The Best Black Seed Oil

Buying Guide

Nigella sativa is a flowering plant found in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For centuries, black seeds have been extracted from the plants for medicinal purposes, with enthusiasts believing that they help with weight loss, improve skin health and assist in treating a variety of conditions, including cancer, liver disease, diabetes and infertility.

It’s important to note that no study has conclusively proven that N. sativa helps with any of these things, but some people have found they get benefits from it. Due to its popularity, manufacturers extract oil from the seeds and bottle them, distributing and selling it across the globe.

You may see the oil as coming from a variety of seed names, including black caraway, black cumin, kalonji and black onion. All fall under the umbrella name of “black seed oil,” so from there, it’s just a matter of determining the format and amount. As you’re shopping, you’ll probably notice many labels promote the same features, so it can get confusing to decide between multiple options.

MORE: How to Incorporate More Black Seed Oil Into Your Diet

One important feature mentioned often in black seed oil marketing materials is “cold-pressed.” This simply means that the oil was extracted without the use of heat, which can degrade the potency of the oil. By choosing a cold-pressed oil, you’re assured that the integrity of the nutrients was left intact during the process of removing the oil from the seed.

From there, though, many of the oils are promoting the benefits that come from the oil itself, no matter which brand you choose. However, what is important is the type of seeds the oil came from, including the region of origin. Look for black seed oil that came from seeds in Turkey, Syria, India, Egypt or Ethiopia as these are where the highest-quality seeds originate. Ethiopia is the best among those.

• Ingredients are important when choosing any natural supplement. Look for one that has no artificial ingredients.
• If you’re on a special diet, you can find black seed oil that promises to be gluten-free or vegan.
• Oils can degrade over time. To lengthen their lifespan, choose one in a dark-colored bottle that helps keep light out. No matter the color of your bottle, though, make a point of storing it in a dark place away from heat.
• Since black seed oil is extracted from a plant, pesticides can be a concern. Some brands advertise that their oil is pesticide-free, or free of heavy metals, among other chemicals.
• You have a variety of delivery options when you’re switching to black seed oil. It comes in capsule form, as well as in bottled liquid form. You may prefer a pill for its portability. Just slip some in a bag and take them on the go to always have your oil with you.
• The benefit of a liquid-based oil supplement is that you can use it topically. Some prefer to rub black seed oil on their skin and hair versus ingesting it. You can even add it to your shampoos, conditioners or lotions.
• If you choose to ingest your oil, though, you still can. Simply drop a little in your favorite beverage or meal. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the label.
• Look at the amount of thymoquinone in the black seed oil you’re choosing. Thymoquinone is considered both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. If thymoquinone does help with these issues, having higher potency may offer better results.
• It’s important to pay close attention to the source of any supplement you’re taking. Make sure it’s manufactured in a certified facility. If it’s lab-tested, that’s a bonus. Any details about the manufacturing process, including certifications, can give you confidence in the claims you’re reading on the product packaging.