Black seed oil has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. Questions about its usage have emerged as more people add it to their wellness routines. For instance, does it matter if you take it in the morning or at night? You’re not alone if you’re unsure when to take black seed oil—morning or night—for the best results. This article will help you confidently determine the best time to take black seed oil, morning or night, for your specific health goals and see noticeable improvements in your well-being.
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What are the Different Forms of Black Seed Oil?
Black seed oil comes from the black cumin (Nigella sativa) plant, which grows in several regions, including the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and Northern Africa. After the plant flowers, it produces fruits that contain many tiny black seeds.
These seeds have a long history of use in cooking and traditional medicine, and modern research shows they contain several bioactive compounds that may offer health benefits. Thymoquinone, tocopherols, glycosides, and several vitamins and minerals are some nutrients found in black seed oil.
How Much Black Seed Oil Should I Take?
Research suggests taking 5 to 15 milliliters of black seed oil daily (or 1 to 3 grams of black seed oil in powdered form) is best. This works out to 1 to 3 drop-per-fuls of black seed oil daily. Lower doses (like 250 grams of black seed powder or 2.5 milliliters of black seed oil, for example) have also been used successfully in some cases. Therefore, black seed oil should be dosed within these ranges to increase the likelihood of benefits while minimizing the chance of side effects and safety concerns.
Health Benefits of Black Seed Oil
Black seed oil is widely touted for its many different potential health benefits. Many of these are backed by human clinical trials, the gold standard. The primary health benefits of black seed oil are listed below.
May Improve Blood Sugar Levels
Research has shown that black seed oil may improve blood sugar levels and be effective for type 2 diabetes. Several mechanisms may underlie these effects, including enhanced insulin secretion, improved blood sugar uptake, decreased inflammation, and increased activity of metabolic enzymes such as AMPK. Many of these blood sugar benefits are owed to thymoquinone and other bioactives in black seed oil.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Some studies also show that black seed oil can reduce blood pressure, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Compounds in black seed oil may decrease oxidative stress, enhance diuretic effects, and improve vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), all of which can lead to lower blood pressure levels.
May Improve Cholesterol Levels
Black seed oil may also improve blood lipids (fats in the blood) such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Research shows that black seed oil supplements can lower LDL cholesterol, improve HDL cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides. These effects stem from multiple pathways, such as reduced cholesterol synthesis, regulation of LDL receptors in the liver, reduced cholesterol absorption, decreased inflammation, and enhanced metabolism in general. Black seed oil’s ability to support cholesterol and circulation may also promote hair growth.
May Promote Weight Loss
There is evidence that black seed oil can also promote weight loss. Fatty acids and thymoquinone are the main compounds responsible for these weight loss effects due to their ability to suppress appetite, decrease fat and sugar absorption, and enhance metabolism.
Considering the above four benefits, black seed oil may be effective for resolving metabolic syndrome since this condition is characterized by one or more of the same issues (i.e., high blood sugar, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, and obesity).
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Black seed oil may also have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is mainly due to thymoquinone, but several other compounds may help, too. These may increase superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and other key antioxidants in the body while reducing oxidative stress markers.
These compounds are also thought to be responsible for black seed oil’s benefits for skin health. Similarly, black seed oil seems to upregulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory genes while downregulating pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory genes. These effects of black seed oil are also thought to benefit herpes simplex virus. Moreover, these properties of black seed oil are also considered to support pet health.
May Reduce Anxiety and Depression
Research shows that black seed oil has potential benefits for anxiety and depression. Firstly, thymoquinone and other compounds have antioxidant effects that can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Other potential mechanisms include an increase in GABA and 5-HTP, both brain chemicals involved in anxiety reduction and overall mental well-being, and an increase in nitric oxide, which promotes better blood flow to the brain and general neuronal health.
Anti-Asthmatic Effects
Lastly, black seed oil seems to have anti-asthmatic effects and supports general lung function. Black seed can relax smooth muscles in:
- The lungs
- Decrease histamine levels
- Improve general immune
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory functions
All of this may reduce asthma symptoms and improve lung health.
Different Types of Black Seed Oil
This oil has a distinct, peppery taste—some love it; some would rather find a way around it! Luckily, multiple forms available today give the user some preference and flexibility for consuming this supplement. The traditional and most preferred method is drinking cold-pressed oil. Liquid oil is often chosen because it is the most readily bioavailable option (it gets into your system quickly) and is also the most versatile.
In addition to consuming it orally, black seed oil can be used topically directly on the skin, scalp, or face. We will cover how exactly to use black seed oil for skin in a later post. The second option is to take the oil in capsule form. Most capsule takers choose this route for its convenience and the ability to skip that unique black seed oil taste. A third option currently gaining in popularity is the consumption of black seed oil gummies.
Which Form Is Right For You?
Just like there is no wrong time to take black seed oil, there is no bad form. It comes down to personal preference and what works best for you. Liquid oil is usually the preferred method since it gets into your system quickly and allows for a wide range of topical uses. It does have a very unique taste that some prefer to avoid. If you find out that's you, that's okay!
Try one of the other options, but keep your bottle of liquid oil! Keep that miracle oil on hand for topical use. The capsules and gummies are both quick and easy to take. They allow the user to skip the taste or make it a more delicious experience overall. If you’re always on the go or traveling, their solid forms make them convenient to take along so that you never miss a dose.
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When to Take Black Seed Oil Morning or Night
When to take black seed oil? There isn’t any golden rule here; in all likelihood, it will have the same effects whenever you take it. That said, we can look to its traditional use for inspiration about when to take black seed oil. For example, some people like to have it with warm water and honey before breakfast. Others, hoping it will help with their insomnia, like mixing it with warm milk and honey and taking it before bedtime.
Timing and Benefits of Taking Black Seed Oil for Weight Loss
Many also believe its effects will be more significant when taken on an empty stomach. We can’t find any scientific evidence to support the theory or suggest that the time of day has any effect. That being said, if you are using the oil for its weight loss benefits, it may be advantageous to take it about 30 minutes before eating breakfast in the morning.
This can help the oil have an appetite-suppressing effect, which may, in turn, aid in weight loss. Don’t worry—we will cover all the research on black seed oil and weight loss in a future post.
The Morning vs. Evening Debate for Taking Black Seed Oil
So, is morning or night the best time to take black seed oil? The truth is, it’s up to you. If you’re looking for a natural remedy for sleep issues, this oil at night may help you relax before bed. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to boost energy levels and support weight loss, taking it in the morning may be more beneficial. In a nutshell, it’s okay to take black seed oil whenever works best for you.
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How to Use Black Seed for Best Results
Black seed can be used in various forms: whole, as oil, in a capsule, and as a powder.
What Makes Black Seed Oil So Healthy?
Because black seed oil contains the compound thymoquinone, it’s believed to have various properties that can support your health. Thymoquinone is:
- Hepatoprotective (prevents damage to the liver)
- Analgesic (eases pain)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Cytotoxic and anti-cancer (can attack cancer cells)
What Does Black Seed Oil Help With?
People consume the oil, usually in capsule form, to help with conditions such as:
- Inflammation and pain
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Infertility
- High blood pressure
- Neurological disorders
Still, more research is needed to confirm if thymoquinone in black seed oil products can treat certain conditions. It shouldn't be used as the sole treatment for any condition.
Other Ways to Use Black Seed Oil
Still, more research is needed to confirm if thymoquinone in black seed oil products can treat certain conditions. It shouldn't be used as the sole treatment for any condition.
Other ways to use black seed include:
- Skin treatments. Black seed oil can be applied to the body. Small-scale studies have shown it may help with eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
- Soap. Black seed and other ingredients can be used as a cleansing and moisturizing soap to wash your body. It may help you manage skin blemishes and irritation.
- Hair treatments. Black seed is also an ingredient in shampoos and hair masks, which manufacturers say can help improve hair strength and shine.
- Healing wounds. Due to its antiseptic and antibiotic properties, black seed oil can help treat minor skin cuts and prevent scar formation at the site of the cut.
- Cooking. Black seeds are commonly used as a spice to flavor dishes such as rice, meat, vegetables, and bread.
About Black Seed Powder
Black seed can be ground into a powder supplement. Researchers have studied black seed powder to explore how it can help manage conditions such as:
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Fatty liver disease
- Diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
Most take 1-2 grams of black seed powder daily for 8-12 weeks. But talk with your doctor before taking black seed powder as a supplement. Don’t take it to manage any condition unless your doctor recommends it.
Black Seed Nutrition Facts
One teaspoon of black seed oil contains:
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fatty acids: 1 gram
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Black seed is a good source of:
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Copper
- Thiamin
- Niacin
- Phosphorous
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B2
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