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When taken by mouth: When taken in small quantities, such as a flavoring for foods, black seed is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Black seed oil and black seed powder are POSSIBLY SAFE when the larger amounts found in medicine are used for 3 months or less. There isn't enough reliable information to know if the amounts found in medicine are safe when used for more than 3 months. Black seed can cause allergic rashes in some people. It can also cause stomach upset, vomiting, or constipation. It might increase the risk of seizures in some people.
When applied to the skin: Black seed oil or gel is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin, short-term. It can cause allergic rashes in some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Black seed seems to be safe in food amounts during pregnancy. But taking the larger amounts found in medicine is
LIKELY UNSAFE. Black seed can slow down or stop the uterus from contracting.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if black seed is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Black seed oil is
POSSIBLY SAFE for children when taken by mouth short-term and in recommended amounts.
Bleeding disorders: Black seed might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. In theory, black seed might make bleeding disorders worse.
Diabetes: Black seed might lower blood sugar levels in some people. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use black seed.
Low blood pressure: Black seed might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking black seed might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Surgery: Black seed might slow blood clotting, reduce blood sugar, and increase sleepiness in some people. In theory, black seed might increase the risk for bleeding and interfere with blood sugar control and anesthesia during and after surgical procedures. Stop using black seed at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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When the black seed is used in food or medicinally in small amounts for a short period of time, it is possibly safe. But there isn't enough information to know for sure if it is safe in higher amounts or for longer periods of time.
Taking Nigella sativa during chemotherapy may hamper the effects of chemotherapy drugs. Tests on animals indicate that high doses of Nigella sativa may damage the kidney and/or liver.
There is no standardized dose of Nigella sativa, but different amounts have been studied in research. For example, when studying black seed's effect on asthma, two grams of ground nigella sativa has been used daily for 12 weeks. Also, 500 milligrams of black seed oil has been taken twice daily for four weeks. When studying its effect on blood pressure, a half to two grams of black seed powder has been taken daily for up to 12 weeks.
Certain people should exercise caution and speak to their healthcare provider before taking or using nigella sativa, including those with low blood pressure. Although studies analyzing any effect Nigella sativa might have on pregnancy and breastfeeding have focused on animals, women are advised to talk to their doctor before consumption.
Lastly, Nigella sativa may cause an allergic reaction when applied topically. *
