help to naturally treat oxidative stress that’s been linked with a number of health conditions.

Taking two teaspoons of black seed oil after breakfast for six weeks was found to help lower LDL cholesterol in a study of 45 people. The oil also has antioxidant properties that can protect the liver from oxidative damage caused by toxins such as Tylenol.

One of the most intriguing claims about black seed oil is that it can help to naturally fight and prevent certain diseases, such as eczema and asthma. In one small study, when black seed oil was put in the nose, 9 out of 10 people with mild to moderate allergic rhinitis (hay fever) reported that their sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose symptoms improved or went away.

While the benefits of black seed oil seem promising, it’s best to talk to your doctor before trying a new supplement. In some cases, it could interfere with other medications or increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in those who take blood thinners. black seed oil benefits