Written by the Plenthera team (trained in orthomolecular nutrition). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: 18 September 2026.
Habba al-baraka — "the seed of blessing". This is what Nigella sativa has been called for 3,000 years in Egyptian, Arab and Indian traditions. The seed was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and in a well-known hadith it is praised as a broad healer. Today, the oil is receiving scientific attention worldwide for the substance thymoquinone. At Plenthera you will find cold-pressed, organic black seed oil in softgels — without the strong taste, with traceable origin.
Which black seed oil suits you?
This is how black seed is used worldwide — at Plenthera you will find the softgel form:
| Form | Best for | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Softgels (at Plenthera) | No taste, precise dosing, on the go | Cold-pressed oil in a capsule |
| Cold-pressed oil (liquid) | Wholefood approach, tradition | Strong taste |
| Whole seeds (kalonji) | Culinary use, smoothies | Wholefood |
| With honey | Traditional Arab route | Taste-friendly |
| Topical (skin oil) | Cosmetic use on the skin | Not for ingestion |
What is black seed oil?
Black seed oil is a pressed oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a plant from the Ranunculaceae family. Its characteristic substance is thymoquinone (TQ). The plant and the oil have been used for millennia in many traditions as a daily supplement.
Nigella sativa is not related to ordinary cumin (Cuminum cyminum) — both have small black-brown seeds, but botanically they are far apart. Nigella sativa belongs to the buttercup family and the plant itself has delicate light-blue flowers. The seeds are harvested, dried and cold-pressed for oil or eaten whole as a seasoning (kalonji in Indian cuisine).
The history of black seed oil is remarkable. Seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (1,323 BC). The Greek physician Dioscorides described it in his herbal from the 1st century AD. In the Islamic tradition the oil is highly recommended — one of the best-known hadiths refers to habba al-baraka ("seed of blessing"). It has been used for millennia in Indian Ayurveda and in Moroccan, Egyptian and Turkish traditions.
In modern times, black seed oil gained scientific attention through the isolation of thymoquinone — a compound that shows antioxidant properties in laboratory and animal research. Clinical research in humans is growing, particularly at Egyptian, Iranian and Indian universities. Our position: to present what is reported traditionally and in research, without claims about its effects. Also see our fish oil category and algae oil category for other oils with a research position.
What does science say about black seed oil?
Scientific research into Nigella sativa has grown strongly since 2000 — particularly at Asian and Middle Eastern universities. Research topics are the antioxidant action of thymoquinone, the lipid profile and glucose metabolism. Much of the research is preclinical (in vitro, animal models); there are also clinical studies in humans, but these are often small-scale and methodologically variable. We therefore make no claims about its effects and describe black seed oil as a traditional supplement with a growing research position.
Black seed oil is a food supplement, not a medicine. If you take medication (especially blood thinners, diabetes medication, blood pressure medication): consult a doctor or pharmacist beforehand. The NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) always advises consulting a doctor if in doubt. Not recommended during pregnancy.
Cold-pressed is essential — why production matters
Thymoquinone is sensitive to heat. At high temperatures during oil extraction (such as with heat- or solvent-extracted oils), a considerable proportion is lost. Cold-pressed oil is therefore the standard.
Cold-pressed oil: Mechanical pressing below 40 °C. Retains thymoquinone and other heat-labile constituents. The premium standard — also the oil in our softgels.
Solvent-extracted oil: Hexane or CO2 extraction — more efficient in terms of yield, but with possible residues and loss of thymoquinone. Not recommended for supplementation.
Standardisation to thymoquinone: Premium oils are standardised to 1-4% thymoquinone. Stating this on the label is a marker of quality.
Protection against light and air: Thymoquinone oxidises in light. Liquid oil belongs in a dark glass bottle; softgels naturally protect the oil against light and oxygen.
Organic certification: For an oil you take daily, pesticide-free production is a logical precaution.
Black seed oil at Plenthera
Big Food Zwarte Komijnolie softgels (cold-pressed, organic)
Cold-pressed organic Nigella sativa oil in softgels (90 pieces). No taste, precise dosing, practical on the go and naturally protected against light and oxidation. Our recommendation for those who want to use black seed oil daily without the spicy-bitter taste.
Other forms on the market
Liquid cold-pressed oil in a dark bottle (the traditional wholefood route, with a strong taste), whole seeds for culinary use (ground into curry, sprinkled on bread), oil mixed with raw honey (a classic Arab combination) and topical skin oil for cosmetic use. We do not currently stock these forms.
How do you use black seed oil?
A simple basic approach to black seed oil:
- Softgels: follow the recommendation on the label, typically 1-3 softgels per day. Liquid: start with 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) and build up to 1-2 teaspoons.
- Take on an empty stomach (morning) or with a light meal.
- If you are sensitive to the taste, you can mix the liquid oil with a spoonful of honey, stir it into yoghurt or use it in a salad dressing.
- Store in a cool place out of direct light.
- Give it at least 6-8 weeks of consistent use for a fair assessment.
- If you take medication (blood thinners, diabetes medication, blood pressure): consult beforehand.
- Not recommended during pregnancy.
Myths and misconceptions about black seed oil
Myth 1: "Black seed oil cures all diseases."
The hadith saying ("cures all diseases except death") is a metaphorical traditional expression — not a scientific fact. We make no claims about its effects.
Myth 2: "The more black seed oil, the better."
Above 2-3 teaspoons per day, there are no proven added-value effects and possible stomach complaints. Start low and build up gradually.
Myth 3: "Solvent-extracted oil is just as good as cold-pressed."
Incorrect. Thymoquinone is heat-sensitive — solvent extraction or hot pressing causes considerable loss. Cold-pressed is essential.
Myth 4: "Black seed oil is the same as ordinary cumin oil."
Incorrect. Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) is botanically a completely different plant from ordinary cumin (Cuminum cyminum, Apiaceae). Different constituents.
Combining black seed oil with other supplements
Black seed oil is often combined within an antioxidant or immune theme. Popular combinations:
- Honey (raw): a classic Arab combination.
- Vitamin D: "Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system."
- Vitamin C: "Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress."
- Turmeric: a traditional combination in Ayurveda.
- Garlic: a traditional combination.
- Live cultures: for those who want to approach the gut-immune axis more broadly.
- Reishi or AHCC: for those who want to supplement the immune theme in a targeted way.
Frequently asked questions
What is black seed oil?
Pressed oil from the seeds of Nigella sativa, with thymoquinone as its characteristic substance. A 3000+ year tradition.
What is thymoquinone?
The characteristic compound in black seed oil. Premium oils: 1-4% thymoquinone.
How much black seed oil per day?
Softgels: according to the label, typically 1-3 per day. Liquid: 0.5-2 teaspoons (2.5-10 ml).
When should you take black seed oil?
On an empty stomach (morning) or with a light meal.
What does black seed oil taste like?
Spicy-bitter, compared to oregano, pepper and carrot. In softgels, you taste nothing of it.
What is black seed oil used for?
Traditionally used as a broad daily supplement; scientifically, thymoquinone is being researched for its antioxidant properties. We make no claims about its effects.
Which black seed oil is the best?
Cold-pressed, organic, standardised to 1-4% thymoquinone, protected against light — in a dark bottle or in softgels.
Does black seed oil have side effects?
At high doses, stomach complaints or headaches are possible. If you take blood thinners, diabetes or blood pressure medication: consult beforehand.
Can black seed oil be used on the skin?
Yes, it is traditionally used topically. For this, choose a skin oil product, not a product for ingestion.
What is habba al-baraka?
Arabic for "seed of blessing" — a nickname for Nigella sativa in the Islamic tradition.
Sources
- Ahmad A. et al., "A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb", Asian Pac J Trop Biomed (2013).
- Ali BH. & Blunden G., "Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa", Phytother Res (2003).
- Salem ML., "Immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties of the Nigella sativa L. seed", Int Immunopharmacol (2005).
- EFSA — Regulation (EU) 432/2012 (claims for vitamin C and D in the combinations).
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Black seed oil is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if you take medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.