Best Time To Take Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil is rich in antioxidants and has several benefits for health. But how do we use it? This article will guide you through everything you need to know; when’s the best time to take black seed oil, and what’s the best way to make the most out of its benefits.

What Black Seed Oil Can Give You

Otherwise known as black caraway, black cumin, or black onion seed, black seed oil comes from a flowering shrub called the Nigella sativa plant, endemic in parts of Asia, eastern Europe, the Middle East. For centuries, this oil has been considered a popular remedy in treating a host of health problems like gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, coughing, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, eczema, fever, flu, weight problems, and other digestive disorders. It also helps boost the body’s immune system, fights off infections, and according to recent studies, black seed oil can boost sperm count and help sperm swim faster, and the antioxidants in the oil help prevent sperm damage.

Apart from being a remedy, it also has a variety of uses, for example, in cooking. Whether you’re having curry dishes, pickles, salads, or bread, its strong taste will surely add an extra kick to your every meal. For cosmetic purposes, it’s usually used topically for skin and hair problems, such as acne, dry hair, psoriasis, hair growth, and dry skin, where it acts as a moisturizer and helps to lock in skin moisture and hydration. 

That all sounds fantastic, but there are a few things you should remember before or when you take black seed oil. 

What Is The Best Time To Take Black Seed Oil?

Black seed oil should be taken in the morning, just after you wake up, and at night, just before you go to bed. The dosage is one teaspoon.

The Manner Of Serving

The recommended daily dosage of the black seed oil is usually one teaspoon (tsp) at a time every morning and before sleeping, and should be taken raw; just be sure to check and follow the instructions on the package label. 

Black seed oil has a particularly strong taste, so it’s recommended to mix or mask it with something to dilute it. It is often mixed with raw honey, fresh orange/lemon juice, or a sprinkling of cinnamon. You can also mix it with sauces or even include it in your salad dressing recipe.

Oils are hydrophobic (water-fearing), meaning they don’t mix well with water, so it’s important to avoid mixing this black seed oil with your beverages since it won’t be properly diluted, which won’t let you enjoy the benefits. Since the oil often leaves a lasting residue on the glass, you’ll find some parts of the oil sticking around the glass and might leave their taste/odors even after washing.

Avoid using it as a base oil for your dishes, nor expose the oil to heat at all costs. This is to preserve its nutrients since the main compounds can break down and lose their properties under extremely high temperatures.

If you’re not into the black seed oil’s taste, you can opt for black seed powder or take it in capsule form. 

When To Avoid Taking Black Seed Oil

Sadly, not everyone is advised to consume black seed oil due to health-related concerns.

If you are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, taking black seed in food amounts (using it as an ingredient) is generally safe during pregnancy. But taking it in the usual prescription could be unsafe, as it can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting. 

Also, people who are scheduled to undergo surgery must stop taking black seed oil for at least two weeks before the procedure. It could cause profuse bleeding and it could potentially interfere with blood sugar control and anesthesia during and after surgery.

Possible Side Effects 

Though replete with many health benefits, it has its own cons too. Some studies have found risks associated with black seed oil, such as: 

Possible allergic reactions

Black seed can cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly when applied to the skin. There have been cases of people suffering an allergic skin rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. So it’s important to test it out first on a small patch of skin to ensure that it does not cause any adverse reaction.

Interaction with medications

There’s also the risk of black seed oil interacting with various drugs, such as sedative medications and beta-blockers. Drug interactions often cause the drug to be more or less effective or cause unexpected side effects.

Toxicity

Black seed oil has a component known as melanthin, which may be toxic in larger amounts. It is also said to be the toxin responsible for the above-mentioned skin problems wrought by black seed use.

Organ damage

While it can be helpful to liver function, excessive consumption of black seed oil could potentially harm or even damage the liver and kidneys.

Bleeding 

Taking black seed oil may slow down blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, one should avoid taking it if you have a bleeding disorder or if you’re taking medication that affects blood clotting. 

For these reasons, it’s important to talk with your trusted healthcare provider first if you’re considering taking black seed oil. In addition, take note that it’s not an appropriate substitute for conventional medical care. In the event of any of these side effects and other problems caused by consuming black seed oil, seek immediate medical attention.

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Our Take

The many health benefits of seed oil have been reputable for centuries. Not only are they impressive, but the significant positive results are paving the way for scientists to look back to ancient methods of healing. So if you’re looking for a natural way to take care of your physical well-being, making black seed oil a part of your everyday diet would be a great jumpstart, and regular consumption would deliver the promised benefits in no time. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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